Subsonic 444 marlin loads

[Matt3357]

Hey does anyone have any sub sonic load data for a 444 marlin? I have read how trailboss is used in other rifle cartridges for subsonic loads. Any help is much appreciated.

Thanks,
Matt

 

[rcmodel]

Disregard that last transmission.

rc

 

[Matt3357]

That was the first place I checked. I am shooting a rifle and even under the pistol loads the lowest is 1631 with varget and a 300 gr bullet. Please show me where you found it.

Thanks,
Matt

 

[rcmodel]

I made a mistake and quickly changed my reply suggesting Hodgdons.
I thought I read 45-70, when in fact you ask about .444 Marlin.

I would still give Hodgdon a call.
They can often provide load data for calibers they don't publish info for.

rc

 

[Kernel]

With 240 gr JHP bullets, 21 grs of IMR SR-4759 will give you about 1600 fps from a 22" barrel. Max load is 33 grs for 2055 fps and 43600 CUP.

If you wanted to go slower than 1600 fps I would consider using lead bullets ONLY and small charges of a faster pistol powder, like Red Dot or Unique, in which case, loads as slow as 900 fps are possible while still retaining good accuracy.

 

[Remo-99]

Yep, TrailBoss and a lead slug(if you can get data for the 444), other fast powders will also get subsonic, but I'd be inclined to go with TB for that long of a case,(as a load with TB will most likely more than half fill the case).

 

[Asherdan]

This guy's work can give you some starting points. Trailboss isn't a bad idea either, as suggested.

 

[MichaelK]

Hi Matt
Here are some loads published in Lymans reloading manual 46 ed. (1982).

They're all just slightly above sonic, but you have a starting point to work on. If you try to develop a slightly slower load from this data I'd suggest watching each and every bullet hit the target to make sure you don't have a bullet lodged in the bore.

These are all loads for Lymans 429244 SWC, cast in lead alloy #2, OAL2.62".

Red Dot 10.0 grains 1205fps
700X 9.5 grains 1175fps
Unique 11.5 grains 1225fps
Blue Dot 14.5 grains 1240fps

Good luck,
Michael

 

[Ed Harris]

FWIW I had good results when I used the .444 with 8 grains of Bullseye using 300-gr. NEI #293 as a "blooper." These days I do 6 grs. of Bullseye in a rifle chambered for the .44 Magnum case, with same bullet. Almost silent in a 24 inch or longer barrel, brass easier to get, and ballistic uniformity much better not having the excess airspace. The .44 Magnum in a rifle has enough capacity for thumper loads too if you want them. For the bloopers use standard large rifle primers, no filler is necessary. Works best with soft alloys not harder than 8 BHN, bullets as-cast and unsized, lightly coated with Lee Liquid Alox.