Puma 92 action strength vs Marlin 1894 action strength

[teddy12b]

I've got a puma 92 in 44mag and a buddy is thinking about getting something similar or the same thing.  A question came up and I didn't have a clue what the answer was.  He'll be shooting handloads in the rifle and only wants to consider the 44 mag because I can reload for him and save him some money. 

Are the actions about equally as strong or is there one that is far stronger than the other?  I'm just curious and don't have much of an idea. 

I know why he wants to know this is because I always told him I bought ruger revolvers because they can take more pressure and it seems to me like that would make them safer.  He just wants whatever rifle won't give him problems if I load up some hot loads for him.

[Blackhawk44]

For your purposes, they are equal.  The .44 mag is already loaded "hot" from the factory.  There is nothing of value to be gained by attempting higher pressure loads.  Adding available powders in excess of published limits will only cause pressures to spike dangerously with little to no gain in velocity.  In order to gain any viable velocity, the case must be enlarged and a slower power used which requires a larger rifle and action to house it.  That round is called the .444 Remingtion. 

[sasu]

Rossi Puma 92 is chambered for the 454 Casull, which operates at a decidedly higher pressure level than even 444 Marlin and 450 Marlin. I do not know, though, if these Casull rifles have different alloys or heat treating as compared to the 44 Magnum and similar chamberings.

[Rangr44]

The dual-lug, M92-based action is demonstrably stronger, and can withstand higher operating pressures than the open-sided Marlin 1894 action is/can - as attested to the fact that Marlin will not chamber the 1894 in .454 Casull, as the M-92 clone is (as posted above).

[teddy12b]

Thanks for the info guys.  I've got some loads worked up for my puma 44mag that I'm going to try out tonight for both velocity and accuracy.  When I say hot loads, for me it's more of a load that is at the higher end of a reloading book.  I've gone past the books highest recommendations on a few occations just to try it and I can't say it did me any great favors.  Ideally I'd just like the handloads to keep up with the factory loads.  I haven't gotten anything with my 44mag yet, but from what everyone says it'll do the job on about anything.

[Blackhawk44]

Sasu and Ranger44 are both right.  The '92 design itself is ultimately stronger by virtue of vertically moving locking lugs  and increased bearing surfaces for all locking faces.  Also, the Rossi .454 incorporates changes in metalurgy and heat treatment to increase the action's strength even further.  Neither fact should be an excuse to exceed lab tested loading data.  Both the Marlin and the Rossi .44 mags are plenty strong for their intended purpose.   

[Rangr44]

[Neither fact should be an excuse to exceed lab tested loading data.  Both the Marlin and the Rossi .44 mags are plenty strong for their intended purpose.]  -+ 1 ! !

[I've gone past the books highest recommendations on a few occations just to try it and I can't say it did me any great favors.]

JMO, but in anything but a super-strong bolt action (like a Strolle) or a Ruger #1, that is flirting with disaster.

[tanoose]

Yes the Puma action is stronger then the Marlin

[KyBeast]

From my recent experiences with both rifles, both are quality made and will be around well after I'm gone (given proper care)... and I'm only 28.  But the Puma's locking mechanism would be "stronger" in that the Marlin's breach has a slight tendancy to open a little upon firing.  I proudly own a .44 Marlin 1894, and wouldn't mind to also own a .357 Puma 92 someday.