Thanks guys. I looked over the 444marlin pretty hard. Just not enough availability out there for me. Looks like it's down to the .44 or 45-70 now. Coloradoelk, where are you getting your supplies!!!??? I have to assume that your $0.30 reloads don't count the first purchase of brass, because I was coming up with $.60-80 at BEST from midway prices. In looking at the 444 I ran across the beartooth bullets...VERY NICE!!! Right now the .44 holds the economic and "all-around fun" card, but the 45 trumps in with the blackpowder possibilities and extreme versatility.

Blackpowder loads aren't too harsh on the leverguns are they? (I don't mean pressures, just cleaning hassles)