looking for some starting loads to use for deer. Using a converted nef single shot that shoots jacketed bullets great but no luck so far with lead. thanks for any help. bill

Slug the barrel.

Spend a good amt. of time scouring the jacket material out of the NEF barrel. Make sure your rifle barrel is clean.
Then work up your loads. The .444 should shoot cast extremely well. I have a friend with one in a Model 336 Marlin that shoots lights out with the Lee 310...

Hi Bill,
I agree, slug the bore. I cast/size mine .431 for the .430 bore of my Marlin .444 & cast is all I shoot in it anymore. I use Lyman 429244 with 20.5 gr. Blue Dot & the Lee 310 is equally good. I used a big charge of H-335 with that Lee and I call it the KOBE load. Kills on both ends, My Marlin is micro-groove-they do shoot lead very well.

thanks Newtire, have mold on order. will try your loads with bullets from new mold. This thing started as a 44mag. I rechambered to 444 and with jacketed bullets (240 hornaday and 270 speer gold dot I have shot five-shot groups as small as .230 at 50yds. with issue trigger at 12 1/2 lbs. and 4x scope. Don't sell these things short as they can shoot very well. The only cast bullets I have tried so far is with the 250gr. keith type with unique and 2400 so have lots of powders left to try. Thanks again Bill

I forgot, barrel is clean and slugs at .430 so will try Newtire's loads. Thanks again, Bill