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Post by Lee Martin on Mar 11, 2013 10:11:16 GMT -5
Took my recently scoped 444 Marlin to the range yesterday. Budget Bushnell scope and all I was very suprised with its 100 yard performance:     The load was 47.0 of H4895 and Leadheads 320 grains GC. That bullet does require case trimming to cycle properly. 2.15" to be exact. -Lee www.singleactions.com"Building carpal tunnel one round at a time" |
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Post by hammerdown77 on Mar 11, 2013 10:16:36 GMT -5
Awesome. Always thought a 444 Marlin levergun would be a nice addition to the stable.
Plus, you can get a BFR in the caliber and have a matched set!
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Post by Markbo on Mar 11, 2013 10:29:11 GMT -5
Hmmmm... Lee do you happen to have any loads that good with lighter bullets?
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Post by Lee Martin on Mar 11, 2013 11:13:06 GMT -5
I haven't shot anything lighter than Hornady's 300 grain XTP. That gets the same 47.0 of H4895 seated to the second crimp groove. They shot well but not as tight as the 320 hardcasts. -Lee www.singleactions.com"Building carpal tunnel one round at a time" |
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Post by justahunter on Mar 11, 2013 11:30:24 GMT -5
What kind of velocity are you getting with that load?
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Post by Lee Martin on Mar 11, 2013 11:43:27 GMT -5
I haven't chronographed it yet but expect it's around 1,805 - 1,900. My XLR has a 24" barrel so it'll ad a few fps. -Lee www.singleactions.com |
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Post by Seasons44 on Mar 11, 2013 11:54:42 GMT -5
Lee,
Try some larger diameter cast bullets, My brother-in-law and shooting partners 44 Mag Marlin Like .433 and up. your dispersion should shrink quite a bit.
Great shooting!
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Post by Lee Martin on Mar 11, 2013 12:46:13 GMT -5
Yep, 444 Marlins like oversized casts. My barrel mics 0.4324" on the groove but does well with Leadheads 0.430". In fact, I was beyond pleased with its 100 yard performance. Marlins are also notrious for barrel constrictions. These typically occur under the roll-marking, beneath the sight dovetail, and around the magazine tube hanger. Constriction on the order of 0.0005 - 0.0015". Most claim they can be fire-lapped out over time. My 444 only has 450 through it, equally split between XTPs and casts. Low volume but even so it seems to be settling in. -Lee www.singleactions.com"Building carpal tunnel one round at a time" |
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Post by hammerdown77 on Mar 11, 2013 12:51:16 GMT -5
Wow, .432" in the grooves and it still shoots like that with a .430 cast bullet? That's surprising.
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Post by Lee Martin on Mar 11, 2013 14:17:28 GMT -5
Like I said, I was surprised to see those groups at 100 yards. I've never agreed with Marlin running that large a groove. I'm a cast bullet guy so at least I have more leeway in terms of sizing. Shooting jacketed can really be hit or miss on accuracy. Most say they shoot fine but 0.002" is a lot of gap. The 300 grain XTPs are 0.430" and cut 3.0" on average from my gun. I may see if Leadheads can size to 0.432 - 0.433". I doubt they'll print much better than the target shown above but we'll see. -Lee www.singleactions.com"Building carpal tunnel one round at a time" |
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Post by nolongcolt on Mar 11, 2013 15:03:07 GMT -5
Not surprised. I have an 1895 .450 Marlin MR with 22" barrel that shoots an inch at 100 with jacketed bullets.
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Post by hoover on Mar 12, 2013 9:02:06 GMT -5
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Post by Lee Martin on Mar 12, 2013 10:56:38 GMT -5
One of the best 444 articles I've ever read Jeff. Many thanks for the links. -Lee www.singleactions.com"Building carpal tunnel one round at a time" |
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Post by hoover on Mar 12, 2013 12:24:38 GMT -5
Yeah, Marshall not only talks the talk, he walks the walk.... Here he is with a bull elk he took a few years ago with his .444 outfitter and 290 gr LFNGC. Glad You enjoyed his work. I also think it is some of the best stuff out there....  |
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