Finally Made Up My Mind

[Wildgoose]

After about a week or two of hem-hawing around about it I finally ordered the 44 Mag lever gun I have been thinking about. The choice was between Rossi, Marlin and Henry. The Henry won out. Waiting now for a blue steel 44 Mag Big Boy. My next move will be to figure out what to get in the way of a bullet mold for it. Any one have any recommendations for what would make a good all round cast slug for this gun? I have only owned pistols in 44 Mag prior to now so some advice or recommendations on cast lead rifle bullets in 44 Mag would be welcome.

[GunnyMack]

A few months ago I got a BB in 41 mag, I had some issues with fouling. Long story short STAY AWAY from plated bullets! I have not shot any cast stuff yet, but I finally found a load that will produce 1&1/2" groups at 50.
Look for my post, New Henry New to Forum for the whole story.
I do think you are going to love your BB!

[Griff]

From my experience, getting the rifle first and slugging the barrel will put you dollars ahead, rather than guessing and getting bullets, or a boolit mold that won't be large enough for YOUR bore. 2ndly, once you determine the needed diameter, get a mold that will cast a RFN (round flat nose), as you'll have far less issues with feeding, than most of the SWC bullet noses. And, if you're not into casting, (you should be), you'll at least KNOW what dia. bullet to buy...

[Grizz]

After about a week or two of hem-hawing around about it I finally ordered the 44 Mag lever gun I have been thinking about. The choice was between Rossi, Marlin and Henry. The Henry won out. Waiting now for a blue steel 44 Mag Big Boy. My next move will be to figure out what to get in the way of a bullet mold for it. Any one have any recommendations for what would make a good all round cast slug for this gun? I have only owned pistols in 44 Mag prior to now so some advice or recommendations on cast lead rifle bullets in 44 Mag would be welcome.

bore diameter is one metric... rifling twist rate is what determines the range of bullet weights and lengths the gun will excel with.

what is the twist rate of your henry?

[Rusty]

From my experience, getting the rifle first and slugging the barrel will put you dollars ahead, rather than guessing and getting bullets, or a boolit mold that won't be large enough for YOUR bore. 2ndly, once you determine the needed diameter, get a mold that will cast a RFN (round flat nose), as you'll have far less issues with feeding, than most of the SWC bullet noses. And, if you're not into casting, (you should be), you'll at least KNOW what dia. bullet to buy...

With a .44 rifle this is of the utmost importance. Most people think a .44 mag should shoot a .429 bullet. That is only standard for a pistol. My H&R Handi rifle in .44 Mag has a .432 bore.

[piller]

Once you have slugged the bore, contact Ranch Dog and get his input. He can make the mold for you to do what you want. I don't have one of his molds, but several people I know do have them. They all are pleased with them.

[Blaine]

I thought an oversized bullet mold was sort of common, and that the product could be run thru the sizer for a proper size?

[41 Redhawk]

I thought an oversized bullet mold was sort of common, and that the product could be run thru the sizer for a proper size?

Particularly in 44 it would not be uncommon for a mold to cast around .430 or .431 as they are geared to handguns. If you need .432 you would be out of luck.

[Blaine]

I thought an oversized bullet mold was sort of common, and that the product could be run thru the sizer for a proper size?

Particularly in 44 it would not be uncommon for a mold to cast around .430 or .431 as they are geared to handguns. If you need .432 you would be out of luck.

Nah, there are all sorts of .432 molds out there. Not on every street corner, but they are there. Ranch Dog, and Lee, por exemplo.

[hayabusa]

You can always beagle the mold.

hayabusa

[Blaine]

You can always beagle the mold.

hayabusa

What's that?

[41 Redhawk]

I don't disagree with your comment Blaine. That said there are a lot of molds for 44s that cast at .430, my RCBS 2t0gr Keith being one of them. It would be real easy for someone to grab a mold and not paying attention get one that casts smaller than desired.

I believe beagling is enlarging the mold either by shimming it or using polishing compound and a bullet.

[Blaine]

I don't disagree with your comment Blaine. That said there are a lot of molds for 44s that cast at .430, my RCBS 2t0gr Keith being one of them. It would be real easy for someone to grab a mold and not paying attention get one that casts smaller than desired.

I believe beagling is enlarging the mold either by shimming it or using polishing compound and a bullet.

I don't want to fly a false flag. I don't cast, and I don't think I'll outlive the supplies I've laid in. A couple of molds, say for .357mag, and 30 caliber might not be a bad idea.

[Wildgoose]

From my experience, getting the rifle first and slugging the barrel will put you dollars ahead, rather than guessing and getting bullets, or a boolit mold that won't be large enough for YOUR bore. 2ndly, once you determine the needed diameter, get a mold that will cast a RFN (round flat nose), as you'll have far less issues with feeding, than most of the SWC bullet noses. And, if you're not into casting, (you should be), you'll at least KNOW what dia. bullet to buy...

I got the casting part covered.

I haven't been able to find any listing for the twist rate or bore diameter for the Henry rifles. So, as you suggest I will just wait and slug the bore to get a starting point. Thanks for the tip on sticking with the flat nose type that's good to know. Its what I have used for my Marlin in 35 Rem for lever gun silhouette with good results.

[M. M. Wright]

I'll bet a phone call or e-mail to Henry will get you an answer about the twist rate. They'll even tell you the bore diameter but slug it anyway as that's an excellent time to feel for tight spots.