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Author Topic: 444 Handi Rifle  (Read 599 times)

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Offline msc8127

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444 Handi Rifle
« on: June 24, 2011, 02:57:46 PM »
Ok, so I've recently jumped into the world of reloading for my 44 mag, and generally speaking an interest in calibers that produce big holes. So, having a temporary surplus of projectiles for 44 mag, die set, etc, the 444 seems like a logical companion for my 44 mag revolver.


That said, if I can find I 444 Handi this weekend, I'm sure I'll have to give it a new home. So, guys with the 444 handis, what are your preferred projectiles for it? Powders? etc. What i've read so far suggests that on the cast stuff some people are using larger diameter (.432 vs .430) leads than what I have here for my 44 mag revolver, but I've not been able to gather a lot of information thus far, so I figured I'd check with you all to see what you've found to be a good match for the handis.

Thank you in advance for your input.
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Offline bikerbeans

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Re: 444 Handi Rifle
« Reply #1 on: June 24, 2011, 04:10:15 PM »
msc,

Some of the older 444M barrels have a larger diameter bore, hence the .432" lead.  Also some of the older ones have a slower twist rate so if  you want to shoot the longest/heaviest bullets then you want a newer barrel with the 1:20 twist.  I have a newer 444M that was made in Illion, NY and it slugs at .4295.  It shoots .430 diameter cast just fine.  I have also shot some 355 grain .432" and they shot equally well.  I haven't tried to push this gun to maximum. I have had good luck with 310 grain Oregon Trail True Shot gas checked lead and I3031.  Also the hornady 240 grn HP/XTPs & Nosler 240 JHPs work equally well over I3031 or Ramshot TAC.  The 240 grain jacketed fly around 2,100 FPS and the 310 cast is in the mid 1800 FPS.   

BB
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Offline msc8127

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Re: 444 Handi Rifle
« Reply #2 on: June 24, 2011, 07:06:48 PM »
I will definitely look for one of the newer barrels while I'm shopping then. I'd like to be able to shoot the same size slugs through my revolver and the handi as well. That would be greatly preferred over keeping two different size slugs separated from each other. Assuming I can track down an Ilion gun, it appears I'll be ordering more brass and projectiles....my wife is beginning to get suspicious, and the mail woman hates me after the 60lb flat rate box full of cast bullets....but, hey, they'll get over it.  ;D
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Offline gcrank1

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Re: 444 Handi Rifle
« Reply #3 on: June 25, 2011, 12:08:29 PM »
The USPS has a really good healthcare plan, best our money can buy.........
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Offline keith44

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Re: 444 Handi Rifle
« Reply #4 on: June 25, 2011, 06:10:32 PM »
Quote from: msc8127 on June 24, 2011, 07:06:48 PM
..., and the mail woman hates me after the 60lb flat rate box full of cast bullets...

Oh my gawd that's funny!!!

 ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

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Offline msc8127

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Re: 444 Handi Rifle
« Reply #5 on: June 25, 2011, 08:27:59 PM »
HAHAHA! I love it!
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Offline geezer56

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Re: 444 Handi Rifle
« Reply #6 on: June 26, 2011, 06:02:26 PM »
I have it good with the mailman.  He looks like a linebacker, and is a gun nut.  He will carry brass, lead or whatever to the porch so grandpap doesn't have to.  Of course, I cast bullets for him, and gave him some 260 brass.  He goes out of his way for me, I try to return the favor.
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Offline LaOtto222

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Re: 444 Handi Rifle
« Reply #7 on: June 27, 2011, 04:28:26 AM »
If you want to use 1 jacketed bullet for both the 44 Mag and 444 Marlin you might give the Hornady 265 Gr FP Interlocks a try. They are .430 in diameter and were designed with the 444 in mind. They have two crimp grooves in them so they can be used in a revolver too. They are a tough bullet so if you are hunting with a revolver, you are going to want to make some stout loads for it and keep the distance at a sane level. For a cast bullet, I have had good luck with a Beartooth 265 WFNGC sized at .4315" diameter.

BTW My 444 Marlin barrel was made before Remington bought them out, but is of the new variety. It has the faster 1-20" twist.

Good Luck and Good Shooting
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