According to the National Firearms Survey, 32% of Americans personally own a firearm.
Reloading ammunition can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to shoot. If you are a fan of the .444 Marlin cartridge, you may find reloading to be a useful skill to develop. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know to reload .444 Marlin cartridges safely and accurately.
What is the .444 Marlin?
The .444 Marlin was developed by Marlin Firearms in the 1960s as a powerful cartridge for hunting large game at close to medium ranges. It is a rimmed cartridge, meaning that the base of the cartridge is wider than the body.
This makes it easy to extract from a lever-action rifle’s chamber. The .444 Marlin is typically loaded with bullets weighing between 240 and 300 grains and is capable of delivering muzzle energies of up to 3,000 foot-pounds.
Reloading .444 Marlin: Components
Reloading for.444 Marlin cartridges requires some specialized equipment, but it is not overly complicated. Below is a list of the basic tools and supplies you will need to get started.
- Brass cases: These are the metal casings that hold the other components of the cartridge which can be reused after being fired
- Bullets: These are the projectiles that are fired from the rifle .444 Marlin cartridges
- Powder: This is the propellant that generates the force needed to push the bullet out of the barrel
- Primers: These small metal components sit in the base of the brass case and ignite the powder when the cartridge is fired
- Reloading dies: These are specialized tools that are used to resize the brass cases, seat the primers, and seat the bullets
- Reloading press: This is the tool that holds the dies and applies pressure to the components to complete each step of the reloading process
- Powder scale: This is a tool used to accurately measure the weight of the powder being used in each cartridge
- Powder funnel: This is used to carefully pour the powder into the brass cases
- Powder trickler: This is a tool used to fine-tune the powder charge by adding small amounts of powder at a time until the desired weight is reached
- Case trimmer: This is used to trim the brass cases to the correct length after resizing
- Calipers: These are used to measure the overall length of the cartridge and ensure that it meets the specifications outlined in the reloading manual
How to Reload a .444 Marlin Cartridge: Step by Step Guide
The .444 Marlin cartridge is a popular choice for hunting big game and can be reloaded with ease. Reloading allows you to save money, tailor your ammunition to your specific needs, and ensure consistent and accurate shots.
To reload your .444 Marlin cartridge, follow the following steps:
Step 1: Clean and Inspect Brass Cases
Before beginning the reloading process, it is important to inspect each brass case carefully. Look for any signs of damage, such as cracks or dents, and discard any damaged .444 Marlin cases.
Clean each case thoroughly using a brass case cleaner or a tumbler to remove any dirt or residue. After cleaning, inspect each case again to ensure they are in good condition and can be safely reloaded.
Step 2: Resize Brass Cases
After inspecting and cleaning the .444 Marlin cases, it is time to resize them using a resizing die. This step is necessary to ensure the cases are within the correct specifications and can be properly chambered in your rifle.
Lubricate the cases with resizing lubricant to make the resizing process smoother and to prevent damage to the cases.
Step 3: Prime Cases
Once the brass cases have been resized, it is time to prime them. Install a priming die in your reloading press and use it to seat a primer in the base of each case.
Step 4: Charge Cases with Powder
With the cases primed, it is time to charge them with powder. Consult a reloading manual or the .444 Marlin reloading data guide to determine the appropriate amount of powder for your specific bullet and load. Use a powder scale to accurately measure the powder charge for each case.
Step 5: Seat Bullets
Once the cases are charged with powder, it is time to seat the bullets. Install a bullet seating die in your reloading press and adjust it to the appropriate depth for your specific bullet and load. Carefully place a bullet on top of each charged case and run it through the seating die to seat the bullet to the correct depth.
Step 6: Crimp Bullets
After the bullets have been seated to the correct depth, it is important to crimp them. This ensures that they are properly secured in the brass case. Use a crimping die to apply a crimp to each cartridge.
Be sure to follow the instructions provided with your crimping die and to check each crimp to ensure it is properly applied.
Step 7: Inspect and Test
After reloading your .444 Marlin bullets, it is important to inspect each cartridge carefully to ensure they are in good condition and to test them for safety and reliability. Check each cartridge for any signs of damage or defects, and ensure they are properly sized, primed, charged, and seated.
Test fire a few cartridges to ensure they function properly and to confirm they are accurate and reliable.
Safety Concerns and Precautions for Reloading the .444 Marlin
Reloading is a popular and rewarding activity for many gun enthusiasts. However, it is important to remember that reloading mistakes can be dangerous and even fatal.
When reloading the .444 Marlin, there are several safety concerns and precautions that should be taken to ensure that the process is safe and successful.
Wear Eye and Ear Protection
The reloading process can produce loud noises and debris. It is essential to wear proper eye and ear protection. This will help protect your eyes and ears from any potential hazards, such as flying debris or loud noises that can cause hearing damage.
Keep Powder and Primers Separated
Powder and primers should always be kept separated and stored in a cool, dry place away from heat sources and open flames. Do not smoke, eat or drink while reloading, as any sparks or flames could ignite the powder or primers and cause an explosion.
Start with Minimum Loads
When starting the reloading process, always begin with minimum loads and work your way up. This will help ensure that you do not exceed the maximum pressure and will also help you determine the optimal load for your rifle.
Keep a Record of Your Loads
Keep a detailed record of your loads, including the type of powder, primer, bullet weight, and overall length. This information will help you to replicate successful loads and avoid dangerous ones in the future.
Check Your Brass
Before reusing brass, inspect it for signs of wear or damage. Cracks, dents or bulges can cause dangerous malfunctions and should be recycled.
Reloading .444 Marlin FAQs
Before you dive too deep into the world of reloading, it’s important to have a solid understanding of the process and the equipment you’ll need. Below are some frequently asked questions on reloading .444 to help you learn more.
How Many Times Can I Reuse a .444 Marlin Cartridge Case?
It depends on the condition of the case after firing and the quality of the brass. In general, high-quality brass can be reloaded multiple times. However, it is important to inspect each case for signs of wear or damage before reusing it.
How Much Powder Should I Use for Reloading .444 Marlin Ammunition?
The amount of powder used for reloading .444 Marlin ammunition depends on the specific bullet weight and type as well as the intended use of the ammunition.
Always consult a reliable reloading manual and start with minimum loads, working up slowly while carefully monitoring the pressure.
What are the Benefits of Reloading .444 Marlin Ammunition?
Reloading .444 Marlin ammunition can save money compared to buying factory ammunition. It can also allow for customization of the load for practice purposes. Additionally, reloading can be a rewarding and educational hobby for gun enthusiasts.
How Much Powder Should I Use for Reloading .444 Marlin Ammunition?
The amount of powder used for reloading .444 Marlin ammunition depends on the specific bullet type and weight. The intended use of the ammunition may also dictate the amount of powder used.
Get Started Reloading Your .444 Marlin
Whether you’re a new or experienced reloader, this comprehensive guide will help you get started with the .444 Marlin or to help you increase your knowledge on the subject.
While there are many different tools and supplies necessary for reloading this cartridge, with a little research and preparation, you can easily pick up the skill required. The best part about learning how to reload is that it’s an incredibly useful skill that can save you money and keep your brass from piling up.
All kinds of bullets will be available to you if you reload your.444 Marlin with once fired brass. All you need to do to start reloading bullets is to purchase your first shipment of brass cases from Diamond K Brass right away. Shop online today.
