444 LE Stress Test PIC Heavy

[CBinNH]

I posted this over at Marlinowners. Thought I'd drop it here too if anyone was interested. Bowtieshooter's wet Walnut test inspired me to try one of my own today. I used a chunk of dry White Ash from my cordwood pile. First, the launchpad, a early 70's 444S. All shots from 50 yards. Note the high tech test medium splitter.
Here is the with the grain shot. A little over 5" penetration.

Bullet starts at 265 gr., main surviving lump ended up at 202.1.

Against the grain was a bit harder on the bullet. A little over 4" penetration.

Main expanded portion was 188.7 gr when I dug it out. This was a twisted grain chunk of wood.

After the wood test I had to see if the barn's broadside was in any danger.
The rifle has a Lyman peep sight.

Overall, I think the bullet held up fairly well to my dry hardwood test. I really like it's accuracy, even with my old Micro-groove. Should be fine for any deer I'll come across. I may have to try the component bullets. Anybody got a load that compares with the LE stuff using the LE bullet?
Chris

[rjohns94]

Great post, impressive results, accuracy. nice rifle.

[JOHNNY WACKO]

Nice job on this presentation Thanks for sharing it.I have one of those too and its a good shooter also.I watched my friend wap a pop can off a stump so far away i couldn't see it till it flew up when hit.

[Blaine]

Not bad for a .429 Long

Nah, I too have an early MG example. Like the 45-70, they are a do-it-all rifle for the most part.

[JohndeFresno]

Thank you for photos and test results!

[tman]

thank you, have the .444, but in in a winchester big bore.

[Modoc ED]

After the wood test I had to see if the barn's broadside was in any danger.
The rifle has a Lyman peep sight.

Overall, I think the bullet held up fairly well to my dry hardwood test. I really like it's accuracy, even with my old Micro-groove.

Now that's interesting. There have been reports that the LE will not shoot well from Micro-groove rifling and in fact, the end flaps of the .444 Hornady LeveRevolution 265gr boxes state that it is to be used in 1:20 twist barrels only. However, some guys such-as-yourself report good results shooting the LE ammo from Micro-groove rifling. I have a .444 MarlinS that was made in 1979 with of course, Micro-groove rifling. It's a good shooter with jacketed and cast bullets. I've not tried the LE ammo.

At any rate, good shooting and thanks for the report.

[CBinNH]

Thanks for the replies gents. Modoc, I have only tried this ammo at 100 yards once. I thought the target was showing slightly oblong holes. It was also not tacked down solidly against the backboard. Next range time I'll have to trudge through the snow a bit further for a distance stability test. (And tack down my target.)
EDIT I just checked the 4 boxes of LE ammo I have & none have the 1in 20 only warning. 2 different lots.

[Modoc ED]

Thanks for the replies gents. Modoc, I have only tried this ammo at 100 yards once. I thought the target was showing slightly oblong holes. It was also not tacked down solidly against the backboard. Next range time I'll have to trudge through the snow a bit further for a distance stability test. (And tack down my target.)
EDIT I just checked the 4 boxes of LE ammo I have & none have the 1in 20 only warning. 2 different lots.

Now that's odd. I've seen it myself on boxes of .444 LE. Maybe Hornady has dropped it from the boxes. It might be worth a call to Hornady.