Need recommendation for good hunting bullet for 444 Marlin Guide Gun. Will be hunting deer and wild pigs. Most shots will be under 75yards with none ever over 150. I am an experienced re-loader that has just started re-loading this cartridge. Any other helpful hints appreciated. This is the first "straight" case cartridge I have tried to reload.

Also would be interested in experience with factory hunting loads as well. Not fond of Remington's factory load.

Did you slug the barrel?? What measurement did you get?? If you have not slugged the barrel yet, then that is the first thing I would do. I would use cast bullets if I were you. Tom.

Have you thought about trying the Hornady Leverevolution line of factory ammo. They have a 265 gr. round that might work.

Ruger are they selling the Leverevolution bullet now?? I would like to try a few if they are available. Where can you get them?? Tom.

I saw it in the Midway USA catalog. Here is a link.

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=436189

I don't think the bullet(s) are available yet , they are only listing the old 265gr slug on their website.

Sorry I had a brain fart. They aren't selling the "bullets" yet. I was recommending the factory ammo as Mojotex alsoasked for.

My 444 has always liked the hornady 265 gr flat points or the speer gold dots in 270 gr flat points. Both are excellent performers on deer. As for powder I've always liked IMR4198,can't remember the charge weight at the moment.

Thanks to all for the advice -- Redline, I just happen to havethe Gold Dot bulletsand will try these first. I may also try the factory "Leverlution" ammo as weel to see which is grouping best. I figure because I have been using this rifle for hunting in areas where the clear shot is not far (swamps, thick oak flats, etc.) that I need not be concerend with 200 yard performance !! I have been using Remington Express for a few years because that is the only ammo I could find locally and regualrly.It has done a good job but the velocity must be down there somewhat and the groups are about 3 MOA. I bought some factory ammmo from a small ammo maker in Georgia. These were a tad hotter and used the Hornady flat nose. The groups were much, much better at within 2 MOA. I sighted this in at 75 yards, dead on with the Remington stuff. At 125 it has a pretty substational drop.About 125-150isas far as my eyesight will let me feel good about open sights.I know the 444 is not intended to be a "flat shooter", but I'd like a bit more muzzle velocity if I can keep the pressures safe and the groups are good.

Anyway, thanks to all for the advice.

Buffalo bore makes some very impressive factory ammo for the 444 marlin.

http://www.buffalobore.com/ammunition/default.htm#444