I'm interested in loading some hard cast lead for my little Marlin 1894S. I was thinking of 270 grain SWC style bullets to maximize the frontal area. Has anyone got any ideas as to where to buy and load data? Thanks, Mark
Hard cast lead for a .44 Marlin 1894?
- Thread starter mark k
- Start date
Use standard 44 mag loading data. My cast bullets weigh about 250 grains and I used the old time standard loads, up to 22 grains of 2400 or 24 grains of H110 or Winchester 296 powder.
With your bullets a bit heavier, 270 grains, I would start with a couple of grains less powder.
Since you don't appear to have the bullets yet, I would highly reccommend that you get the semi wadcutter Keith designed bullet that weighs from about 240 grains for very hard cast, to about 250 grains, for softer alloy. It is a great bullet for the 44, including the Marlin.
With your bullets a bit heavier, 270 grains, I would start with a couple of grains less powder.
Since you don't appear to have the bullets yet, I would highly reccommend that you get the semi wadcutter Keith designed bullet that weighs from about 240 grains for very hard cast, to about 250 grains, for softer alloy. It is a great bullet for the 44, including the Marlin.
I have been purchasing buckets (1000) of SWC bevel base 240 grain bullets from Wholesale Sports. These bullets are made in Gull Lake Sask. The company name is "Cactus Plains Ammunition" Not a bad bullet, hard cast. Reasonably priced (I think) at about $90.00/1000
I'm using Bullseye for a light load, and H-110 for a load with a little more oomph.
I'm using Bullseye for a light load, and H-110 for a load with a little more oomph.
Johnn Peterson
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Chemainus B.C.
In my 1894 Marlin I use a 200gr bullet that looks very much like the 44-200-FN by RCBS. The C.O.A.L. isn't as critical in say a revolver or in a '94 Winchester but it is in a '94 Marlin. This is primarily goverened by the size of the ejection port and critical to ejecting or cycling live cartridges through the action. Bullets like the one I've mentioned by RCBS and like the 205gr PB Lyman #42798 and 215gr GC Lyman # 429434 are designed with that in mind. Some of the larger ones available will work but may have to be crimped further forward on the bullet. Just something to consider and keep in mind when making your choice.
Loads I'm using with the RCBS 200gr.,
- Light loads 8gr of Unique
- Heavy loads, 24gr 2400
Loads I'm using with the RCBS 200gr.,
- Light loads 8gr of Unique
- Heavy loads, 24gr 2400
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The closest I know of would be the 44 SWC BB (semi-wadcutter, bevel base) from thebulletbarn.com here in B.C. It's only 240 gr. though. However, I'm not sure how it will feed as I've never used it in my 1894. The 240 g. RNFP feeds just fine, though.
Jae-Bok Young (competitor-pistol.com) in NH does a 280 gr. WNFGC and apparently he does export but they're a bit pricey unless you'll be just using them for defence in the bush rather than plinking. At least one CGN'er (possibly "geologist") loads his massive "Crater" bullets for his 45-70.
Stuart
