RE: 444?
The .444 Marlin caliber"is" a good close to medium range deer/blk. bearround, but it does have a more recoil than a 30-30. If you can handle the recoil, it will kill deer sized game easily.
My brother has harvested a LOT of deer with his .444 Marlin, and likes it as a deer rifle a lot!
Drilling Man