2026 - 44-40 Sailboat Lead Targets

[Bryan Austin]

It has been a while since I last hunted on Jan 1st, 2026. I finally got a chance to get back on the 44-40 buzz!

As you already know I picked up a sailboat a while back and got all of the lead cut out, melted and recast into bars. I am trying to learn how to cast with the near pure lead. The lead is not a cheap cast, but it does have its limits...or at least my ability does. I just cast a few at about 825 degrees, and that seems to be the temp it likes so far. The cast lead drops at 220gr. When I first started with Reloder 7, I was using 220gr lead bullets, but eventually dropped down to 215gr. I prefer the 220...and it was the 220's that gave me the best groups at that time.

Hopefully I will get these loaded up soon and report back with some targets to show. Keep your fingers crossed.

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[Bill in Oregon]

Following.

[GunnyMack]

Sailboat lead... does that mean you lost your guns in a boating accident?

How much lead did you get off the boat?

[earlmck]

The only guns I'm using with black powder are the 40/65 buffalo gun and 45/70 trapdoor for which I add in about 5% tin to get approximately a 20:1 alloy which casts real nice at my usual 700 degree setting. If those pure lead bullets don't get you the accuracy you are hoping for you can add in a bit of tin to get 'em a little harder.

Didn't old Elmer Keith like a 16: 1 lead/tin mix? Or maybe it was even 10:1. Anyway, "A bit of butter (or tin) may make the bitter batter better"

[Bryan Austin]

I am using straight sailboat lead for the tests. I got 850 lbs, which I gave half to a friend. I have another 300 lbs from another boat.

I wont be mixing anything with it for the 44-40....since this is a 44-40 topic.

I expect the accuracy to "open-up" for several reason, me being #1...LOL

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[Griff]

My new Lyman Mag 25 has a built in PID controller and I run my mix (6:1 Lead:Linotype) at 710-715ºF. My pure lead pot (for casting .526 & .375 round balls), with an external PID controller, I run @ 675-685ºF.

Have you tested your boat-keel lead? Most boat keels contain 3-6% antimony to add hardness and improve casting flow while reducing shrinkage. IMO 825ºF is way too hot. Depends on where and how you're casting, outside and dipping vs. using a bottom pour pot in a relatively still environment?

[Bryan Austin]

I really had no idea I would have to write a ten page description of what I have done vs what I will be doing.....maybe I will just keep it all private and enjoy my fun.

As I already mentioned...boat lead, no tweaking, no mixing...as is...and see how it performs...that is the point.

[earlmck]

No worries mate. Just a couple of your buddies a mild bit concerned that if you are really having to go to 800 degrees to cast there could be some health issues of lead in the atmosphere...

[Bryan Austin]

No worries mate. Just a couple of your buddies a mild bit concerned that if you are really having to go to 800 degrees to cast there could be some health issues of lead in the atmosphere...

Yeah, was not intended for this to be a "How To" topic...just a "what I am experiencing" share...

It was taking 800 degrees to get a full 20lb pot to cast consistent. A full pot is never needed (insert lower temps here for less filled pot), just telling folks what it was taking, and what my changes would be...not what or what is not healthy. Cutting up an 850lb keel into 35lb chunks and melting into 1lb ingots....glad I didn't explain any of those endeavors!

I really have no desire to give in depth details of what or what not is good/healthy, safe etc. You already know my typing skills are horrible enough as it is. I will just let it go and move on to my next enjoyment.

The target results will be posted on the 44-40 website eventually.

[Bryan Austin]

The 44-40 website has been updated to add the start of the 2026 targets and 2026 hunting pages.

I did shoot one groundhog at 100 yards yesterday, but I refused to climb up and get it. I will take photos of those easier to retrieve

https://sites.google.com/view/44winches ... authuser=0

[Bryan Austin]

Finally made a new 1874 No. 1 target.

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[Griff]

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[AJMD429]

You already know my typing skills are horrible enough as it is. I will just let it go and move on to my next enjoyment.

On a lot of computers you can push Control-H or 'Windows'-H and Then a little microphone icon pops up on your screen and you can just talk and it will pretty accurately type what you say.

[AJMD429]

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The 44-40 website is interesting..... Now I need to look for a 32-20 one....

[Bryan Austin]

4-22-2026

See details here: https://sites.google.com/view/44winches ... 26-targets

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[piller]

You already know my typing skills are horrible enough as it is. I will just let it go and move on to my next enjoyment.

On a lot of computers you can push Control-H or 'Windows'-H and Then a little microphone icon pops up on your screen and you can just talk and it will pretty accurately type what you say.

How does it do with accents and odd spellings? Round about hyar, omeprazole is pernounced Oh My Per Zoe Lee.

[Bryan Austin]

Today's target went much better.
A couple of shots for placement, scope adjusted....then the barrage!!!

221.5gr with 25.5gr of Reloder 7

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Numbers do not reflect shot sequence order.

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[Bryan Austin]

Last 7 shots video
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1efJAoU ... sp=sharing

[Bryan Austin]

1870's score card

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[Bryan Austin]

added today's target and video

https://sites.google.com/view/44winches ... 26-targets

[piller]

Get a teenager to wade across the creek and set up the targets. Pay them back with instruction and a chance to learn to be a good shot.