The Keith in a rifle

papazip · December 29, 2013, 06:11 PM

Trying to toss Elmer's favorite 44 out of a Handy Rifle without leading.Can it be done?

Mike / Tx · December 30, 2013, 05:30 AM

The fit will be the primary issue with the lube lasting the lenght being the second.

If I were trying this I would give a couple of sizes a try and not be using anything less than .430" diameter bullets. If your using commercial bullets try those brands which offer a selection of sizes and possibly hardness. Something in a .430 at around a 14BHN should work just fine.

I would also recommend picking up a bottle of Alox as well. If you find your commercial bullets are leading give them a good roll around in some of the Alox before loading. This might help out what ever lube they used to make it to the muzzle.

If your pouring your own and find your getting leading you might look up White Label Lubes and try some of his Carnuba Red. IT is good stuff but needs a little heat to work well in some lubsizers.

mehavey · December 30, 2013, 10:38 AM

I push a hot-loaded (Ruger-Only) 45 Keith out the end of a 20" `94 Marlin using Alox (stomp, stomp

).
-- no problem at all w/ Lym#2 @ BN:15, so a 44 should be no different.

Make sure that bullet's big enough to seal the bore. Don't even try otherwise

mikld · December 30, 2013, 11:57 AM

You need to slug the barrel. SAAMI dimensions are different for rifle vs. handgun in .44 magnum, with rifle groove diameters up to .431". Size/purchase bullets that are at least .432" or, about .001"-.002" over the groove diameter of your barrel, for a non-leading load...

papazip · January 1, 2014, 02:05 PM

Thanks for the info,guys. Here I go.....

**44 AMP** · January 2, 2014, 07:33 AM

What do you consider Elmer's favorite load?

The one I recall he wrote about most was his 250gr SWC, 22gr of 2400 and standard (not magnum) primers.

Skelton liked that load, but preferred 21.5gr 2400...

These are hot loads, but shouldn't lead, even in a rifle, IF a)the bullet is sized correctly for the bore, and b) it is cast HARD enough.

Lyman #2 alloy should be your baseline for hardness when working with loads at these levels.

December 29, 2013, 06:11 PM	#1
papazip Member Join Date: March 19, 2013 Location: southwest nh Posts: 20	The Keith in a rifle Trying to toss Elmer's favorite 44 out of a Handy Rifle without leading.Can it be done?

December 30, 2013, 11:57 AM	#4
mikld Senior Member Join Date: February 7, 2009 Location: Southern Oregon! Posts: 2,891	You need to slug the barrel. SAAMI dimensions are different for rifle vs. handgun in .44 magnum, with rifle groove diameters up to .431". Size/purchase bullets that are at least .432" or, about .001"-.002" over the groove diameter of your barrel, for a non-leading load... __________________ My Anchor is holding fast! I've learned how to stand on my own two knees...

January 2, 2014, 07:33 AM	#6
44 AMP Staff Join Date: March 11, 2006 Location: Upper US Posts: 28,846	What do you consider Elmer's favorite load? The one I recall he wrote about most was his 250gr SWC, 22gr of 2400 and standard (not magnum) primers. Skelton liked that load, but preferred 21.5gr 2400... These are hot loads, but shouldn't lead, even in a rifle, IF a)the bullet is sized correctly for the bore, and b) it is cast HARD enough. Lyman #2 alloy should be your baseline for hardness when working with loads at these levels. __________________ All else being equal (and it almost never is) bigger bullets tend to work better.

December 30, 2013, 05:30 AM	#2
Mike / Tx Senior Member Join Date: April 8, 2000 Posts: 2,101	The fit will be the primary issue with the lube lasting the lenght being the second. If I were trying this I would give a couple of sizes a try and not be using anything less than .430" diameter bullets. If your using commercial bullets try those brands which offer a selection of sizes and possibly hardness. Something in a .430 at around a 14BHN should work just fine. I would also recommend picking up a bottle of Alox as well. If you find your commercial bullets are leading give them a good roll around in some of the Alox before loading. This might help out what ever lube they used to make it to the muzzle. If your pouring your own and find your getting leading you might look up White Label Lubes and try some of his Carnuba Red. IT is good stuff but needs a little heat to work well in some lubsizers. __________________ LAter, Mike / TX

December 30, 2013, 10:38 AM	#3
mehavey Senior Member Join Date: June 17, 2010 Location: Virginia Posts: 6,896	I push a hot-loaded (Ruger-Only) 45 Keith out the end of a 20" `94 Marlin using *Alox* (stomp, stomp ). -- no problem at all w/ Lym#2 @ BN:15, so a 44 should be no different. Make sure that bullet's big enough to seal the bore. Don't even try otherwise

January 1, 2014, 02:05 PM	#5
papazip Member Join Date: March 19, 2013 Location: southwest nh Posts: 20	Thanks for the info,guys. Here I go.....