- Oct 30, 2004
- 24,073
- 2,593
I have always liked the 444. It was my first lever ever and I always liked it the best.
Though there are many rifles and handguns in my safes that will do everything this rifle can none will do it all.
I have been playing with different loadings with the 444 for a long time and have assembled some interesting loads.
Here are some
444 Shot shell. 1/2 oz (220 grains) #8 shot 410 wad (fits perfectly) in the 444 case. Stoke it with 14 gr of H110 and topped off by an overshot wad, then use a roll crimp to hold the overshot wad in place.
Up to 25-30 yards no blue grouse is safe while you're elk hunting.
For little varmints at short range a .433" black powder ball over 12 grains of unique for 1500 fps. Seat it to its midsection with a slight crimp. Very good accuracy up to 50 yards or so. I did not have any on hand for show.
For long range (if there is such a thing for a lever) the 265 gr FTX with 42.5 H4198 propels this bullet close to 2300 fps.
My heavy load consists of 300 gr Sierras over 56.5 gr H335 for 2150 fps , Yes the sierra 300 gr are not made for the 444. All you have to do is seat them below the cannalure and use the Lee factory crimp to crimp in place. They will not move I promise you.
Anyway here are the pictures of my loads I assembled today.
300 grain sierra
Shotshell making I use an 11mm punch-cutter I got from e-bay for $5.00.
Though there are many rifles and handguns in my safes that will do everything this rifle can none will do it all.
I have been playing with different loadings with the 444 for a long time and have assembled some interesting loads.
Here are some
444 Shot shell. 1/2 oz (220 grains) #8 shot 410 wad (fits perfectly) in the 444 case. Stoke it with 14 gr of H110 and topped off by an overshot wad, then use a roll crimp to hold the overshot wad in place.
Up to 25-30 yards no blue grouse is safe while you're elk hunting.
For little varmints at short range a .433" black powder ball over 12 grains of unique for 1500 fps. Seat it to its midsection with a slight crimp. Very good accuracy up to 50 yards or so. I did not have any on hand for show.
For long range (if there is such a thing for a lever) the 265 gr FTX with 42.5 H4198 propels this bullet close to 2300 fps.
My heavy load consists of 300 gr Sierras over 56.5 gr H335 for 2150 fps , Yes the sierra 300 gr are not made for the 444. All you have to do is seat them below the cannalure and use the Lee factory crimp to crimp in place. They will not move I promise you.
Anyway here are the pictures of my loads I assembled today.
300 grain sierra
Shotshell making I use an 11mm punch-cutter I got from e-bay for $5.00.
