Hornady load?

leverhunter · Post by **leverhunter** » Wed Feb 13, 2008 12:25 am

I'm looking for some advice on a 44 mag load for my new manufacture Marlin 1894 with a 20 inch barrel. May also get used in my Win 94 with 24 inch barrel.
I'm just getting started in reloading. Has anyone loaded Hornady 265g FP bullets for thier rifle? Most bullets I see listed are .429 dia. but these are .430 dia. Is there a potential problem using these in a 44 mag rifle? Most loads I see are for the .429 bullets, hence the questions.
Thanks folks.

BadAndy · Post by **BadAndy** » Wed Feb 13, 2008 10:53 am

Leverhunter, you've picked one of the best bullets for hunting there is. The 265 was designed for the .444 but in a .44 mag it will perform well. It will need a top load of H110/W296 or Lil' Gun. Go to the Hogdon website or get one of their yearly load books. The Hornady load book also has some good loads. The bullet is crimped above the cannelure so it will look funny, but it kills deer well. Good expansion and penetration. It's a favorite for heavier animals like bear and hogs. Also, look at the Speer 270 grain gold dot soft point.

This is the load I carry in my Winchester when worried about bears, especially when harvesting our black and raspberries. Had a few meeting engagements with our local bears. It all turned out well as "we" decided not to hurt each other

!!!! Anyway, it's a good choice for an intermediate .44 bullet that will do anything a .44 Mag can do. BadAndy

meanc · Post by **meanc** » Wed Feb 13, 2008 10:59 am

You won't have any problems with the .430 diameter. With that Marlin, you'll more than likely need it.

As far as loads go, 17gr of 2400 or 21.5gr of H110 is all you'll need to make that thing sing.

leverhunter · Post by **leverhunter** » Wed Feb 13, 2008 12:12 pm

Thanks for the info folks. I suspected that particular bullet was initially meant for the 444 Marlin. Good to know it will work in 44 mag too. I got the little Marlin as a camp gun with some hunting in mind as well.