[Flat Top]

Just in from the range. The Safari Grade 444 project has met its goal. Today I pushed Marshalls 405 grain bullet to 2171 fps!...that is over 4000 ft lbs! There were no high pressure signs...nothing was amiss.... everything went according to plan....and, this modification has a lot more to give!!! All that is left now is to finalize an accurate load around 2150 fps (the ballistics of the 450-400 Nitro Express), and this will be a done deal. Also shot some 300's and pushed them to over 2400 fps (I am expecting to get around 2500+ fps when that project is complete. Over the years I have read and been told that the 444 Marlin cartridge in a Marlin lever gun is not up to taking large game. This modification "proves" without a doubt, that all that..... is nothing but B.S.!!!! With this modification the 444 in a Marlin lever gun can now take anything that walks the earth...period!

 

[Greg Koziol]

thats awesome, your probably the first person to create such a thing. That beats the .475 turbull which is also a lot bigger diameter and worse penetration and SD. What type of rifle is it in? I might have asked already. And what kind of sights and how big is the tubular mag.

 

[Flat Top]

Hey Greg! You probably recognize the rifle...2.5 Leupold....XS Ghost ring....gun holds four/five rounds. Yup, it is powerful, and the recoil is not all that bad....Its sure not as bad as my "444 Peashooter" project gun.

 

[Griz]

congrats.... still has to prove itself in the sweat-hot and humid enviro.... glad you're getting good results with it.... isn't it great when a plan comes together?

Best

Grizz

 

[Flat Top]

Grizz!!! Yes it is!!! As far as testing for Africa...we have the perfect conditions for that right here at home in St. Louis!!!! 100+ degree heat...and 100 % humidity...it dont get no better than that. All my testing was done in very cold weather, so I have no doubts about it working up north..........

 

[sawbuck]

GREAT
Never have doubted that you'd get your goal and am very pleased you did. Don't know if everyone realizes how powerful the 450-400 NE is but it will leave a run-away cement truck in the dust. Watching for your high temp/high humidity tests , THANKS

 

[Flat Top]

Thanks Sawbuck...I appreciate your interest and support. I will post results on future testing as it is done....stay tuned!

 

[don44]

I am real glad for you.

 

[Flat Top]

Thanks Don44!!!

 

[don44]

You're welcome. I know you've put a lot of time in on this and it seems to have paid off.

 

[NFG]

Flat Top...can you post a list of the things you did to your 444 as far as "action lengthening", barrel length, other mods?

What are the "built in" safety margin you talk about...Long throat or ??

Do you have any idea what pressures you are running with your405gr loads.

I have a Jes Rebored 336, 356 Win right now

I just ordered a 22", 1/38T, 22.5", 444S barrel from Gun Parts, dies from Midway and a box of 265gr WLFGC's from Marshall. I can do 2.68" COAL right now but would like to go a little bit longer...doing the work myself if possible...

Any directions/help is appreciated. Thanks

I have a 375 JDJ planned to start in April or May, and maybe a 416 - 444 or 284 in mind also, plus possibly rechambering the 356 to 358 JDJ.

LUCK

 

[TMan]

Just in from the range. The Safari Grade 444 project has met its goal. Today I pushed Marshalls 405 grain bullet to 2171 fps!...that is over 4000 ft lbs!

Flat Top, what are you using to get those numbers from a .444? Primers? Powder? Don't need load weight, I'd work up to that.

Recoil must be pretty "noticable"

 

[Flat Top]

TMan; You cannot get those numbers...this was done with a heavily "modified" rifle....matter of fact you cant get near enough powder in the case to even come close. I think, that around 1800 fps is all you can get with an unmodified Marlin and the 405 grain bullet, but, that is still a substantial amount of power for close range work.

 

[T.R.]

270 grain Speer is another sturdy bullet for the mighty 444.

TR

 

[Flat Top]

I wonder how that 270 would hold up at 2600 fps?