What reloading bullet should I use for 44mag Lever?

Question

I have picked the following projectiles and need to chose the best one for my 44magnum lever action Marlin to shoot pigs.I don't want to purchase them all and try each one out. They are: Hornady TXP or Nosler Partition.

Answer 1

I should probably stay out of this discussion, but here goes anyway.



As all my friends will tell you, any time the discussion turns to .44 RemMag loads, I will eventually say something along the lines of, "In my opinion, the .44 Magnum is best with cast bullets."



In 20 years of reloading for .44 RemMag revolvers and rifles, I doubt if I've loaded over 100 rounds of jacketed bullets. I am a great believer in hard cast bullets, especially semi-wadcutter designs.



I'd start my load development using a 240-250 grain hard cast SWC and Unique. If that didn't work out, I'd try some 275-325 grain Long Wide Nose bullets from Cast Bullet Technology and try Unique, Win 296, and H-110.



If you can't kill a deer with a 240 gr. SWC, or a 300 grain LWN, you need to do some target practice.



Doc

Answer 2

I have loaded TXP in another caliber and like it. No dealings with the partition.

My 44 load for a Ruger Redhawk and 1894 Marlin is IMI 240 grain Soft Point. with cannelure. I think I got them from Natches a few years ago. Bulk 1,000 rounds



Used with great success on So. Tx. Feral Hogs

Answer 3

You have to be careful here. Some bullets may not feed well in your gun. Wadcutters are famous for this. Also if you have the micro-groove rifling cast bullets may foul it. Look for a bullet with a roundish profile.Nothing with a big flat on the front. If you have already shot the gun and are happy with it's feeding use those bullets seated to the same lenght.

Answer 4

Both Hornady XTP and Nosler Partition are hollow point bullets and they are better suited for handguns. Hollow points bullets will expand too rapidly at carbine velocities. For carbines, I'd use jacketed soft point bullets instead. Speer jacketed soft points are pretty nice. 240gr Remington JSP bullets are okay too. If you prefer hollow points, Barnes XPB bullets will held up pretty well at carbine velocities.

Answer 5

250 grain.*