I've been reloading handgun cartridges for about 8 years and have a pretty good background and understanding. However, the 444 is my first attempt at a rifle cartridge and I had a few questions. I'm loading for my 444P Outfitter.

1. I was prepping a batch of once-fired Remington brass and discovered that after resizing the batch of about 150, the case OAL was between 2.215" and 2.223" with the majority falling in right around 2.219". I realize that consistancy is the key to accuracy, but from a strictly safety standpoint, is this amount of case OAL variation alright for standard pressure loads using 240gr and 270 gr jacketted bullets? Later down the road when I start really trying to wring out the accuracy, what would be an acceptable minimum OAL case trim-to-length. I plan on using mostly BTB cast bullets 350gr's and under?

2. I'm using Hornady New Dimension full-length dies for everything except crimping, which will be done by a Lee FCD. I noticed that after resizing the inside case diameter is substantially tighter than the 270gr/.430" Speer bullets. Even my Star 240gr/428" bullets required about 3.5-4 full truns of the expander die to allow seating the bullets. I'm used to just a little "bell" expansion with .45ACP and this large (~0.115") expansion depth concerned me a bit.

3. Because of the initial case "tightness" I expected the loaded case to be a bit "bulged" around the bullet after seating, but that didn't occur. Could it be that my brass is still a little new and just hasn't "thinned" out yet?

4. Are the loads on BTB Load Swap maximum powder loads? What percentage of powder charge is a good starting place with the posted loads? I was guessing about 80-85% to start.

5. I bought #8 egg sinkers ("Water Gremlins" from Gander Mountain) for barrel slugging. The package says they contain lead but doesn't say if they're pure lead. Has anyone used these? I'll head to the hardware store tomorrow and buy a wooden dowell rod.

I'd appreciate any input. This is much more powerful cartridge than I'm accustomed to loading and wanted to make sure I wasn't overlooking anything so far. I appreciate any input and feedback.