..44 (.429 / 10.90 mm) Bullets

.44 (.429 / 10.90 mm) bullets for reloading

Bullets in the .44 category generally have a diameter of .429 inch, which is approximately 10.90 mm. This bullet diameter is commonly used for reloading .44 Special, .44 Remington Magnum and .444 Marlin.

Although these cartridges may use the same bullet diameter, they differ considerably in case length, case capacity, overall cartridge length and pressure level. Always use load data developed specifically for the exact cartridge, bullet weight and bullet construction being used.

Which cartridges use .429-inch bullets?

Bullets with a diameter of approximately .429 inch are used for cartridges including:

• .44 Special – a rimmed cartridge commonly used in revolvers and certain lever-action rifles.
• .44 Remington Magnum – often shortened to .44 Magnum and featuring a longer case and higher pressure level than .44 Special.
• .444 Marlin – a longer rifle cartridge that also generally uses .429-inch bullets.
• .429 Desert Eagle – a modern bottleneck cartridge based on a shortened .50 AE case and using a .429-inch bullet.

Not every .429-inch bullet is automatically suitable for all these cartridges. Weight, length, profile, construction, crimp groove and available load data determine whether a specific bullet can be used.

.44 Special and .44 Magnum

.44 Special and .44 Remington Magnum generally use the same bullet diameter. The .44 Magnum case is longer, however, and the cartridge operates at a higher pressure level.

A firearm chambered only for .44 Special must not be used with .44 Magnum cartridges. A revolver or lever-action rifle approved by the manufacturer for .44 Magnum can generally also use suitable .44 Special cartridges. Always check the calibre marking and instruction manual of the specific firearm.

Load data for .44 Special and .44 Magnum is not interchangeable. Differences in case capacity and pressure level require separate load development.

.444 Marlin

.444 Marlin also generally uses a bullet with a diameter of .429 inch, but it is a longer rifle cartridge with different requirements from .44 Special and .44 Magnum.

Its larger case capacity and use in rifles may require different bullet weights, constructions and load data. Not every bullet suitable for a revolver cartridge is automatically suitable for .444 Marlin.

Always check whether the bullet construction, crimp groove, overall cartridge length and load rating are appropriate for the cartridge and specific rifle being used.

Why does .44 use a .429-inch bullet?

The calibre designation .44 does not directly correspond to the modern bullet diameter. The name originated from older measuring methods and historical cartridge designs.

Modern cartridges such as .44 Special, .44 Magnum and .444 Marlin generally use bullets with a diameter of approximately .429 inch. Older historical .44 cartridges may use different bullet diameters and should not automatically be included in this category.

Different types of .44 bullets

.44 bullets are available in different profiles, weights and constructions. The correct choice depends on the cartridge, firearm, barrel and available load data.

• Round Nose – a traditional bullet profile with a rounded nose.
• Flat Point – has a flat front and is commonly used for revolver and lever-action cartridges.
• Semi-Wadcutter – combines a flat nose with a pronounced shoulder.
• Wadcutter – a cylindrical bullet with a flat front.
• Hollow Point – features a cavity in the nose.
• Soft Point – has a partially exposed lead tip.
• Full Metal Jacket – the core is largely enclosed by a jacket.
• Copper-plated bullet – covered with a relatively thin copper layer.
• Cast lead bullet – available in different hardness levels, diameters and profiles.
• Coated bullet – a lead bullet with a protective coating.
• Monolithic bullet – manufactured from a single material such as copper or a copper alloy.

Flat Point and Semi-Wadcutter bullets

Flat Point bullets have a flat front and are widely used in .44 Special and .44 Magnum cartridges. This profile is available in lead, copper-plated and jacketed designs.

Semi-Wadcutter bullets have a flat nose and a pronounced shoulder. This profile generally creates clearly defined holes in paper targets and is commonly used in revolver cartridges.

When used in a lever-action rifle, check whether the bullet profile, overall cartridge length and crimp support reliable feeding from the magazine.

Choosing the correct bullet weight

Bullet weight is measured in grain. A wide range of weights is available for .44 cartridges, from relatively light bullets to heavy designs.

The correct weight depends on the cartridge, firearm, twist rate and available load data. A heavier bullet is generally longer and therefore occupies more space inside the case.

Bullets of the same weight are not automatically interchangeable. A cast lead, copper-plated, jacketed or monolithic bullet may have a different length and construction at the same weight. This affects seating depth, case capacity, crimp and pressure development.

Bullet diameter and fit

The standard diameter within this category is .429 inch. Cast or coated lead bullets may also be available in slightly different diameters depending on barrel dimensions, cylinder throats and the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Correct fit helps provide an effective seal in the barrel. An undersized bullet may not seal properly, while an oversized bullet can cause problems during seating, chambering or pressure development.

