44 special OAL

[Cal Mason]

Hello first time posting. I am shooting a 44mag lever action Marlin but using 44 specials. When reloading 240 gr jacketed I have no problem, once the gunsmith worked on it ,with jamming. When I use 240gr lead SWC I get a periodic jam. I think I might have a problem with the OAL on the SWC. If it is jamming should I go longer or shorter on the OAK. My Rossi in 45LC has no problems with whatever I feed it but want the 44 for a back up when I start shooting SASS, which should be next month.

Thanks
Rick

[joec]

Hello first time posting. I am shooting a 44mag lever action Marlin but using 44 specials. When reloading 240 gr jacketed I have no problem, once the gunsmith worked on it ,with jamming. When I use 240gr lead SWC I get a periodic jam. I think I might have a problem with the OAL on the SWC. If it is jamming should I go longer or shorter on the OAK. My Rossi in 45LC has no problems with whatever I feed it but want the 44 for a back up when I start shooting SASS, which should be next month.

Thanks
Rick

Now if you are talking 44 mag in a rifle I would say based on my loading books and the bullet you listed wood be 1.560 to 1.602 with out knowing the exact bullet used. Make a few dummy rounds at different length and test them is my best suggestion.

[Abilene]

OAL certainly may make a difference, but SWC bullets do not have a good reputation for smooth feeding in a lot of rifles.  RNFP, which can be had in 240gr, might be the ticket.  But like joec said, load up some SWC dummies at different lengths and see if that helps.  If not, try the RNFP.

[Cal Mason]

I picked up some 240 gr Speer Plinkers. This all the shop had in 240gr for 44. I guess I will put it away and use it for my 44mag revolver. For some unknown reason Lead 240s for 44s are hard to find in Long Beach CA. I guess I will do an Internet order. I see RNFP in the future of this lever gun.

Thanks
Rick

[Gripmaker]

Rcksil,   Your problem may be that your OAL is too short. I also have a 44 mag in Win. model 92 and have to load 44 spl to mag length or a tad shorter (not much) to get SWCs to load.  If you have to go to RNFP, check out Matt's Bullets outof Arkansas.  His products are great and prices even greater. He is a fine man to deal with and with me has been honest to a fault.

God Bless and shoot safe.
Larry Little aka Gripmaker
www.gripmaker.com

[Cal Mason]

Larry
Thanks for the information I will give it a shot.

Rick

[cpt dan blodgett]

I recognize my Rossi is not a marlin but I have found my rossi feeds SWC better if they have a pretty good round crimp vs a light crimp where the square wall of the case can drag in the chamber.

[Izzoquazzo]

I use a 200gr Round Nose Flat Point bullet and 7.0 grs of Unique in my Marlin for CAS., COL at 1.44", never had a problem.

[WaddWatsonEllis]

Hi,

I am not sure if this will help, but it is fun reading anyway:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.44_Special

TTFN,