I'm loading XTP 240gr 44 mag in a Marlin 1894 lever action and I was wondering if it would be safe to throw specs out the window when it comes to seating depths. If I load to cannelure I will have a bullet jump of about .140. No I did not forget to add a zero to that last measurement. If I load out to the lands I will have @ .230 left in the brass. (1/2 cal). Can I find a load for this like my other rifles .05, .015, .025 etc without my neighbors reading about me in the local fishwrap?
Loading to the cannelure w/ 24.8gr of win296 and cci mag primers it averages 1.25" groups. I know this is acceptable for this rifle, but I like to fiddle.

Thanks

That is pretty good accuracy for a lever gun.

I never loaded for a lever gun, but I always heard that a crimp is necessary.

Will the longer rounds cycle through the action? If so, maybe you could use a Lee factory crimp die to put the crimp elsewher on the bullet? I have used bullets with only 1/2 cal buried in the case quite successfully on bolt guns.

Don

Hey ssleefl, I agree with Don's post. You are getting some nice accuracy. He is also correct about if the cartridge is too long, it will jam your action and potentially be a real trick to get out.

If you try this anyhow, I'd suggest you use an "unprimed case" and just barely resize the mouth to hold a bullet. Then when it jams, you "might" be able to force the bullet back into the case enough to allow it to complete the cycle. At least it won't be dangerous.

You might find that you really don't want to give up a good strong crimp into the cannelure on the 357Mag and 44Mag cartridges. A strong crimp is a big help in providing clean, consistant Powder burns which gets the Velocity up in those cases.

For what it is worth, I have a 35cal rifle that put 9-shots "completely inside" a 1" square with a bullet that jumps 0.280" to reach the Lead.

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Good hunting and clean 1-shot kills, Hot Core