new (preowned) 444 to the range.

[Flat Top]

I got my preowned 444 out to the range yesterday.....first time. Before hand, I spent a good while going through everything, and ended up having to pillar bed the stock and repair one very tiny hairline crack. I also refitted the magazine, nose cap, and forend, due to severe "binding". The bolt block was battered, and that was replaced, and, a few of the action parts were gone over and adjusted. This was done before the first shot was fired.

At the range, I shot my standard test load with 300 grain cast bullets at 2000 fps. Once sight adjustments and cycling tests were done, the last two shots at 25 yards with iron sights were touching. So, its off to a good start.....the rifle "works" very well, and now the modification and finish work can take place. I noticed a very slight hint of leading, so a bit of lapping will be necessary. After the lapping, a good polishing should finish up the bore work. This rifle is very solid for an older rifle that has been shot much, and I am looking forward to it being a real tack driver.

I am still trying to decide which of my COL modifications to perform on it, the 2.650, 2.700 or the SG 444 2.750. Because it is an older rifle, my thoughts are leading me to the 2.650 COL (same as the Peashooter 444). This would allow for the use of longer/heavier than standard cast bullets at lower pressures, ease of cycling, and allow for standard COL and factory ammo to be shot in the rifle as well. For a handloader it would open up opportunities for increased power with a wide range of bullet designs. The added weight of this rifle (a pound and a half heavier than the Peashooter), should allow this 2.650 COL modification to be taken to the limit without the recoil effects of the lighter rifle. I am expecting to easily attain 3500+ ft lbs, at reduced pressures over standard load data for like weight bullets, and at max loadings 3900+ ft lbs would be expected. With the 325 LCMNGC that I used in the Peashooter, this rifle should produce a very flat 6.5" over all trajectory out to 200 yards, and deliver 2000+ ft lbs at that distance.

So, the work continues...not always fun, but always exciting.

[dpe.ahoy]

Oboy! Another great read! Let's see, check how much popcorn is in the cupboard, plenty of coffee filters, alright, I'm set! Lookin forward to following this one, Thanks FT! (I still got that 375 bugging me in the back of my head) DP

[nail]

I am going to watch this project closely. Steve!!

[rooterpig]

Be safe, have fun and keep us posted.

[Starrbow]

I think in time, you will understand why I think so highly of the 1-38 Micro-groove in the 444's! My 444 1-38 MG mantra: "Velocity is your friend"

[rr11]

All right a new years project.

[Flat Top]

Starrbow; Be it a 1-20 or a 1-38....velocity is ALWAYS my friend!!! It will be interesting to work with a 1-38 and see how the 1-20 stacks up to it.

On another big bore forum here, I see that most folks shoot reduced loads....for everything. I guess my question would be....(and I am sure I am being politically incorrect here)....why did you buy a big bore, and then choose not to use it to its full potential? Velocity DOES matter......too many folks put emphasis on "penetration", but very few consider "terminal impact force", (a product of bullet weight and VELOCITY)..... the other 50% of the equation. Penetration will kill....but, penetration coupled with high terminal impact force will STOP and kill.

Like you Starrbow, I am not in this game to play....I am "serious"!!!!

[Dawei]

I think in time, you will understand why I think so highly of the 1-38 Micro-groove in the 444's! My 444 1-38 MG mantra: "Velocity is your friend"

+1. That has proved true in both (1966 & 198eight) my MG 444's. It's simply amazing what this caliber can do w/Cast Boolits!

[Flat Top]

Dawei; I "thought" that my 1-20 Ballards performed phenomenally (only shoot cast)...accuracy has been superb, and the velocities I have obtained with my modifications have been to goal.........Now, I cant wait to see what this MG will do!!! If it performs the way you all say it will, (and I have no doubts that it wont), I can do my mods on Ballards and MG's...a definitely plus!!!!..............By the way, my 444 is a 1988, so that must be good for at least 100 fps more!!!!

[WV67]

Flat Top, tagging this thread to see the results. Any pics of your new addition?