[Canuck Bob]

I'm working up a bullet design for a LBT cast plain base 444 bullet in a micro groove rifle. Looking for a mid range 444 load that would be good for 1600 fps and hopefuly a little more as a plain base bullet sized for the throat, .432. Wondering how heavy a guy could go before the twist and velocity crater accuracy? Any other advice regarding this type of load. Alloy will be WW, maybe WW/50PB and water dropping fine.

It dawned on me that the 94 shooters with the 44 Mag micro groove rifles would be the experts. Research suggests the 1600-1700 velocity range is doable. LBT will cut me a short bullet with lots of bearing surface. Load development will revolve around a fuller case of slower powder and some filler to protect the base if needed. My 444 1970's S with a 22" tube.

What works for you, gents?

 

[dgslr]

I use Ranchdog 300's gas checked,sized .432 in my 1970 model 444.I have 40 or so loaded with 55 grs of H335.They go around 2 inches at 100.When I cast some more I'm going to try Reloader 7.I had good results with H4895 with 300 gr jacketed.Velocity is your friend with 1 in 38 twist.Those 300 grain bullets didn't do so well in either of the 1894 44 mags,micro groove or ballard, at 1500 fps or so.At least not in my guns.

 

[Canuck Bob]

Thanks, I'm planning a plainbase medium game load for general use as well as deer hunting. I was hoping 300 might work. There are reports it will shoot well in some MG 44 Mags. I want to stay under 1700 fps and not use gas checks.

My rifle really shoots the 265 Hornady well. For my needs it is all I need for big game for the couple boxes of hunting ammo needed a year. I'm getting whimpy. Used to enjoy 25 or 30 rounds of full load 444 for a days practice. Things have changed!

 

[dgslr]

The load I have used for silhouettes with the 444 on the rare ocassions when I use it is 17 grs. of unique and a RCBS 240 SWC.It is a gas check too.I used some RCBS 245 SWC it my other 444 with the same load they weren't as accurate,but the sd was 3 fps.In retrospect I don't think they were the right size,.431 was the biggest sizer I had back then.I have a .432 now and have two RCBS molds that drop bullets big enough to be sized that size.I haven't tried the 250 K in the 444 or the 44 mag carbine yet.

 

[City Slicker]

Velocity is your friend with 1 in 38 twist.

I was going to mention this, but someone beat me to it. The 240-265 do well in my rifle at 1500-1700fps. I also was hoping to duplicate this speed with 300gr bullets, because I just got a good deal 300gr Leadheads. We shall see.