Trail Boss Powder in 444 Marlin

[Marlin Hunter]

I tried some Trail Boss powder in my Marlin 444 rifle. Don't be discouraged by the 9oz quantity of the container. It is filled to the top of a standard 1 pound Hodgdon container. It is not a very dense powder



There wasn't any factory load data, but the instructions on how to find the correct load is fairly simple. The instructions say to mark where the base of the boolit sits in the case. Fill case to that limit, then weigh. This is you MAX load. Take 70% (multiply by 0.7) of max, and that is your starting load.

Using the Lee 310 grain gas checked boolit (C430-310-RF), I measured 16.4 (16.38) grains for max load, and 11.48 grains for starting. The actual weight of the boolit with lube was 312.2 grains.

I calculated the density of the powder to be 4.65 grains per cubic centimeter.

The Lee dippers measured the following amounts:

2.5cc = 11.4 gr
2.8cc = 13.2 gr
3.1cc = 14.5 gr
3.4cc = 15.8 gr
The next size dipper was over the MAX.

Here is a picture of my ammo box filled with 10 of each. green is 2.5cc, black is 2.8cc, red is 3.1 cc, blue is 3.4 cc, and the plain brass is other powder (Reloder #7 @ 42 grains - This one kicks hard!!). I color coat them so they are easier to identify. I also wright the load date on the side with a Rub-a-Dub black marker.



The Trail Boss showed some very good accuracy. There was little difference in accuracy between the amounts of TB used in each loads. I had more problems with seeing the target with iron sites than anything else, and I think that had more to do with group size. All shots taken @ 50 yards. I shot one group of 4 shots, with 1 flier, that was the size of a quarter (U.S. currency) with the 2.5cc load, and another 3 shot group, with 2 fliers, within a quarter using a 3.4cc load. I will need to get a scope or practice more to find the true accuracy potential of this powder. I also loaded up some 308 Winchester rounds for my friend to shoot out of his 308 converted M1 Garand. It sounded light, like a 38 special, and hit the target, but it didn't open the bolt. This powder would be good for children and ladies who want to shoot large caliber guns, but don't want the kick.

Sorry not chronograph results.

Here are some pictures of the primers. I don't think any are over pressure. The Rel #7 looked safe, even though it kicked like a mule on steroids.

[Marlin Hunter]

I also loaded up some 45 ACP with 3.64 grains (Lee 1.0cc dipper) of Trail Boss, and a Lee 230 gr TL RN boolit. My friend shot his best group through his S&W 625 45 ACP Revolver with that load. The other ammo he was shooting was standard 230 gr FMJ ball.

[softpoint]

I've thought about trying that in my .45 Smith 625. Wonder what the velocity was?

[Joneser]

I like your color code idea. Thanks for the info. I have a 444 as well

[Marlin Hunter]

I like your color code idea. Thanks for the info. I have a 444 as well

It's done with a Magic Marker type pen. It can easily be washed off with rubbing alcohol (or it will come off with enough rubbing). It is also useful when you are shooting a semi-auto with a friend and you want to identify which brass is yours. It's a little more difficult at the range with 20 people, but it still helps.