Brutus
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Cue last post on the bugle!
Some of us dinosaurs prefer our option for cup & core premium bullets.
Last edited:
marlin 1894 in 44 mag
- Thread starter 6.5x55swm
- Start date
Cue last post on the bugle!
Some of us dinosaurs prefer our option for cup & core premium bullets.
I reload for my 1894 44Mag using a Lee 4-hole turret press c/w a Lee 4-Carbide Die set.
I have not tried the Hornady 225gn or 265gn FTX bullets. #1 reason is the trimming the brass for use with just FTX bullets #2 some experienced reloaders recommend a FTX specific seating die insert so the FTX tip is not damaged.
My Marlin 1894 tosses a 300gn Hornady XTP a little more accurately than the 240gn XTP @ ~1825fps.
My 75yd hunting round, 300gn Hornady XTP @ ~1430fps.
The 300gn has less chance of over expansion/fragmentation, on impact, at the slower velocity.
IMO, now that it's discontinued, the 265gn Hornady FN is sort of a waste in the 44Mag, your not going to get much, if any, expansion at 44Mag velocities. May as well be shooting less expensive hard cast lead bullets.
IMO, if your looking for a jacketed soft point over a hollow point, a 270gn Speer DC FP would be more suitable for the 44Mag, they hit hard and expand at 44Mag velocities.
My stash of jacketed 44cal bullets for the 44Mag & 444Marlin.
The 240gn Swift A-Frame's are the most expensive of the bunch & IMO have the nastiest looking hollow points I've ever seen.
I have not tried the Hornady 225gn or 265gn FTX bullets. #1 reason is the trimming the brass for use with just FTX bullets #2 some experienced reloaders recommend a FTX specific seating die insert so the FTX tip is not damaged.
My Marlin 1894 tosses a 300gn Hornady XTP a little more accurately than the 240gn XTP @ ~1825fps.
My 75yd hunting round, 300gn Hornady XTP @ ~1430fps.
The 300gn has less chance of over expansion/fragmentation, on impact, at the slower velocity.
IMO, now that it's discontinued, the 265gn Hornady FN is sort of a waste in the 44Mag, your not going to get much, if any, expansion at 44Mag velocities. May as well be shooting less expensive hard cast lead bullets.
IMO, if your looking for a jacketed soft point over a hollow point, a 270gn Speer DC FP would be more suitable for the 44Mag, they hit hard and expand at 44Mag velocities.
My stash of jacketed 44cal bullets for the 44Mag & 444Marlin.
The 240gn Swift A-Frame's are the most expensive of the bunch & IMO have the nastiest looking hollow points I've ever seen.
