I have a Marlin .444, with a standard model 336 type walnut stock and 22" barrel. I have used this rifle for deer hunting here in the midwest the last five years. Along with a 3x9x40 VX-2 Leopold.
This same rifle/scope I have used for wild bore hunting three times, and it does a great job also.
As far as the Marlin .444 caliber, I use Remington and Hornady factory ammo, as well my reloads too.
I had a Limbsaver recoil pad installed,thatis a great help with handling recoil for any quick follow up shots with the .444.
Last year I used this same rifle and scope hunting mule deer in some wooded hill country in Colorado, on a friends ranch property. It performed quite well taking a mule deer at a measured 140 yards, one shot kill from a sitting position.
I have a friend who bought a new Marlin in their .450 caliber. He uses it on white tail deer as well as wild bore hunting with a 2x7 variable scope.