Marlin .444

lcdrdanr

I was looking for information from anyone on their opinion of the Marlin .444 (not the guide series) and what kind of accuracy they have achieved at 100 yards. Most of my use would be for whitetails in thick brush. I currenlty use this caliber in a Thompson Centender 14 inch barrel with good results.

Thanks in advance fro any info,
Moose

"I will follow the path of others some of the time, but most of the time I prefer to make my own path." - Mike Moyle

lcdrdanr

I'm interested in this caliber and have been researching it. I understand it uses a .429 bullet, same as a .44 Remington Mag and that it was brought out before the resurgence of the Govt 45/70.
What I have been unable to find out is the following.
Since the .444 Marlin is essentially a .44 Rem Mag that has been stretched out, does that mean that a .44 Rem Mag can be fired through the chamber, like a .44 Special can through a .44 Mag or a .38 Spl through a .357 Mag ?

Also, I have read considerable conflicting information regarding the micro groove barrel and the accuracy of cast bullets. I haven't found any bullets in .429 that specifically state they are designed for the .444 Marlin and would like to use hard cast bullets so the micro groove barrel becomes an issue when selecting a firearm for this caliber.

Thanks to all in advance,

Dan R

lcdrdanr

Does the Marlin .444 really have more energy at 300 yds than a
30-06? Did they really use them in Viet Namn @ 300 yds for sniper work? Do you think the ported,short version is a good deer/brush gun? Or is it too much? Does the 45-70 Have a better trajector or is the 45-70 bullet that much heavier and slower.? or what? I am in a quandry as to what to use. I am tired of my Marlin 30-30 although it is an excellent piece of machinery. I have been carrying the 336T version with the straight grip and a Williams' receiver sight for 25 yrs.

Thanx

Ambrose

I wouldn't try it. The .444 is not exactly a straight case. It has a slight taper and since it has to hold a .429 bullet at the mouth, it is larger than the .44 Mag. case just ahead of the rim by about .013"--a little too sloppy. And Marlins are kind of fussy about cartridge overall length, so even if it weren't for the loose fit, it would be a single shot deal.

Also, and I could be wrong, I seem to recall an issue with the rifling pitch being too slow to stabalize bullets longer than the 265 gr. Hornady. That would, of course, make it unequal to the .45-70 that made it's reputation on heavy bullets.

I have a .444 that used to belong to a deceased friend tucked away in my basement. I haven't gotten around to experiment with it yet.

silver salmon

if you're asking if you can shoot loaded 44 mags in your 444 no you can't...safely.
If your asking about reloading bullets meant for the 44 mag into 444 brass yes you can...BUT the pistol bullets are poor performers the 444. Hence the the reason EARLY 444s never really enjoyed the success the 45/70 has. Of late there are many more bullet options for the 444. As for Micro groove/ Ballard rifling it's all a bunch of BS that lead bullets won't do well out of Micro grooved bores..they work just fine. There are many so called "hard cast" bullet companies to choose from. I cast my own bullets for several calibers including the .444 and my Marlin is a Micro groove and they are touching at 100 yds from a rest.

lcdrdanr

I think that answered the mail, i.e. that a 44 Rem Mag cannot be fired from a .444 Marlin. Makes sense that it would not if it is tapered as well as being longer.

I also understand the issue with pistol bullets (for the .44 mag) not being designed for the velocities encountered in the .444 Marlin and being poor performers (I would assume this poor performance would be in terminal performance on game animals, penetration, etc. rather than poor performance in actual downrange flight).

But, would it be safe to assume that I could use the same bullets in a .444 Marlin that I cast myself for the .44 Remington ? Since both are sized to .429 there should be no problem with the size and the slower twist in the Marlin should still stabilize the 240 grain bullet, shouldn't it ?

Appreciate all the good information, really good to know that the micro groove rifling doesn't affect cast bullets.

Dan R

MIKE WISKEY

"really good to know that the micro groove rifling doesn't affect cast bullets.".........This isn't quite accurate, micro-grove rifleing doesn't like soft cast bullets or faster powders. also the .444 marlin has a larger base dia. than the .44 mag. (it uses a differnt shell holder).

silver salmon

Mike: He was refering to my post about the Micro groove barrels and I think if you reread my post you'll see I said hard cast. But FTR I've never seen any difference in accuracy between hard or soft cast bullets if a gas check is used and that's more for leading than anything else when the cast is pushed above the medium velocity of the cartridge...I have little doubt I've shot over 250,000 cast bullets thru several different weapons over the years maybe more .