Time to continue load development with my .44-77.

[Distant Thunder]

I cast another 100 of the 1.350" long and 50 at 1.405" long. This time I got the mold set right at 1.350" or better said So the bullets come out at 1.350", there seems to be some shrink to figure in on the length and much more so than on the diameter.

I believe the 1.350 which from my mold are 490 grains +/- would carry to 1000 yards alright, but I have to think a 510 grain would be a little bit better. Enough to worry about? Probably not.

According to the computer a 17-twist .44 caliber should be able to handle up to, "up to" are key words, 1.470" long. I always like to stay a bit short of the maximum and in .44 I'm thinking just a shade over 1.400" would be about right. A lot depends on more things than I can calculate and the only way to know for sure is to shoot the bullet you have chosen and shoot it a lot.

I'm hoping to shoot a few tomorrow morning.