I have a .444 Marlin and really like it. Use Corbon or Buffalo bore bullets. The older guns have a 1 in 38 inch twist but the new ones have a 1 in 22 or 24 inch twist better suited for the long heavy bullets. It also has more power than the 45-70 and a bit more range. According to Corbon ballistics tables the .444 has mzl vel. of 2200 and energy of 3010 and at 150 yards vel of 1660 energy 1712 and drop of 3.47 " with a 280gr bonded bullet. The 45-70 has mzl. vel of 1800 and energy of 2519 at 150 yards it's vel. 1405 and energy 1534 and 5.07" low with a 350gr. bonded bullet.

Edited by - bigbulls on 09/27/2002 14:42:24