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Author Topic: 444 Marlin  (Read 683 times)

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Offline HillBillyFarmer

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444 Marlin
« on: June 24, 2008, 04:39:43 AM »
Now that the 444 Marlin has been out for a while has it proven itself to be a pretty good shooter? I'm considering this as my next handi.
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Offline quickdtoo

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Re: 444 Marlin
« Reply #1 on: June 24, 2008, 04:57:15 AM »
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Offline HillBillyFarmer

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Re: 444 Marlin
« Reply #2 on: June 24, 2008, 05:07:04 AM »
You've got me convinced Tim! Not only that, but I was also going to mount a Bushnell Legend 2x7x32 scope on it. Now, I have another question. I haven't been checking in with the forum to much lately, but best as I can tell from the other topics is instead of going to Kentucky the accessory barrel program is going to Ilion, NY? Which if that is the case I wouldn't have to mail my receiver out I could just drop it off? I live 30 mins from the factory, they have a fantastic museum, custom shop and factory tours there, not to mention a fully stocked store.
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Offline quickdtoo

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Re: 444 Marlin
« Reply #3 on: June 24, 2008, 05:15:51 AM »
Considering the price of gas, it may be cheaper to ship it depending on what you drive!! Lots of members dropped frames off for fitting at Gardner, hopefully Remington will allow that at Ilion too. ;)

Tim
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Offline Dixie Dude

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Re: 444 Marlin
« Reply #4 on: June 24, 2008, 06:02:24 AM »
I've been toying with the idea of a .444 Marlin.  What big game are they good for and what loads?
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Offline quickdtoo

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Re: 444 Marlin
« Reply #5 on: June 24, 2008, 06:12:48 AM »
Just about anything you want to hunt with the right bullet within range!

Tim

http://www.chuckhawks.com/444Marlin.htm
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Offline petemi

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Re: 444 Marlin
« Reply #6 on: June 24, 2008, 06:34:10 AM »
Has it got anything over the .45-70?
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Offline Dixie Dude

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Re: 444 Marlin
« Reply #7 on: June 24, 2008, 06:46:14 AM »
I've seen a .410 shotshell fit in a .444 and also a .44mag.  Probably needed a lot of cleaning after use.  Another question, will the heavier 300gr bullets for the .444 also shoot out of a Ruger SBH? 
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Offline BBF

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Re: 444 Marlin
« Reply #8 on: June 24, 2008, 07:28:17 AM »
Having had a Marlin in 444 and now two 45-70 in Handi  I can tell you it isn't exactly comparing apples with apples. The Marlin Even with a shortened barrel is more of a rifle then the Handi's
My Marlin shot very nicely with both 240 and 265 gr bullets.  Because I lived in British Columbia I changed over to the Hdy 265 grain bullets exclusively since the 240's are basically pistol bullets and are OK on Deer at 444 velocities but on Moose the 265 gr shines while very much effective on mulies.

 I don't think the 444 has anything over the 45-70 unless perhaps range. It wouldn't be much. A full load 444 doesn't rock you as much as a full load out of a 45-70. You do have a wider range of bullet weight and styles in a 45-70.
I certainly wouldn't get rid of a 444 to buy a 45-70 but would buy a 45-70 over a 444
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Offline petemi

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Re: 444 Marlin
« Reply #9 on: June 24, 2008, 08:12:10 AM »
.45-70, thanks, that's kind of what I thought when I got my .45-70.  I looked at loads available, ballistiscs. etc. and decided on the .45-70.  The Marlin isn't far off, but may be harder to find rounds for.  The .45-70 can load from cowboy action to Buffalo Bore Magnum, and all are available even in my own hick town.

