Moderate Recoil 200-225 grain 444 bullet !

[6pt-sika]

My finacee has expressed an intrest to have a older Marlin 444 set up like I have my circa 1966 "Retro 444P" .






In the Retro rifle I've used a Castboolits group buy "Dutch's 434-207GC" initially before I lopped the barrel off and it was a pretty decent deer bullet with XMP5744 or H322 . After I lopped the barrel off I used the LBT 433-340GC in it to take a smallish bear in august of this year . And then I switched it over to my newly cut MM/RD 432-325GC bullet pushed hard with XMR2015 and it so far seems to be a good one !

However all thats good and fine but will most certainly be to much recoil for my fiancee to handle comfortably as she is 5'2" and about 115 pounds .

So if I am able to find another First Model 444 suitable for chooping purposes and get it chopped , reblued , checkered , refinished and shortened LOP I'll need to make a decision on a acceptable bullet .

My first choice could be the Dutch's 434-207GC , followed by the Lyman 429215 and the RCBS 44-225GC SWC because I already have all three . Also the Lyman 429244HP possibly as I have that one as well !
But any of them will need to be loaded with a more moderate powder then my standard choices of H322 , IMR8208 , RL-7 , Varget and XMR2015 . I am thinking more like XMP5744 , one of the SR powders or Unique as long as I can get a sort of mild load in the 1600-1750 range .

[6pt-sika]

Now as has been my practice with the other 24 or so Marlin's I have in 444 , I usually have a new mold cut or find another old design I've yet to get a copy of that I like !

For this rifle I have seta parameter of 200-225 grains . And as I said in the previouse post a already have a few to meet my desired area .

But after recieving the MM/RD 432-325GC a couple weeks ago it had me back at Mountain Molds mold layout program and I came up with three I rather like !

The MM/RD 432-200GC ,




The MM/RD 432-210GC ,



And finally the MM/RD 432-225GC ,



Not yet sure if I'll go with one of these or use one of the three I already have . But I must say all three of these new ones I have posted here look quite intresting to say the least

[mtngun]

Thanks for the pics, 6pt-sika.

I've never loaded for the 444, but have had good luck with 2400 for reduced cast loads in several cartridges. About 14 grains for about 1400 fps.

The older 5744 has also given me good results.

Then again, you could get your fiancée a Marlin 357 and shoot 180 - 200 grain full house loads.

[6pt-sika]

Then again, you could get your fiancée a Marlin 357 and shoot 180 - 200 grain full house loads.

That would open a whole new cam of worms . Plus I'm not overly thrilled about hunting with a 357 MAG which is the reason for this thing .

I "could" use the same mold in a 44 MAG , but she claims she wants a rifle just like the one I have pictured .

[6pt-sika]

I let a already chopped rifle get away from me last week !

The barrel had been bobbed to 19" and the forearm and buttstock had been checkered nicely . The only thing I would have needed to do was cut the stock down a bit for her LOP . Guy wanted $475 on GunsAmerica and I was kinda waiting until it had been there awhile to try and get a lower price !

Live and learn !

And the same day he sold it I found another close to us in a local retailer for a little less money that could really use a reblue . So if that place is willing to deal I think I've found a donor rifle . I don't like chopping them up unless they really need reblueing and or a stock refinish !

As to the bullet for this one I have about talked myself inot the MM/RD 432-200GC I have pictured above !

I have several others in the 210 - 225 grain range . SO i think the best choice is that little 200 grainer . Outta be able to get plenty velocity with out alot of recoil I think !

[6pt-sika]

Well I just got a circa 1967 Marlin 444 for am accumulation .

But when I finally saw it in person it's a bit more worn then I wanted . Needs a reblue and a couple other things . So I think I'll cut this one down for my fiancee !

[6pt-sika]

I'll give this a once over at the range with some Lyman 429244 HP's and RCBS 44-300SWC GC's and if it shoots okay in all likelyhoood it'll get chopped next week and reblued .

[mtngun]

Thanks for the pics. I hope your fiance likes the rifle.

[6pt-sika]

Thanks for the pics. I hope your fiance likes the rifle.

I hope I can get it to shoot well enough to suit me and where the recoil doesn't bother her !

[6pt-sika]

Well the cards in the game have changed !

Got a nice old Marlin 336-44 which is a 44 MAG built on the 336 action for those that have never heard of it !
This one was made in 1967 which happens to be the last year they made that model . Anyway I can use this rifle for her just fine I think . Matter of fact I've already tried the MM/RD 432-325GC I had you cut a couple months ago and it works well enough in the little rifle for 100 yards . Was getting 3 shot groups at 100 yards of 1 1/2" . Am pushing the 325 grainer with 20 grains of H-110 . The holes in the paper showed a slight bit of yaw when they hit the paper/backer board . SO perhaps they're right on the ragged edge , but I wouldn't be afraid to try them on a deer or black bear inside 100 yards .

As to a smaller bullet for less recoil . My buddy Ranch Dog has decided to bring out a 432-240GC bullet . So I'll wait and give that one a try before I cut anything smaller !