I am still hashing over the Big Bore Marlins. How many folks here shoot the 444 Marlin? It seems that the early problems of lack of tough bullets for this rifle have been solved by the Hornady 265 grainer and the 200 and 225 grain Barnes bullets. How is this gun for Moose and big Black Bears? Also what have you found to be the extreme long range of this one for deer? I would expect its ballistics are simular to the 47-70.
I don't here much about this cartridge other than its a 44 Mag case stretched out another inch.
I have seen a few .444's at the range before, and even shot a few, and, to be honest, the same rules that apply to the 45-70 also apply to the .444, in terms of type of game you can hunt, and ranges at which the cartridge is effective.
Don't forget about the 280gr A-Frame and the 250 gr NP, I think I saw someone with a stout 300 grainer also but can't remember. I used one a few times that belonged to a buddy of mine - awesome cartridge! Dropped two deer and three good boars in thier tracks! I love my 45/70 but the 444 is high on my list of gotta haves! My experience was that it kicked a little less than the govtwith a flatter trajectory. I doubt that anything in NA could withstand a 280 A-Frame or 300 SWC at 21-2200 fps! For the big bears though I think I would stick with the 45/70 and Hammerheads. JMHO.
Sportsmans Warehouse says the can get on in a couple weeks. I bought a die set foe one many years ago then the rifle didn't come in in time for my hunt so I picked up a 45-70 at the last minute. Got a really nice 500 + lb Black bear with it.
I have a combo in 12ga./444 Marlin that shoots very good. I bought some 44/250NP's to try out on a deer this year, but somehow i never did manage to get a load worked up.
From what i've read on the net, they really penetrate well with very good expansion, so it looks to be an excelent choisefor the 444 Marlin.
444 shooters
