Hello to all:
I am new to reloading, so please excuse my (probably) naive questions. I have bought a new Marlin 444S and have ordered bullets from BTB: 280g WFN GC and 330g LFN DCG GC. I have H335 powder on hand and would like to use it.

On LoadSwap, I noticed tested powder charges of 56.0g for each of the loads....are these maximum loads that I should reduce by 10% to start?

Also, the COL for the 330g bullet is 2.582"...do you think that this will work in the Marlin ( published cartridge documentation shows standard cartridge max. COL of 2.570")?

Many thanks,
Dan

I've shot the load you mentioned and "yes", start 10% low and work up to it. It's pretty easy to make a dummy cartridge of that length to see if it will work through the action. Just don't put primer or powder in it.

Have you read the three part Tech Note on the 444 yet?

RD,
Many thanks for the advice! Yes, I have read the 3-part Tech Notes and find them to be VERY informative....looking forward to Part IV!

Thanks,
Dan

RD,
Since I am new to this, please excuse a (probably) naive question: If the 2.582" COL won't work through the action properly, do I just seat the bullet "lower" until it does work?

Many thanks,
Dan

If the 2.582" COL won't work through the action properly, do I just seat the bullet "lower" until it does work?
Seating a bullet deeper into the case reduces the capacity inside the case, which increases pressure. Along with the maximum charge, load data usually comes with a minimum COL for the max charge. You should not seat the bullet deeper than that if using the max charge. You must reduce the charge if you need to seat the bullet deeper (how much you must reduce it is hard to say).

RD,
Since I am new to this, please excuse a (probably) naive question: If the 2.582" COL won't work through the action properly, do I just seat the bullet "lower" until it does work?

Many thanks,
Dan

http://www.beartoothbullets.com/images/bullets/44-330-LFNGC.jpg

Dan,

I would suggest that you give Marshall a call and ask him about the OAL questions as I've never shot this bullet. The math doesn't add up with a case at the SAAMI trimmed spec of 2.215". Even using the forward crimp groove it exceeds the SAAMI OAL spec of 2.57" (2.665").

Using the specs from the bullet and seating it to provide a OAL 2.57 my RSI Shooting Lab software says that the following powders will give you 100% capacity with this bullet. That info doesn't mean the load is safe, it's just the case capacity with the seated bullet. The powders are ordered from the fastest burning to the slowestH4198 41.7
H322 43.0
BL-C(2) 50.6
H335 50.6
H4895 44.9

Let us know what you find out about seating depth. The Lee Factory Crimp Die would crimp and hold this bullet anywhere you want to seat it.

Guys,
Thanks for the input! Michael, thanks for taking your time to provide such a detailed reply. I'll let you all know how I make out.

Manythanks,
Dan

I shoot a Saeco cast bullet of 265 gr, and the Lee 310 gr FN cast. They both must be seated slightly shorter then the crimp groove. Get the Lee factory crimp die for the 444 and seat/crimp in seperate operations.

In addition to calling Marshall, I'd strongly suggest reading his three articles on the 444 caliber - "444 Marlin- America's Most Versatile Big-Bore Part I, II, and III by Marshall Stanton". The articles are located in the Tech Notes section that can be accessed from the Beartooth home page. Very, very informative from an interesting gentleman that really knows his stuff.

Dan