left to right: 240 grain Hornady HP/XTP, 270 grain JSP Speer Gold Dot, 300 grain Hornady HP/XTP. Bullets were selected for weight, rather than construction. While the 270 grain Speer is ideal for the 444 Marlin for medium size game; deer, hogs and black bear, the other two bullets are operating slightly above the recommended muzzle velocity, however, Hornady does list both in their reloading handbook for this cartridge, along with a more recently introduced 265 grain Hornady FTX. Alternative bullets for the 444 Marlin that may be good choices are the 250 grain Nosler Partition and both 260 grain and 320 grain cast bullets. |
Warning: Bullet selections are specific, and loads are not valid with substitutions of different bullets of the same weight. Variations in bullet length will alter net case capacity, pressure and velocity. Primer selection is specific and primer types are not interchangeable. These are maximum loads in my firearms and may easily be excessive in others. All loads should be reduced by 2%, and developed following safe handloading practices as represented in established reloading manuals produced by component manufacturers. Presentation of these loads does not constitute a solicitation for their use, nor a recommendation.
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Firearm: H&R Handi-RifleThe most stand out issue encountered was powder selection. There are a number that will work just fine, however, the 444 Marlin’s requirement straddles the very slow magnum handgun powder, very fast rifle powder line. Next time I’ll take a look at Ramshot X-Terminator and maybe Norma 200 or 201.
Alliant 2400 was selected for the light load because it seems to have uniformity of pressure change, either low or high density charges. I’ve used it for light loading the 500 Jeffery with cast bullets and other similar large volume cases with small charges. In this case, the charge generates about 20,000 PSI. Some powders that were meant for low pressure application, H110 comes to mind, that are erratic in less than full case charges and don’t lend themselves to this type of application.
Wrapping it up….
The Harrington & Richardson Handi-Rifle is a well made firearm that would be a very effective firearm for anyone hunting with a single shot rifle… which should be just about anyone. It is low cost, reliable and accurate. The 444 Marlin is a close in heavy hitter. For someone who likes to experiment with a variety of cartridges, one who handloads, or someone who wants to get the most out of a single firearm, the barrel exchange program is a terrific opportunity. For more information, stop by Harrington & Richardson.
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