My Handi .45-70 is one of the most accurate rifles I own.  I'm not a great shooter, being old, with eye problems, etc., but I can put 5 rounds in a small paper dessert plate at 300 yards.  I expect that from my .22-250, 7mm-08, .308, and '06, but it is a joy from the .45-70.
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Keep both eyes open and make the first shot good.
The growing Handi/Sportster/Pardner/Topper Family:  .22 WMR, .22-250. 223, Two Superlight 7mm-08s and one .243, .30-30,  .308, 32-20, 18 inch .356/.358 Win., Two 16.5 inch .357 Max., 18 inch 38-55 BC Carbine, 16.5 inch .445 Super Mag., .45LC, 16.5 and 22 inch .45-70s, .50 Huntsman SS, .410, 20 ga., 12 ga., 20 ga. Pardner Pump, Versa-Pack .410 - .22
[size=7.4 pt]PLEASE DONATE TO THE GBO SERVER FUND  We're closer to the goal but not there yet, we can still use more donations, thanks

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Offline HillBillyFarmer

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Re: 444 Marlin
« Reply #10 on: June 24, 2008, 10:21:33 AM »
The comments about the 444 didn't turn to the 45-70 as quick as I thought they would, but I knew they would at some point. I do want to through out a 45-70 question. Does anyone shoot a 45-70 22" barrel open sited with a monte carlo stock? I was wondering if the rise was to high to comfortabley shoot it open sited, I'd like to send my receiver that a 22-250 is fitted to and I don't want to switch stocks around.
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Offline quickdtoo

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Re: 444 Marlin
« Reply #11 on: June 24, 2008, 01:30:25 PM »
That depends on your anatomy, I can use a MC stock with sights with no problems, I've had two configured that way, a 45-70 Handi with the MC stock from my 204 Ruger using the Wiliams WGRS peep, and a Topper Deluxe Classic with turkey sights on the barrel and a synthetic MC stock. But others find the MC stock too high for them, some even find them too high for scopes and prefer the straight stocks without the pistol grip. That said, not all MC stock combs are the same height, there are differences in them that may make or break them as far as working for you or someone else.  ;)

Tim



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Offline dpe.ahoy

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Re: 444 Marlin
« Reply #12 on: June 25, 2008, 02:05:25 AM »
With the right bullet, either will do it's magic on any animal in this part of the world.  I have 2- 444's and 1- 45-70 and none of 'em are for sale! ;)  The plan is to keep the 444 loaded up close to top end and let the 45-70 loaf along with heavier bullets.  'Course plans have a way of changing, don't they. ;D  If you have the 45-70, it needs a little brother.  If you don't have either, WHY NOT!  Handiholics, gotta love em. ;D  DP.
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Handi's:22Shot, 22LR, 2-22Mag, 22Hornet, 5-223, 2-357Max, 44 mag, 2-45LC, 7-30 Waters, 7mm-08, 280, 25-06, 30-30, 30-30AI, 444Marlin, 45-70, AND 2-38-55s, 158 Topper 22 Hornet/20ga. combo;  Levers-Marlins:Two 357's, 44 mag, 4-30-30s, RC-Glenfields 36G-30A & XLR, 3-35 Rem, M-375, 2-444P's, 444SS, 308 MX, 338Marlin MXLR, 38-55 CB, 45-70 GS, XS7 22-250 and 7mm08;  BLR's:7mm08, 358Win;  Rossi: 3-357mag, 44mag, 2-454 Casull; Winchesters: 7-30 Waters, 45Colt Trapper; Bolt actions, too many;  22's, way too many.  Who says it's an addiction?

Offline BBF

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Re: 444 Marlin
« Reply #13 on: June 25, 2008, 06:25:01 AM »
To follow up on my ramblings. I had a look at a ballistics program and compared factory loads for the .444 and 45-70 without the Hornady Lever-Evolution stuff. which is available for both.

Comparing the standard 240 gr Rem loads for the 444 and the Federal  300 gr.load , They are just about identical up to 100 yards in ftlb, the 444 being slightly ahead. After the 100 yards, the 45-70 has the upper hand. With a 100 yard zero you get  a 9.3. inch drop at 200 yards, while the 45-70 is 11.6  inches low.
Keep in mind that is with a full load out of the 444. The 45-70 is still at Trapdoor pressures.

   
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