tell me about the 444 marlin

[kc4sox]

I have been wanting a "Big Bore" rifle for years but have never owned one. I am leaning towards the 444 instead of the 45-70 due to the fact that on paper the trajectory seems to give it an advantage in range. Tell me what your experience has been with the 444

Mike

 

[FULLDRAWXX75]

Well, I own one. Bought a Marlin yrs ago to use in the thick brush country we hunt.

It packs a wallup and it drops them quick. It is like a bulldozer.

I hit a nice 6pt head on in the base of the neck, the bullet exited just to the left and behind his jewels. Went straight through length ways, it left a 4" exit hole. The gun handle very well and is nicely balanced.

I have a 3x9 mounted on top, and it is very accurate down range. The guys I hunt with refer to it as the pumpkin thrower, because of the chunk of lead it sends down range.

Here is a pic of a recovered round, I hit the deer quartering towards me, hit in the base of the neck, bullet found between the hide and the hind quarter opposite side.

I like mine

FDXX75

PS: That bullet had nearly 100% mass, factory Remington ammo. I think that was 360gr.

 

[UTGrad]

What is the recoil like and effective range? Good question since I love Marlins.

 

[FULLDRAWXX75]

It kicks more than my .300 Savage but less than my 7mm Rem Mag.

I don't really pay much attention to the recoils anymore, I shot so often.

Range, it is effective out to @ 300 yds max., but you are throwing a huge chunk of lead out there.

There are a different bullet weights to choose from, 200gr - 410gr I believe if you handload.

FDXX75

 

[UTGrad]

Up to 300 yards?

 

[mr.big]

youd need a rangefinder and a real good tracking scope to shoot a 444 in the vitals at 300..

 

[UTGrad]

How about 200 yards with Leverevolution?

 

[FULLDRAWXX75]

Here is a quick ballistic chart, look at the bottom listing. less than 20 inches of drop at 300yds w/300 gr bullet.

www.cpcartridge.com/444mar-B.htm -

 

[Tnyoteboy]

Supposed to be what the 45/70 is lacking with commercially loaded ammo.

 

[FULLDRAWXX75]

Actually, it was the brain child to bridge the gap between the 38-55 and 45-70. Marlin took advantage of the opportunity with the .444 and the rest is history.

FDXX75

 

[mr.big]

Here is a quick ballistic chart, look at the bottom listing. less than 20 inches of drop at 300yds w/300 gr bullet.

www.cpcartridge.com/444mar-B.htm -

thats what I said,when you get to where you have to hold out of hair you need a range finder and a good tracking scope to be consistant..

 

[FULLDRAWXX75]

I would not pick my .444 off the rack for that purpose. I bought it for close quarters, heavy brush areas that I hunt in sometimes, as well as open woods. As the chart shows and I know as well it is very effective out to 200 yds.

But once again, I would choose one of my other guns if knowingly headed out to shoot at or beyond that range.

All in all, I like the gun and it serves it purpose for which it was purchased.

FDXX75

 

[mr.big]

its top notch in the eastern woods,,be hard to do better,,unless you get the 45-70 guide gun +power capabale,,the 45-70 in modern guns aint far behind the 458,,

I doubt deer could tell diference,,bears or elk the 45-70 in modern guns would be better

 

[johndeere]

too big for my needs 7mm rum will take care of all I will be shooting at.

 

[.444 Marlin]

I have had the .444 and the .45-70. Both are perfect for open or brushy areas where 150yds is your maximum shot distance. Recoil is stout but nothing terrible unless you do like I did and hot load 330gr cast bullets....Ouch.

Accuracy is awesome. The .444 I had and the .45-70 I have now are the same gun except the .45-70 isnt ported. Marlin 1895G with a 18.5" barrel. I can do cloverleafs ALL DAY long with it at 50.