Just picked up the 444SS marlin, the serial # is 0302XXXX which I assume is a 2003 model. The Marlin site has the gun supplied with the 1 in 20 twist and deep Ballard style rifling, my gun has Micro Groove stamped into the barrel. My concern is in the ability to shoot the heavier bullets well. I currently have the Hornady light Mags in 265 gr. Will these fit the bill on the micro barrel? I love my 336CS in 35 Rem with the Micro Groove. Thanks for the input

It should handle the 264 grain bullet and I think heavier bullets as well. Darn you you are peaking my interest in the 444 again. If I am forced to get one I am going to tell my wife its your fault.

Go for it James, I got big shoulders! Have to shoot these puppies

I am in trouble. My wife just got home from work and saw this over my shoulder. She has the day off but she has worked 14 of the last 16 days. 7 of them were 16 hour days. The rest were just short 12 hour days. $$$$$$$

now for the hard part................ getting your hands on some of it. Good luck. The only reason I got mine was that I traded the 35 Whelen for it (and a little cash in the pocket to boot)

Nice pick-up man, that thing will be good for any of the bullets for the 444. I am a huge fan of Marlin rifles, especially the big thumpers (my favorite is my 45/70, but I may have to add a .444 soon). Why? The same reason the dog licks himself.....because he can .

i have a 444 and love it ...can peg bullseyes at 100-150 yards all day with it. can' t wait to use it this upcoming season.

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Hey Rodsmith, I' ve used the 444SS for several years now and I' ll never get rid of it. I' ve read that some 300 grain bullets won' t stabilize in a Micro Groove barrel causing a keyhole on a paper target, but I have used Hornady XTP' s with no ill effect at all. Until this year I used 240 gr. bullets for deer but now I' m trying the Hornady 265 gr. Twelve deer and counting with this rifle, never had one go more than a few yards after a hit, most just rolled.

well my goodies showed up from Midway USA yesterday and I set work. The factory butt pad was replaced by a Simms Limbsaver pre-fit. It is close but not a perfect fit. Installed 1 piece Leupold scope base and medium high rings to hold up the new 2.8-10 X 44 Simmons Aetec scope. I know that is a bit overkill but the eyes are getting worse all the time, so the extra light and mag will be necessary in the near future. I also installed a Vero Velleni neoprene sling, very nice slings if you have not seen them. The full neoprene underside keeps it on your shoulder and the 3" plus width spreads the load nicely. I tried to upload a pic but kept getting cannot display page?? It looks and feels real nice and will be in the car on the way to the gravel pits tomorrow for a round of shooting. Need to zero this one, the 336CS 35 Rem and 2 CVA inline ML with the 777 pellets (gonna give them a try) I may not be typing much on Sunday.................We will see???