444 hand loads vs. new Leverevolution?

lovethebigguns · 04-19-2006, 10:27 AM

Has anyone out there had any experience with the Hornady Leverevolution in the 444 yet?

I was just about set on buying dies and realoading for my 444's and then I ran across an article for these saying that they get 2325 fps for velocity and 3180 lbs of energy!! They only are supposed to drop 1.4" at 200 yards!!

What I'm asking is have any of you ever been able to handload anything comprable??

Thanks for your time!
Scottie

Charley · 04-20-2006, 08:48 PM

I don't think the .444 ammunition is available yet, just .30/30 and .35 Remington. Handloads with flatnose bullets won't be able to match the pointed bullets Hornady is using in the leverevelution for trajectory or retained energy. Whether it is worth it or not depends on what you want to do with your rifle. Within 150 yards or so, you can load 300+ grain cast bullets, and launch then fast enough to be fairly flat shooting. They will beat most jacketed bullets for penetration. How many people want to make 250 yards shots with a .444? I use mine on whitetail and hogs, were I to hunt elk, I wouldn't feel handicapped at 150 yards with heavy cast bullets. If you want more information on heavy .444 loads, look at Beartooth Bullet's website. Go to the technical section, and read the four part article on the .444. The best reference on the cartridge available today, in my opinion.

iloveto4x4innc · 04-22-2006, 11:25 AM

I can't comment on the .444, but I have seen how the 30-30 shoots with them. They shoot pretty flat out of it. If we were so inclined, we could use the 30-30 on some of our 300yd shooting lanes and not feel handicapped by it. (I actually prefer my 300WM for everything but swamp hunting. But the boss loves his 30-30 and can switch from the swamp to the towers and not have to switch guns now.) Good luck with the 444.

martinfaw · 05-05-2006, 10:29 PM

Hornaday knows their stuff, not only do the pointed bullets buck the wind
better they also blend the powders together and the bullet leaves the muzzle a lot faster. I don't think you can even get close reloading.

http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/leverevolution.asp

bronko22000 · 05-12-2006, 04:15 AM

I'm a bit skeptical of Hornady's ballistics. Looking at their web site and comparing the 170 gr FP vs the 160 Leverevolution its pretty hard to believe that a bullet 10 grains lighter traveling only 10 FPS faster (2400 vs 2390) can have 144 more ftlbs of energy at the muzzle. I could seea difference at 300 yds due to the BC difference of the 2 bullets.

BFR · 05-12-2006, 10:23 PM

Hornady's standard 444 light mag loads are hot compared to factory Rem's. They shoota few inches higher @ 100yds.in my Marlin. I would imagine that the lever evolution 444's will be as potent as they can be.
This looks like a great elk load out to 200 yds or so.

James B · 05-15-2006, 07:13 AM

I would get the dies. There is a good chance that the Evelution bullet will be available to reloaders sometime soon. If not, you can build some good handloads to meet most of your needs.

fornra@yahoo.com · 05-21-2006, 05:20 PM

I've allways been a little wary of the formula's used to ger muzzle energy and I don't believe every thing I read. But I'd like to know if thoes energy figures were for the muzzle or were they for 100 yds.Due to the shape of the bullets that difference wouldn't be to far fetched at 100yds. And as for the need to reload, who needs one, thats half the fun in shooting. If you need to shoot something at 300 yds with your 444 then use the Lever Evelotion ammo , but 99% of the time normal reloads taylored to your rifle will do all thats needed, and I challenge you to find any critter that will tell you the difference!