RE: Marlin 1894 44 Magnum
 

Standing, I can usually keep mine in at about 4-5". I haven't had an opportunity to take it out for deer, but I imagine most anything you choose will plant it. My favored round is a handloaded 240 Winchester JHP in front of 25 grains of H-110 and Winchester Magnum Pistol primers. gotta love the thump. :D

RE: Marlin 1894 44 Magnum
 

I love mine.I shoot the winchester white box 240 gr and it does very well.I shot a little 4 pt with it at 70 yards and he did not go anywhere.I would say go for it.You won't be disappointed.

RE: Marlin 1894 44 Magnum
 

I love mine. I picked it up last fall and didnt get a chance to kill anything except a rabbit with it lol. Lets just say that the rabbit parished. The gun makes a helluva hole and is reasonably accurate to boot.