My dad has a marlin .444 and I am getting a 30-06. My dad mite let
me use the .444 on hogs. Should I use the .444 or my 30-06.

I'd use the .30-06.

This is a no brainer. Definitely the 30/06.

Tell your dad that he has an inferior round.

30-06

within 100 yards those rounds will be pretty even on energy. The .444 will kick more. I'll assume the 444 is a lever action and your -06 is a bolt. I'd pick the lever gun for close up situations. Just pick which ever one you feel like that day. They both have more than enough uummph at 100y

30-06. 444 is inferior.

The .444 is in no way inferior.

It was designed with a totally different purpose than the 30-06

Both can easily make great hog rifles

This is like saying a diesel engine in inferior to a gasoline engine...yes they're both engines but they are designed around a totally different set of needs/expectations. Different: yes Inferior: neither

Soilarch, I agree that the 30-06 and the .444 are both great hog guns. However, the 30-06 has a higher ballistic coefficient. Due to the .444's mediocre BC, it loses it's energy fast, making it optimal for only 550 lb game at 100 yds. At that same distance the 30-06 is ideal for 850 lb game. What are the other purposes of the .444? The only reason why the .444 is around is due to lever action rifles. The rifle sells the cartridge. The 30-06 is ballistically better and also has a higher sectional density. To add to that, there is more ammo variety. I think Remington and Hornady are the only manufacturers who make .444 ammo. Correct me If I'm wrong. However, you're correct that it won't matter which round you choose. They'll both get the job done. Besides, I believe Little Bow Man 1 will not shoot over 200 yds, so it certainly won't matter at all which he chooses. Nevertheless, it's still an inferior cartridge. If you like lever action rifles more power to you.

Where we hunt you are only shooting 75yards or less