New Marlin 444 and group

[arcticbreeze]

Well I got a chance to shoot my new Marlin 444 today for the first time. I was using the Mihec 444/44 in a flat point. I only have two suitable powders for the 444 on hand, Re7 and H4895. I plan on picking up some H322 and H4198 on Monday but I just could not wait any longer. Below is the best group today. I know it is not an MOA group but still not too bad for the first shots out this brand new rifle. It is a 10 shot group at 50 yds. The load was 46.5 grains of H4895. I think it will make a fine wild pig stick. I also have a mold on order from Mountain Molds that is a slightly heavier (325gr) Glen Frixell design. The Mihec boolit with its full diameter top band is a little too hard to chamber for hunting duty.

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/picture.php?albumid=246&pictureid=1639

[beagle]

Those new .444s with the ballard rifling are shooters. Mine shoots really well. Only drawback to them is the short OAL requiring most of the bullet to be inside the case. Too bad Marlin don't make a longer action. Think of the possibilities....a .50-110 on a Marlin.......

Anyhow, looks like you got a heck of a picgsticker there./beagle

[Glen]

Good stuff! I think you'll like that 325 grain bullet. The slightly reduced ogive chambers easily, and shoots quite well.

[arcticbreeze]

Those new .444s with the ballard rifling are shooters. Mine shoots really well. Only drawback to them is the short OAL requiring most of the bullet to be inside the case. Too bad Marlin don't make a longer action. Think of the possibilities....a .50-110 on a Marlin.......

Anyhow, looks like you got a heck of a picgsticker there./beagle

Thanks beagle and yea I am learning that. To get the mihec boolit to chamber with out a bunch of resistance I will have to crimp over the ogive.


Good stuff! I think you'll like that 325 grain bullet. The slightly reduced ogive chambers easily, and shoots quite well.

Glen, I hope you don't mind me using your design. I have found your articles and info invaluable.

Thanks
Marc

[Glen]

Mind?!? Quite the contrary, I am delighted to see people putting it to use!

[Tony65x55]

Arctic Breeze, congrats on your new .444. It is one of the most underrated cartridges in existence for big game hunting. Give it a few months and I'm sure you'll find a bunch of pigs that agree!

[Topper]

Congrats on your new lever action.
Appears to be a shooter;-)