2026 - 44-40 Sailboat Lead Targets

[Bryan Austin]

It has been a while since I last hunted on Jan 1st, 2026. I finally got a chance to get back on the 44-40 buzz!

As you already know I picked up a sailboat a while back and got all of the lead cut out, melted and recast into bars. I am trying to learn how to cast with the near pure lead. The lead is not a cheap cast, but it does have its limits...or at least my ability does. I just cast a few at about 825 degrees, and that seems to be the temp it likes so far. The cast lead drops at 220gr. When I first started with Reloder 7, I was using 220gr lead bullets, but eventually dropped down to 215gr. I prefer the 220...and it was the 220's that gave me the best groups at that time.

Hopefully I will get these loaded up soon and report back with some targets to show. Keep your fingers crossed.

8d48ab90-dc54-4cc2-88cd-04a98de924b5.jpg

[Bill in Oregon]

Following.

[GunnyMack]

Sailboat lead... does that mean you lost your guns in a boating accident?

How much lead did you get off the boat?

[earlmck]

The only guns I'm using with black powder are the 40/65 buffalo gun and 45/70 trapdoor for which I add in about 5% tin to get approximately a 20:1 alloy which casts real nice at my usual 700 degree setting. If those pure lead bullets don't get you the accuracy you are hoping for you can add in a bit of tin to get 'em a little harder.

Didn't old Elmer Keith like a 16: 1 lead/tin mix? Or maybe it was even 10:1. Anyway, "A bit of butter (or tin) may make the bitter batter better"

[Bryan Austin]

I am using straight sailboat lead for the tests. I got 850 lbs, which I gave half to a friend. I have another 300 lbs from another boat.

I wont be mixing anything with it for the 44-40....since this is a 44-40 topic.

I expect the accuracy to "open-up" for several reason, me being #1...LOL

4ab7d820-194e-441d-80b8-c3d9bd1a5903.jpg

[Griff]

My new Lyman Mag 25 has a built in PID controller and I run my mix (6:1 Lead:Linotype) at 710-715ºF. My pure lead pot (for casting .526 & .375 round balls), with an external PID controller, I run @ 675-685ºF.

Have you tested your boat-keel lead? Most boat keels contain 3-6% antimony to add hardness and improve casting flow while reducing shrinkage. IMO 825ºF is way too hot. Depends on where and how you're casting, outside and dipping vs. using a bottom pour pot in a relatively still environment?