Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Ask The Gunwriters .430 265g Horn. FTX in .44mag?

Gentlemen; I have had come into my possession some of the Hornady .430 265g FTX bullets and was considering using them in my wife's .44 mag Marlin 1894. In order for the rounds to feed properly the cases need to be trimmed to 1.1 of an inch, when seated appropriately for crimping about .5 of an inch of bullet extends into the case. I realize the bullets are listed for the .444 Marlin on the Hornady website.

Is it prudent to attempt to load these or should I stick with the 240g Hornady XTPs I also have on hand?

Thank you in advance for your comments. GRF

The case needs to be cut to use the 225gr XFT in the 44, I doubt cutting the case short will result in enough clearance for the longer 265gr to work in the cartridge. The bullet was IIRC designed for the 444 and not intended for the 44 mag.

Been wrong before though.

I think you need the 240 FXT for your revolver.

Marlin 1894...rifle. Thanks GRF

GTF: Instead of trimming the case, trim the cartridge lifter on the Marlin action. Instructions are on Beartooth Bullets website.

Given the results I've had and I've seen others get with the 240 grain XTP in revolvers and carbines, I think I'd be reluctant to spend time and energy doing the requisite tinkering to make a trick bullet of questionable advantage work in your Marlin. Just my opinion.

Can't you seat it to max 44 coal and use the Lee factory crimp die?

That is what I do in my 444 marlin with the .429" 300 grain sierra which is meant for the 44 mag.

There are no issues with the 240 grain, it was 265 g FTX meant for the .444 I was pondering. Thanks GRF

I was talking about the 265.

Don't think the bullet will open as well at the lower velocities... but wouldn't matter if you are just punching paper...

I have loaded the 225 gr FTX in my 444... but then again, that was behind a load of Trail Boss, so we are talking like 900 fps MV....but I let one of the local kids use it for deer hunting this fall... the local deer population didn't cooperate real well tho...not showing up at the given times..