My apologies to those that were interested in this test. Summer family activities have gotten in the way, along with that pesky thing called work.

In a few notes before I post the velocity results:

1. Motivation was to avoid the full case required with most other powders with this cartridge, which makes bullet seating a pain in the fanny.
2. Because the aerodynamics of the bullets for this cartridge are NON existant, I did not feel getting the max velocity really was critical as it did not effect point blank range very much at all.
3. The bullets in this bore do not need max velocity to perform well also. Designed to open at the lower speeds of the 44 Mag, velocity is not critical. Bore size also did not make things critical. Hit the target in the right spot, you will have a big hole.
4. I chose the Hornady XTP for all tests except the 265 grain bullet. The XTP is just simply an inexpensive dazzling performer on ANYTHING.
5. The test rifle was a 1981 or 82 production 444, with the one in 38 inch twist. It is the most accurate lever action I have ever owned, period.
6. Blue Dot allowed recoil reduction also compared to factory loaded 240 grain FNs. I also had some private label 444 rounds with the 240 grain XTP and the 300 grain XTP that utilize ( I believe) H 322 or H 335 powder ( 50 grains). Recoil was noticably less with the Blue Dot loads. ( In my opinion.)

7. I also settled on max load being 50% of max capacity. The case held 51 grains ( just like the 30/06). Brass was Remington. The first tests I used from 15 grains to 24 grains.
Afterwards I loaded up three more rounds in each of the XTP loads from 25 to 27 grains for those " inquiring minds" on line here in the forum, that want to know what Max Max is .
I recommend personally 24 grains as maximum. You can go higher but velocity gains were minimal to non existant.

So: Here ya go folks:


Remington Brass, CCI large rifle primer, Blue Dot powder

200 grain XTP:
15 gr: 1474 fps 20 gr:: 1906 fps
16gr: 1607 fps 21 gr: 1888 fps
17 gr: 1603 fps 22 gr: 1925 fps
18 gr: 1688 fps 23 gr: 1969 fps
19 gr: 1804 fps 24 gr: 2127 fps

Afterwards:
25 gr: 2122 fps
26 gr; 2127 fps
27 gr: 2171 fps


240 grain XTP:

15 gr: 1361 fps 20 gr: 1769 fps
16 gr: 1477 fps 21 gr: 1829 fps
17 gr: 1561 fps 22 gr: 1872 fps
18 gr: 1635 fps 23 gr: 1930 fps
19 gr: 1695 fps 24gr: 1992 fps

Afterwards:
25 gr: 2020 fps
26 gr: 2075 fps
27 gr: 2084 fps


265 grain Hornady FN

15 gr: 1294 fps 20 gr: 1684 fps
16 gr: 1468 fps 21 gr: 1769 fps
17 gr; 1477 fps 22gr: 1830 fps
18 gr: 1570 fps 23 gr: 1872 fps
19gr: 1603 fps 24 gr: 1924 fps

Did not see any need for further testing with this bullet.
It performs fine at 1925 fps. It was proven after adding the other three grains to the 300 grain XTP, at 25 grains the bullet had too much case expansion for reliable extraction.


300 grain XTP ( MY Personal Favorite!)

15 gr: 1190 fps 20 gr: 1602 fps
16 gr: 1339 fps 21 gr: 1687 fps
17 gr: 1397 fps 22 gr: 1722 fps
18 gr: 1492 fps 23 gr: 1781 fps
19 gr: 1602 fps 24 gr: 1823 fps

afterwards:
25 gr: 1906 fps...... but expansion of case did not allow reliable extraction. It did not blow the primer, so If someone has the 444 in a bolt action ( someone was talking about conversion of a Moisant Nagant to 444) they may be able to go higher but I suggest 24 grains as max load.

The difference in velocity between 23 grains and 24 grains is 42 fps. The difference in trajectory is really non existant.


Final report as far as penetration capabilities, Myrtlewood trees used as a back stop...... well did the "toothpicks" and the saw dust fly. None one has to speculate about the rounds ability to penetrate or being up to maximum terminal performance capabilites. The XTP is very well named.

Cheers and Good shooting
seafire

Thanks for another great effort. It was not surprising to me that the 444 performed so well. I think this is a real sleeper in the woods for anyone wanting a deer and bear rifle that will anchor well and can be carried all day without a muscleman physique.
The velocities with the light (as in not capacity) loads are very repectable.
I hope to do some additional testing with my Hawk loads in a couple of weeks. I am testing my Chrono again today and will let you know how these do.
Frank

Thank you Seafire. And my .444 (one of the old ones with the 24" barrel) thanks you.

Like you, I have seen very few lever guns which match the .444 for inherent accuracy....like the .38 Special, I think they all want to shoot. Must be some serendipitous happenstance of the design.

Thanks again, with brown sugar on it.

AC