[rcd567]

I would think that the majority of the 444 owners reload. With that being said, I've been nosing around some and can't find a reloading sticky or something similar for the 444. Either point me in the right direction or post up your favorite load. Thanks

 

[jml]

beartooth bullits has a load section on there website, it is in the humungous sticky

 

[rr11]

I agree go to Beartooth bullets you will like the website.

 

[bikerbean]

the castboolits forum has load database that includes data for the 444M. Most of the powder manufacturers have load data for the 444M.

BB

 

[rcd567]

the castboolits forum has load database that includes data for the 444M. Most of the powder manufacturers have load data for the 444M.

BB

I agree. Only problem is...the popular powders are still pretty scarce around here.

 

[Riflemann444]

Start with H-4198 powder, say about 42.0gr. charge pushing a Hornady 265gr. Inter-lock at 2110fps, I get 5 shots all touching at 100 yards.

 

[rooterpig]

A properly designed/hardened cast bullet, 280 to 350 grains, just off the rifling, with a max or near max load of reloder 7. It's that simple.

 

[Starrbow]

Read the three articles on the 444 on the Beartooths web sight, they are a excellent read, and will get you drooling about what a 444 is capable of with heavy for caliber hardcast bullets!

Rooter pig has it right, I found that out over 20 years ago, the only thing I would add is use the "M" die and crimp with a Lee Factory Crimp Die!

 

[mt_sourdough]

I have many options readily available to choose from, but if I were to choose just one, - if I had to go with one round for the rest of my life (444 or otherwise) it would be the NOE/RD432-300 bullet (295gr when cast with WW) over 45gr of H4198. Velocity is about 2250fps from a 22" barrel and accuracy is consistently sub-moa.
The 290gr LFN from Beartooth Bullets actually weighs the same as above mentioned bullet and reportedly favors the same 45gr of H4198. Beartooth bullets have a waiting list that commonly runs about 6 months. For commercial bullets, the 290gr bullet from Beartooth may be the best "do-it-all" bullet in the 444.
Carolina Bullets has the Ranch Dog 432-265 bullets available. Those are great bullets in the 444.
Home Page
If you are buying just one powder, RL7 has proven to be a great performer with all bullet weights (187gr-417gr)

Both the Beartooth Bullets and Carolina bullets offer their bullets sized .432" which is commonly the optimal size for cast bullets in our 444 Marlins.

 

[44 OLD GUY]

Another one for reading and PRINTING out Beartooth Bullets Tech notes off there website. I usually get my orders in 4 months. Only ones I have tried so far are 290LFNGC AND 33OLFNDCGGC. And some 250WFN for a 1894, they are sweet and also some smaller cal. 30-30, .32, .35. He has quite the selection of boolits.

 

[rcd567]

I ordered some of bear claws bullets. Now if I can just find some brass. I'll need to call Bear Claws and double my order when I get back from my fishing trip. Just as well have some extra on hand. Bass Pro did have some 300 gr. XTP's for 14.99 for a box of 50, so I bought all they had.

 

[Win94]

Start with H-4198 powder, say about 42.0gr. charge pushing a Hornady 265gr. Inter-lock at 2110fps, I get 5 shots all touching at 100 yards.

Is this from a 22" barrel? I start my reloading foray this weekend with my 72 vintage Marlin 444s and i have H4198 as well as the 265 grain Hornady interlock at my disposal. I am hoping my rifle likes these components......

 

[Brocantes]

Just got back from the range from testing 4 handloads. My rifle is showing a strong preference for H322 gunpowder (51.7 grains), 265 gr. Hornady FP, CCI250M primer. C.O.L. 2.580". Also tried H335, IMR 4198 and Reloader 7. None came close to H322.

 

[dpe.ahoy]

Rifles are just like girls, a fella just has to find out what they like best. You are doing the right thing testing for what your rifle likes best. DP

 

[Riflemann444]

Win94, Yes that is from a 22" barrel on my '76 444S. I have a Leupold VX II 2-7x33 scope on the gun. I could not be happier with this gun and load setup.

 

[1 big hole]

my three favorite loads for the T-4...all with Rem brass, H4198, and CCI 200 LRP
45.0gr w/Horn XTP 240's
46.0gr w/Horn 265gr JFP
43.0gr w/Ranchdog 300gr HCGC (absolute favorite)

 

[BCSteve]

I ordered some of bear claws bullets. Now if I can just find some brass. I'll need to call Bear Claws and double my order when I get back from my fishing trip. Just as well have some extra on hand. Bass Pro did have some 300 gr. XTP's for 14.99 for a box of 50, so I bought all they had.

There seems to be so me debate on its effectiveness on large game but the Hornady 300gr XTP had been the most accurate .444 bullet I've used in both .444 Marlin I've had (still have one).

 

[Maudite]

That Speer 270 grain Deep Curl and H4198 work well for me. I started at about 38 grains and worked up from there.

I got a bunch of 1" or so groups. Worked my way up to about 2290 fps and left it at that. Seated bullet at cannelure and crimped.


M

 

[rcd567]

That Speer 270 grain Deep Curl and H4198 work well for me. I started at about 38 grains and worked up from there.

View attachment 102893

I got a bunch of 1" or so groups. Worked my way up to about 2290 fps and left it at that. Seated bullet at cannelure and crimped.


M

I'll try this if and when I can find any Speer bullets. I did have a local shop finally get my powder in. Three pounds of 4198.

 

[Crusty Deary Ol Coot]

This is an interesting topic!

Just rec'd a new 275gr - 4 cavity mold from Accurate Molds, and my son has a .444, so should soon have some bullets cast and be waiting for the son or some friends to try them.

Crusty Deary Ol'Coot