Author Topic: .444 TC Contender load data...  (Read 1172 times)

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Offline twohats

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.444 TC Contender load data...
« on: December 29, 2010, 11:21:22 AM »
Now that I am getting closer to start reloading.My favorite Contender barrell is the 14 in .444.I bought some 265 FTX's to start out with.I only for now have the Lyman manual and of course I see nothing regarding the .444 in a pistol config.Any of you guys mind getting me started?I also bought some IMR 4198 and Winch256 powder(these were recommended powders to start out with) and XTP's 240gr.. 44 HP bullets.I would like to get a good starting point for deer hunting.Thanks
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Offline john keyes

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Re: .444 TC Contender load data...
« Reply #1 on: December 30, 2010, 04:07:26 AM »
I've never owned or loaded for a contender so I am not aware of any special considerations that may warrant some attention, but it sounds like you are in business. I've loaded a lot of .444 for a 444P Marlin and used nothing but H4198 and 300 gr XTP's. 

Good luck on your road to reloading. If you can't find someone locally to help/watch there may be some videos on youtube.  yes you will make mistakes as all of us do/did but if you don't take any chances you will be fine.
Though taken from established manufacturers' sources and presumed to be safe please do not use any load that I have posted. Please reference Hogdon, Lyman, Speer and others as a source of data for your own use.

Offline spinafish

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Re: .444 TC Contender load data...
« Reply #2 on: December 30, 2010, 04:40:55 AM »
If it were me I would e-mail or call Johan at Accurate/Ramshot powders and tell him your needs..he hasn't failed me yet..even if it required powders that weren't under his umbrella.
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Offline McDerry

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Re: .444 TC Contender load data...
« Reply #3 on: December 30, 2010, 05:39:31 AM »
14" is not exactly a pistol barrel, I'd just keep using rifle data, maybe something on the faster burn rate side.

Offline Slufoot

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Re: .444 TC Contender load data...
« Reply #4 on: December 30, 2010, 03:13:22 PM »
Hey twohats,
I've got a 14" 444 Marlin Contender barrel and I reload the 300 grain Hornady XTP with Accurate 2015 powder. This load will keep'em around 1.25" at 100 yards.
H-322 is also a good accurate powder in my barrel, if I couldn't find any 2015 I would use H-322.
The Hornady manual I have, I think it's the 5th edition, has 444 Marlin handgun data from a 15" barrel.

GOOD SHOOTING!
Slufoot

Offline twohats

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Re: .444 TC Contender load data...
« Reply #5 on: December 30, 2010, 05:14:38 PM »
Slufoot...How is the recoil on yours with the 300 gr?I am anxious to give it a try.I can't believe all the powders out there.After reading the reloading manual there is so many recipes to choose from.Looks like I will be spending a few bucks in just stocking up for powders and bullets.Thanks for the input.I like that there are so many good recipes to use.LOL....

Danny
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Offline Slufoot

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Re: .444 TC Contender load data...
« Reply #6 on: December 30, 2010, 05:46:47 PM »
It has plenty of recoil but the groups @ 100 yards prove that it's manageable! ;)

GOOD SHOOTING!
Slufoot

Offline justahunter

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Re: .444 TC Contender load data...
« Reply #7 on: January 09, 2011, 12:48:31 PM »
The new 8th Edition From Hornady lists the 444Marlin(T/C). I load for my Contenders but they are modified. I shoot 308 and 358 Bellm. Both in 14" barrels.

Offline jhalcott

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Re: .444 TC Contender load data...
« Reply #8 on: January 09, 2011, 01:13:51 PM »
 Is YOUR barrel a rechamber?  I do NOT want to scare you, but there HAVE been instances of T/C barrels in 444 letting go when fired. IF it was mine I'd start low and stay below MAX loads. I believe the T/C is rated for around 35,000 psi in the larger calibers.

Offline justahunter

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Re: .444 TC Contender load data...
« Reply #9 on: January 13, 2011, 04:15:25 AM »
jhalcott, was that comment for twohats or me?