Marlin 1894 for Indiana Deer Hunting???
 

I am considering purchasing a Rifle for deer hunting in Indiana. I have always used a 12ga but since Indiana authorized the rifles that shoot HG ammo, I am looking for a little more accuracy and Range. Will the .44 mag caliber give me that? If so, has anyone had any problems with the Marlin 1894 in the stainless steel or do you have suggestions for another Make? I would also use the rifle for hog and coyote hunting. Thanks for your suggestions on the caliber and rifle Make. Haystacks

IMO that .44 mag is worthless as far as more range is considered. It probobly isn't even delivering 600 lbs. of energy at even 100 yards.

A simple 12 gauge slug will still be in a good killing energy zone at 100 with 750-1000+ of energy.

Maybe consider a nice slug gun. With the right set up and practice you could have a whalloping 150 yd slugger.

The 44 works fine out to 100 yards and is at least as accurate as a 12 gauge at that distance. A guy could probably stretch out to 125-150 with Hornady Leverevolution ammo.

One thing to mention though, is that the 44 probably isn't best suited to coyotes, at least not if you are wanting to keep the hide. They make a nice big thumb size hole on the exit side.

Thanks for the information guys. From what I'm hearing, it sounds like the .44 mag does not have an advantage over the 12ga regarding range and accuracy. If that is the case, is there any advantage to having a rifle over the shotgun in Indiana? Thanks. This may save me some money...

One major advantage to shooting the 44 mag out of a rifle compared to shooting slugs from a 12 gauge is recoil. Accuracy is much improved with the 44 vs the 12 gauge right there. Recoil out of the 1894 is very mild, especially compared with shooting heavy slugs from a shotgun. Now if you already have the shotgun and it is equipped to shoot slugs then maybe that is the route you may want to take, especially if $$$ is a concern. Also, in the long run, 44's are cheap to shoot and slugs are pretty freaking spendy, especially for good ones. Have you considered trying a muzzleloader?

Advantages to a 44 carbine IMO.

-Less recoil
-ammo way less expensive and can be handloaded easily.
-defiantly more accurate than a slug IMO, although not as accurate as a bolt action , should give less "flyers" than a slug gun.
-1700fps(rifle velocity) = 1200 fps(handgun velocity) at 100 yds

Disadvantages of the marlin.

-Awkward scope mounting.
-1-38 twist good for 240gr or less bullets only (which are plenty)

I had one once , killed a huge doe and two hogs w/, it all were under 50 yds, all DRT. Hit the doe in the chest, made a huge hole and came out a tiny hole in the rear leg. 44mag is a good round!

I have the 1894 Marlin in 44 mag and 218 Bee and have no problem with the scope mounting after I put a thunb extension on the hammer .

44 and 45
 

The 44 Magnum and the 45 Colt are fantastic deer cartridges.

Do not pay any attention to anyone who uses the energy theory in shooting deer. It is plain wrong to think that way. If energy was the only part of the equation then how could a bow be an effective weapon??

The 44 and 45 are both easily capable of 200 yards kills. And they kill effectively at those ranges.

Most people who say this is not true, are people who have never hunted with these cartridges.

The 44 and 45 with minimal expansion makes a 1/2" hole(or larger) through the deers lungs. The only energy needed is enough energy to punch through to the other side. And how much does that take?? Not that much!!

The beauty of the 44 and the 45 is when you cast and reload your own ammunition. I can cast and reload 1,000 rounds or more for less than $100.

I promisee you that if you put a couple of thousand rounds through any 44 or 45 rifle you will have no problem making effective hits at distances way past 100 yards. And after you shoot that many rounds through your Marlin you are just getting it broke in. The rifle is capable of shooting a lot more rounds than that.

I can load a 300 grain bullet in a 45 Colt that can rival or exceed the older 45-70 loads(in a rifle). Did you ever hear a person say the 45-70 was an ineffective long range cartridge?? If they say that then they don't know what they are talking about.

As far as the Marlin 1894 is concerned. I personally think it is a great rifle. I prefer the same cartridges in an 1885 Low Wall. But that is personal preference. The 1894 is easily accurate to 200 yards in 44 or 45 cartridge, even with open sights-which I prefer for fun hunting.

Personally I do not like the Marlin in SS-only because they use a polished SS, and I think that is too shiny. I would buy the blued model(I have a few).

The trick to a pistol cartridge rifle is practice. And shoot a heavy bullet with a big meplat. Those cartridges make a big hole. And you can normally eat right up to that hole. Pay no attention to the naysayers, buy one, buy a mold, learn to cast and reload, and never look back.

Another good thing for you Indiana guys is the TC Encore. They are very accurate in pistol cartridges. And you can get a 357 Maximum barrel that can almost rival the 30-30 in a rifle barrel. Tom.

^^ that post said it all. load up some good loads and start practicing. I've shot a few deer with a .44 mag lever just for something different, and all died withing 20 yards.
-Jake