.44 Magnum Levergun Loads

[Glock4ever]

I tried searching this topic but search results are limited (two letter or less thing is annoying). Anyway, I just got a Marlin 1894 Levergun .44 and I want a good hunting load. I just purchased 100 cases, dies, primers and 200 gn XTP Hdy bullets. My initial view is that instead of the traditional load of 220-240 gr bullet get a nice 180-200 gr bullet for better penetration/expansion. Is my logic off on this? Powders I am restricted to - IMR4227 and Lil'gun. I can change bullets if needed but am looking for the optimal load for deer, bear, and plinking...

 

[kf123]

27 grains of IMR 4227 under a 200gr bullet is good for about 1520fps. 29.5gr of Lil' Gun is good for about 1800 fps.

 

[John Y Cannuck]

I use the 240 grain Hornadys, as they are more accurate in my wife's Ruger 96.
H110 at 24 grains is a max load, but the rifle likes 23 grains better.

 

[Lefty Dick]

I'm using a stiff charge of IMR 4227 under a 265gr. Hornady FP. in my 1894 Marlin.
Have'nt chronied it yetm but it's got some moxy, as it will swing a 3" thick by 6" diameter steel gong at 200yds with some good authority.

 

[762nato]

Micro groove barrel likes the heavier bullet, 296(24gr.) and a 240. Or I use 19gr 296 with a 300 xtp.

Andy

 

[ben hunchak]

The heaviest,flat point hardcast bullets will provide the most penetration and destruction on game as solid as blackbear. Pick the heaviest, flattest, bullet that will cycle and load it up with your 4227 and you should be good to go. The light jacketed bullets will work good on broadside deer shots, but may wound on a shoulder hit on a big black bear. A large black bear dropped instantly a few years ago from a shoulder shot, by a .44 Mag. with 325gr. WFN GC. The bullet broke both shoulders and was found under the hide on the far side, a perfect mushroom. Taxidermist said it was the largest bear he'd seen in a while and was very surprised that a .44 caused all that damage.

 

[Boomer]

I agree with Ben, if you want a .44 to penetrate well go with a heavier bullet. Those WFN 325's are pretty impressive. A 200 gr hollow point from your rifle will cause a wide but shallow wound.

 

[Glock4ever]

So is the consensus that heavier bullets are better? I always thought that velocity would be better...

 

[just having some fun]

if you can find any heavy bullet in the Keith design it should out perform a jacketed bullet and have deeper penetration

Do a search on Elmer Keith on the Internet and you will get lots of valuable information

 

[ben hunchak]

The Keith bullet, cast hard is a good one,but may cause some feeding problems due to the sharp edge of the front driving band, a person would just have to try it before heading out. Some of the WFN or LFN designs may work better, again nothing can beat a bit of range time, come to think of it....a day at the range with a .44 and some SWCs and a few heavy WFNs at 1500fps...It doesn't get any better.

 

[H4831]

I think the Lyman number is 429421, and the similar one in gas check, work
great in my Marlin. About 240 grains at about 1700+.

 

[John Y Cannuck]

For cast bullet loads, I also use the 429421. Yes, it is more accurate than the jacketed bullets I've tried.
An Elmer Kieth design, it shoots, and feeds very well.

 

[762nato]

I have shot several deer with the 310 gr. Lee gas check cast in pure lino. The Marlin Micro Groove is not cast friendly but if you cast it hard and use good lube they work fine, large metaplat, hits like a hammer and penetrates like crazy. Had 1 shot on a large doe @ 55 yrds, hit her in the chest looking at me bullet went out near her butt.

Andy