Author Topic: 444M handi rifle (Read 2858 times)

Ditchdigger · « **Reply #30 on:** January 31, 2007, 04:21:13 PM »

I read somewhere that the bullets stabilize with a certain RPM. That's probably why the 300 gr. XTP's shot well in my 44 mag and the 445 supermag.The 300 gr. bullets were designed to shoot out of a handgun with a 1 in 18" twist and at 1100 to 1200 fps.Up that to 1650 fps. or 1975 fps.and the bullet is spinning quite a bit faster per second than the revolver. The Speer reloading book No. 12 stated that they did'nt think there 300 gr. bullet would stabilize in the test Marlin with the 1 in38" twist but it turned out the most accurate of all the bullets they tested. So twist rate is not always a accrate way to measure how a bullet will perform. The 444 Marlin was pushing the 300 gr. bullet at 2250 fps,so that made the bullet spin faster than at 1200 fps in the revolver. Digger

longball · « **Reply #31 on:** February 01, 2007, 04:09:05 PM »

thanks for the info

finagn · « **Reply #32 on:** February 02, 2007, 03:42:10 AM »

How would the 450 marlin be in the handi rifle be compared to the 45/70 handi rifle using the hornady leverloutions the trajectory on the hornady website shows it to be a little flatter shooting

Badnews Bob · « **Reply #33 on:** February 02, 2007, 12:23:41 PM »

In store bought ammo the 450 marlin out dose the .45-70 but if you handload thier twins The 450 was designed to keep hot loads out of rifles that couldn't handle them.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #34 on:** February 02, 2007, 12:44:16 PM »

That depends on what store ya go to!!

Tim

Cabelas Buffalo Bore Ammo

Badnews Bob · « **Reply #35 on:** February 02, 2007, 12:54:16 PM »

Yeah your right Tim but I guess I should have said generic remchester stuff.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #36 on:** February 02, 2007, 12:58:49 PM »

I know, I just had ta pull your chain!!!

Now that PMC went under, that's about all there is for the factory ammo shooters. $:-\$

Tim

longball · « **Reply #37 on:** February 04, 2007, 12:05:06 PM »

Once again thanks for all the info--looks like I am looking for a 45/70. Now I need to decide what scope I will put on it.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #38 on:** February 04, 2007, 12:17:35 PM »

For that kind of "long range" shooting with the .45-70s trajectory, I'd choose a scope with either a mildot or ballistic plex reticle, then practice a lot to know which mark to use for the range you want to shoot since past 200yds, there's quite bit of drop.

Tim

longball · « **Reply #39 on:** February 04, 2007, 12:27:04 PM »

I have been looking at all the new scopes that you are talking about. Lots of new stuff out there. I have about 20 people here for the Super Bowl. Slipping in and out on the computer. Go Colts! Better get back to the pests...errr....guests.

longball · « **Reply #40 on:** February 21, 2007, 03:27:23 PM »

Does anyone have one yet and how does it shoot? Is the twist rate correct?

quickdtoo · « **Reply #41 on:** February 21, 2007, 03:28:58 PM »

Nope, not available yet, read the 444 thread down the page.

Tim

http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/smf/index.php/topic,112079.0.html

longball · « **Reply #42 on:** February 21, 2007, 03:33:19 PM »

sorry---Thanks Quick! I should have found that myself

longball · « **Reply #43 on:** February 21, 2007, 03:54:55 PM »

Quick--tell me about the Buffalo Bore factory loads--are they as hot as they claim? I do not plan on reloading for this venture. What do you think about off the the shelf ammo that is out there

quickdtoo · « **Reply #44 on:** February 21, 2007, 05:02:32 PM »

Can't really help ya with factory ammo, I handload for most of mine, but if I were shooting it in the .444, the Hornady Leverevolution ammo would be at the top of my short list.

Tim

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=436189

http://www.buffalobore.com/ammunition/default.htm#444

338 · « **Reply #45 on:** February 22, 2007, 07:54:06 AM »

I have an older NEF .444 with laminated stock, and its a 1-hole shooter at 100yrds. when I do my part. I handload ALL my loads, and I love the gun. I wouldn't trade it for any of the 45-70's i've seen shot.
My load:
Brass: Remington
Bullet: Hornady 240grn. XTP
Powder: IMR4198, 45grns.
Primer: CCI Bench Rest, Large rifle

I also have a decent load worked up for 300grn. XTP's. But its not a 1-hole shooter.
I've shot MANY deer with my .444, and i've never lost 1 deer yet. I've also recoverd 2 bullets from deer that i've shot with that 240XTP. The expansion, and bullet retention was flawless.

longball · « **Reply #46 on:** February 22, 2007, 02:02:53 PM »

I reload all my existing hunting gun ammo but may not get into reloading for our"primative weapon" season since I may only hunt a few days. I will buy a new gun and want to make sure I buy the right caliber. If you look at the big picture is really does not matter but with boys and their toys it does matter. Thanks for your input!

tubaman · « **Reply #47 on:** February 23, 2007, 06:17:52 PM »

quickdtoo

I read in this thread about the overbore comments on the 44's. The bore is considered on the outside limit? So would it work better with jacketed or cast bullets? I am thinking a lead bullet would upset more and fit better, but I know that it brings other problems when pushed hard. I helped cast several bullet sizes - I seemed to do wells with 44's and found them about the easiest to do.

I looked at the barrel fit section. If one could find a 44 Mag barrel and re-chambered it for 444 to fit the chamber to optimum length would that help the overbore problem? One could get the chamber tuned to the 240-265 grain bullets is my thought...passing on the heavier bullets.

How about the 35 Whelen? Any noted problems...overbore or otherwise? The 357 size bullets are not too bad to cast either.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #48 on:** February 23, 2007, 07:32:03 PM »

Tubaman,
If you read the other .444 thread, you'll see that Marlin has changed the twist rate to 1:20", and the SAAMI spec for the 44mag rifle bore is different than the handgun, that's why the 44mag is slightly overbore. Those that have reamed their 44mags to 445 sugermag have good accuracy with stout loads, so the 444 with a 1:20" twist should be a real shooter just as the 444 Marlin leverguns are with their 1:20" twist, specially since Marlin is making the barrels, and I have it from a reliable source that they'll have broached rifling instead of button rifling which is even better!!

Tim

http://www.netrifle.com/shortmags/ref_data/rifling-3ways.htm

nomosendero · « **Reply #49 on:** February 24, 2007, 05:58:25 AM »

I wonder if the reliable source will be more reliable than last time?