Bulk .429 bullets in a .444?

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stevekl

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Just making sure on this: If you are reloading for .444, could you use those 500-bulk bullets for .44 magnum?

I remember reading that at those velocities you shouldn't use cast lead bullets. Is this dangerous, or just innacurate?
 
.429 bulk

It would depend on the bullet type (cast or jacketed) and the bullet weight.
For plinking and practice; any pistol bullet will be ok. I would not want to
use lead bullets; since the barrel will "lead" with rifle loads. The jacketed
pistol bullets will give spectacular blow up effect on water filled 2 liter
bottles. They would not be the choice for deer sized game.
Heavier bullets for the 444 have thicker jackets and are designed for the
increased velocity. You might try several styles and weights before you
buy 500; since some will be more accurate in your rifle.
 
Bulk .429 bullets will work just fine in a .444 Marlin. For years the only factory load available was Remington's with their jacketed .44 magnum 240 gr. bullet. Lots of deer were killed with this load.

You can shoot hard-cast lead bullets from the .444, but I wouldn't expect any great accuracy. I would stick with the jacketed bullets. They cost just a few cents more and are worth the price.
 
.249? Wow, my doctor was right: I DO have a brain tumor. I of course meant .429
 
So I'm thinking that a seldom mentioned thing about "leaded" barrels is that they are exceedingly easy to clean compared to heavily "coppered" barrels. I use an old bore brush with strands of a copper scouring pad wound into the bristles. I'm usually able to remove every last trace of lead with roughly four passes. Although cleaning a gun isn't as much fun as shooting, hard cast bullets loaded to 1000 fps or less don't typically lead the bore all that much. Adding gas checked bullets might also help you.
 
Yeah I really don't mind cleaning guns, so unless leading damages the gun or is dangerous to me, I guess I don't mind it happening.
 
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