.444 LeverEvolution

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Sgt. Rock

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Who has used these bad boy's and taken game with them. I want to get some and dial my .444 in with them for this deer season(only 300 or so days away). Give me a report guy's
Sgt.
 
I have a Marlin .444, model 444s. Actually this is the second one I've had. After kicking my butt for getting rid of the first and finding I still 'needed' it, I got another. I've shot a couple of Moose and a couple of Mule Deer with it but wasn't impressed with the performance of the Remington 240gr factory loads.
Handloading, using the Hornady 265gr FP gave me the results I was looking for. A friend of mine cast up some hard 250gr GC SWC's and some 325gr GC SWC's that in addition to being fun loads to shoot, are also showing a lot of promise as far as accuracy is concerned.
I have mounted a Bushnell 1.5-4.5 Scopechief VI on it, with a set of Weaver pivot mounts, so I have quick access to the iron sights, should the need arise.
 
Johnn Peterson said:
I have a Marlin .444, model 444s. Actually this is the second one I've had. After kicking my butt for getting rid of the first and finding I still 'needed' it, I got another. I've shot a couple of Moose and a couple of Mule Deer with it but wasn't impressed with the performance of the Remington 240gr factory loads.
Handloading, using the Hornady 265gr FP gave me the results I was looking for. A friend of mine cast up some hard 250gr GC SWC's and some 325gr GC SWC's that in addition to being fun loads to shoot, are also showing a lot of promise as far as accuracy is concerned.
I have mounted a Bushnell 1.5-4.5 Scopechief VI on it, with a set of Weaver pivot mounts, so I have quick access to the iron sights, should the need arise.
Click to expand...

Johnn, do you know what mould those bullets where from? What kinda loads are you using?
 
444shooter said:
Johnn, do you know what mould those bullets where from? What kinda loads are you using?
Click to expand...

No, I'm sorry, I don't know what mould or brand of mould the guy is using. I know he has numerous different weights and configurations for a considerable variety of different calibre's he cast for. I believe he uses products/moulds from a number of different manufacturers. I could find out or put you in contact with him if you like. let me know. I used to do all my own casting but after I acquired a .500 S&W and started getting bullets for it from him, I started getting all my cast needs from him. Good quality, very reasonable prices, great variety and good availability.
The two particular bullets I've made mention of are both of a classic 'Keith' style, especially the 325gr with its large forward driving band.
I wouldn't necessarily suggest you use my loads as there is quite a number of variations of bullet that, while being of the same or similar weight, their configurations and characteristics differ greatly. As such, reload specifics may vary somewhat as well.
Coming up with the loads I'm 'experimenting' with, most of my info has come primarily from a couple of sources. They are, The Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook 3rd edition and the Beartooth Bullet/Load Swap website. On that website, under tech notes I believe, there were a few good articles dealing with the 444 Marlin and reloading for it. One I took note of in particular, 444 Marlin-America's Most Versatile Big Bore Part III. Very informative.

Okay, the loads I'm using/trying at present;
- 250gr GC SWC sized 0.431"
49gr IMR 3031
CCI 200 primers
R-P brass, trimmed 2.215"
C.O.L., 2.606" ***(Above max. suggested length)
Velocity, 1800 f/sec. (Estimated from info)

- 325gr GC SWC sized 0.431"
46gr IMR 3031
CCI 200 primers
R-P brass, trimmed 2.215"
C.O.L., ***2.555"
Velocity, 1950 f/sec. (Estimated from info)
***As with a number of lever actions such as the Marlin .45-70, the C.O.L. of the 444 is fairly critical, so as to allow a loaded round to be ejected. Crimping in the crimp groove on the 250gr bullet I'm using, I'm 0.036" over the suggested C.O.L. but I tried cycling a round through the action and no problems. However, with the 325gr, I had to crimp over the front of the forward driving band to stay within length.
Hope this is of some help to you.
- Johnn:)
 
Johnn Peterson said:
I could find out or put you in contact with him if you like. let me know.
Click to expand...

Great info there Johnn. I would be interested in knowing more about those bullets. The 250gr sounds like a good pill for my 1894, and the 325gr should be a killer in the .444 :p
 
Some of the older .444's did not feed the last round from the tube reliably (Leverevolution) (Marlin) Marlin does offer a differently configured mag follower to alleviate the problem. It would be a hell of a time to have that happen on your last shot on an angry whatever you shot in the first place.

cheers Darryl
 
444shooter said:
Great info there Johnn. I would be interested in knowing more about those bullets. The 250gr sounds like a good pill for my 1894, and the 325gr should be a killer in the .444 :p
Click to expand...

I've used the 250gr in .44 Mag handgun loads, as well as in the 444 Marlin and it does well. In my Marlin 1894 I use a 200gr FPPB of his. It cycles well through the action and gives acceptable accuracy. Again, if you want me to put you in contact with him, for further detail discussion and/or supply, PM me your e-mail address. In the meantime, I'll give him a call to inform of your interest. Oh, some of my better cast results to date have been with the 250gr.
 
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