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New Lee 310gr 44 & bbs
Posted: Sun Apr 30, 2023 5:36 pm
by Vaquero
Well as it turned out, it was ended early by the dang wind, but I did get in a few shots before disaster struck.
Here are the bullets after powder coating, I added gas checks to have and "was" going to see if or what the difference may be.

- 20230430_130208.jpg (1.41 MiB) Viewed 1115 times
This is the gc'd version.
15 grs of 2400
OAL 1.60

- 20230430_161645.jpg (203.5 KiB) Viewed 1115 times
And right after this the wind kicked up and crashed the small picnic table on the patio with the two rifles and a pair of Rugers, ammo.
Heck of a mess, and yes the Henry and Marlin both have some scars.
Anyway it does look like this mold is going to show some promise.
The SBH didn't do to well at that distance.
I put 5 rds through the Vaquero and it was manageable, but you wouldn't want to shoot it long.
I needed a cold one after all that.
RP
Re: New Lee 310gr 44 & bbs
Posted: Sun Apr 30, 2023 10:16 pm
by The Happy Kaboomer
I use the Lee 310 in my 444 Marlin for deer.......It's a killer at 1904 FPS avg speed.
Re: New Lee 310gr 44 & bbs
Posted: Sun Apr 30, 2023 10:17 pm
by fortyshooter
That target looks good for groups. Man sorry to see what the wind did!
Re: New Lee 310gr 44 & bbs
Posted: Mon May 01, 2023 8:08 am
by Vaquero
The Happy Kaboomer wrote: ↑Sun Apr 30, 2023 10:16 pm
I use the Lee 310 in my 444 Marlin for deer.......It's a killer at 1904 FPS avg speed.
That's the plan with these, just wanted to test them in the 44 also.
Later this week I will again try to get a few on paper.
RP
Re: New Lee 310gr 44 & bbs
Posted: Mon May 01, 2023 8:12 am
by Vaquero
fortyshooter wrote: ↑Sun Apr 30, 2023 10:17 pm
That target looks good for groups. Man sorry to see what the wind did!
Thanks, not bad for the first try.
Yep, still bummed about it, one good thing is both are older rifles, and have a few imperfections already

.
RP
Re: New Lee 310gr 44 & bbs
Posted: Mon May 01, 2023 11:36 am
by FreeNHim
I feel your pain, never a good time when that happens.
Bright side, looks like you’re well on the way to developing a nice load.
Re: New Lee 310gr 44 & bbs
Posted: Mon May 01, 2023 7:00 pm
by 220
Battle scars are just a fact of life with any rifle that gets used.
Still sucks when it happens but a lot more fun to shoot and hunt with them than simply sit and admire them.
I have the same mould, only tried one powder and best I got was 2" groups at 50y. Was hoping for better but good enough for a bit of hog hunting to 100y.
Re: New Lee 310gr 44 & bbs
Posted: Mon May 01, 2023 9:34 pm
by Vaquero
220 wrote: ↑Mon May 01, 2023 7:00 pm
Battle scars are just a fact of life with any rifle that gets used.
Still sucks when it happens but a lot more fun to shoot and hunt with them than simply sit and admire them.
I have the same mould, only tried one powder and best I got was 2" groups at 50y. Was hoping for better but good enough for a bit of hog hunting to 100y.
No doubt about it, I cringed at first, but that was it.
Both were bought used a fair prices when purchased for their conditions.
Like you I shoot and hunt with most of mine and know that just like any tool you use.
It will show at some point.
Besides I don't plan to sell any more of them and it will be the kids and grandkids worry.
I'm just shootin and huntin with 'em til I can't.
RP
Re: New Lee 310gr 44 & bbs
Posted: Fri May 05, 2023 7:21 am
by ruhler
Vaquero wrote: ↑Mon May 01, 2023 8:08 am
The Happy Kaboomer wrote: ↑Sun Apr 30, 2023 10:16 pm
I use the Lee 310 in my 444 Marlin for deer.......It's a killer at 1904 FPS avg speed.
That's the plan with these, just wanted to test them in the 44 also.
Later this week I will again try to get a few on paper.
RP
Will be looking forward to that report, Have a 444p "outfitter" and these bullets only tried them in 44mag. What alloy (bhn) maybe it doesnt matter with powdercoating, what size do you use? .432?
Re: New Lee 310gr 44 & bbs
Posted: Fri May 05, 2023 9:12 am
by Vaquero
They dropped .430, I wish they were larger.
Not sure how they are going to work in the 444's, but
they did shoot fairly well in the Henry 44 though.
Suppose to be a rainy weekend so it may be next week before I can try them in the fo fo fo.
I have read that others have had good results with them, so I'm hopeful.
RP