When in doubt, measure the relevant firearm dimensions and follow the recommendations of the bullet manufacturer and the selected load data.

Twist rate and stabilisation

The twist rate determines how quickly the bullet rotates while travelling through the barrel. The combination of twist rate, bullet length, weight and velocity influences stabilisation.

Long and heavy bullets may place different demands on the twist rate than shorter and lighter designs. Bullet length is at least as important as weight.

A monolithic bullet is often longer than a traditional lead-core bullet of the same weight. Check whether the selected design is suitable for the barrel and the applicable load data.

Overall cartridge length and seating depth

Overall cartridge length is determined by the case, bullet profile and seating depth. In revolvers, the cartridge must fit completely inside the cylinder without protruding from the front.

In lever-action rifles, the cartridge must also feed reliably from the magazine into the chamber. A cartridge may fit in the chamber but still cause cycling problems because of unsuitable length or bullet profile.

Deeper seating reduces usable case capacity and may affect pressure development. Change seating depth only when supported by reliable load data for the exact bullet.

Crimping .44 cartridges

.44 Special, .44 Magnum and .444 Marlin are rimmed cartridges. Many bullets for these cartridges have a crimp groove or cannelure that allows a roll crimp to be applied.

The crimp holds the bullet in position and can contribute to consistent ignition. This is particularly important with heavier loads and cartridges used in the tubular magazine of a lever-action rifle.

An insufficient crimp may allow unwanted bullet movement. An excessive crimp can deform the case or bullet. Adjust it according to the bullet construction, case length and selected load data.

Lead, copper-plated and jacketed bullets

Cast lead, coated, copper-plated and jacketed bullets differ in construction and friction. Load data should therefore not be transferred between these types without proper verification.

Copper-plated bullets have a relatively thin copper layer. The manufacturer may specify velocity limits and restrictions on crimp strength. Excessive crimping can damage the copper plating.

Jacketed and monolithic bullets may have a different length and produce different barrel resistance from lead bullets of the same weight. Always use suitable load data for the selected construction.

Use in revolvers and lever-action rifles

.44 Special and .44 Magnum are used in revolvers and certain lever-action rifles. The requirements placed on a completed cartridge may differ between firearm types.

In revolvers, cylinder length, chamber dimensions and the transition to the barrel are important. In lever-action rifles, magazine operation, cartridge feeding and overall cartridge length also play a role.

With a tubular magazine, always check whether the bullet profile is suitable for the system being used. Follow the instructions provided by the firearm and component manufacturers.

What should you consider?

• Check whether the bullet is suitable for the exact cartridge.
• Verify the diameter, weight and bullet construction.
• Use only current load data for the exact cartridge and selected bullet.
• Never interchange load data for .44 Special, .44 Magnum and .444 Marlin.
• Consider the length and profile of the bullet.
• Check the specified seating depth and overall cartridge length.
• Confirm that the cartridge fits completely inside the cylinder or chamber.
• With a lever-action rifle, test feeding from the magazine.
• Match the crimp to the bullet and its crimp groove.
• Do not substitute another bullet of the same weight without checking the data.
• Use the primer type specified in the selected load data.
• Always begin with the recommended starting load from a reliable source.
• Inspect every completed cartridge carefully before use.

.44 bullets in different configurations

This category includes .429-inch bullets for reloading cartridges such as .44 Special, .44 Remington Magnum and .444 Marlin. Available designs may differ in diameter, weight, material, bullet profile and package quantity.

Always check the exact specifications on the individual product page. Then use reliable load data to determine whether the bullet is suitable for your cartridge, firearm and reloading project.

Related reloading components

SEM Jacht & Schietsport also supplies cartridge cases, primers, smokeless powder and other reloading components for .44 cartridges. Die sets, shell holders, reloading presses, scales and measuring tools are also available.

Legal information

In the Netherlands, bullets are subject to the same legal requirements as cartridge cases. A valid Dutch firearms licence or Dutch hunting licence listing a firearm in a suitable calibre is required for purchase.

Customers must present a valid Dutch firearms licence or Dutch hunting licence together with valid identification at the time of purchase. These products are supplied only when all applicable legal requirements have been met.

Why SEM Jacht & Schietsport?

SEM Jacht & Schietsport supplies .44 bullets for reloading cartridges such as .44 Special, .44 Remington Magnum and .444 Marlin.

By carefully comparing bullet diameter, weight, construction, seating depth and overall cartridge length, you can select a bullet that suits your reloading project. If you have questions about the different options, please contact us or visit our shop in Bornerbroek for personal advice.