Best cast bullet for a 44mag carbine.

Brutus · April 19, 2014, 12:20 PM

Looking for a nice cast bullet to use in my Marlin 1894 stainless carbine.
This will be strictly a plinking load so top velocity isn't necessary, more interested in accuracy and reliability in my lever gun.
Also overall cartridge length would be appreciated.

g.willikers · April 19, 2014, 01:15 PM

The barrel in your Marlin has something to do with it.
The micro groove version usually requires a different bullet than the ones with the standard rifling.
Do you know which you have?

Brutus · April 19, 2014, 01:55 PM

As I understand it modern (post 1990's) 1894's come with Ballard rifling as opposed to micro-groove. I have confirmed this and it has a 1:38" RH twist

Salmoneye · April 19, 2014, 04:40 PM

It will say right on the barrel if it is Micro-Groove...

As for what yours will like, slug your bore and size your bullets .002" over groove diameter, and use a fast powder for plinking...

BWM · April 19, 2014, 07:10 PM

You can get a molds from Lyman for your gun. They have RT & Cowboy they come in different weights 210 gr up to 300 gr. The RT has a gas check. That is what I use on my 44 45 this helps to keep the leading down. LEE also have some good molds that have gas checks they are what I have 240 gr and the 310 gr. GOOD LUCK on what ever you do

April 19, 2014, 12:20 PM	#1
Brutus Senior Member Join Date: September 11, 2005 Posts: 1,023	Best cast bullet for a 44mag carbine. Looking for a nice cast bullet to use in my Marlin 1894 stainless carbine. This will be strictly a plinking load so top velocity isn't necessary, more interested in accuracy and reliability in my lever gun. Also overall cartridge length would be appreciated. __________________ Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak out, Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen, Winston Churchill.

April 19, 2014, 01:55 PM	#3
Brutus Senior Member Join Date: September 11, 2005 Posts: 1,023	As I understand it modern (post 1990's) 1894's come with Ballard rifling as opposed to micro-groove. I have confirmed this and it has a 1:38" RH twist __________________ Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak out, Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen, Winston Churchill. Last edited by Brutus; April 19, 2014 at 02:03 PM.

April 19, 2014, 01:15 PM	#2
g.willikers Senior Member Join Date: September 28, 2008 Posts: 10,442	The barrel in your Marlin has something to do with it. The micro groove version usually requires a different bullet than the ones with the standard rifling. Do you know which you have?

April 19, 2014, 04:40 PM	#4
Salmoneye Senior Member Join Date: December 31, 2011 Location: Vermont Posts: 2,076	It will say right on the barrel if it is Micro-Groove... As for what yours will like, slug your bore and size your bullets .002" over groove diameter, and use a fast powder for plinking...

April 19, 2014, 07:10 PM	#5
BWM Senior Member Join Date: November 6, 2013 Location: SW IN Posts: 438	You can get a molds from Lyman for your gun. They have RT & Cowboy they come in different weights 210 gr up to 300 gr. The RT has a gas check. That is what I use on my 44 45 this helps to keep the leading down. LEE also have some good molds that have gas checks they are what I have 240 gr and the 310 gr. GOOD LUCK on what ever you do