444

[Flbt]

Ok since the 45-70 for dangerous game went so long.
How about the 444 marlin?
It is faster and I believe better section density.
And sd seamed to be a big issue.
I have also seen a sxs in 444 seamed intresting I just can’t justify 4500$

 

[MauserDuff]

I have also seen a sxs in 444 seamed intresting I just can’t justify 4500$

I unfortunately passed on a Savage SxS made from a Savage double shotgun in .444 years ago for $1000. I would have snagged it if it was in 45-70. Oh well.....

 

[Wishfulthinker580]

.444 Marlin

History, performance, factory and hand load data

www.ballisticstudies.com

SD is still an issue by conventional standards. With modern bullet tech many will say it’s not as important

https://www.vcalc.com/wiki/sectional-density

An SD of around 300 was basically the benchmark of an ideal SD. An SD of plus or minus 330 being phenomenal and the SD of a 550 grain .458 bullet (375) perhaps being the best there is by conventional standards. A 300 grain .429 Swift A Frame only has an SD of .232

 

[Safari Dave]

I like the .444, but it just isn't a DG cartridge.

 

[Drisabraham]

Great for the thick forest of Eastern Canada moose/bear. I have used my Marlin lever action 444, but not DG.

 

[Kevin375]

I saw several Marlin 1895, and at least one Winchester 94, in .444 Marlin.
Chapuis also built a couple of double rifles in this caliber and Italians (Rizzini or Sabbati ?) did the same.
This caliber was appreciated by some boar hunters and a good number of bloodhound handlers too.

Bullets designed for the .44 magnum, like Remington 240 gr flat noses, were a bit too soft on bigger animals and people prefered the original Hornady round nose 265 gr.

I haven't heard a lot of good feedbacks about Lever evolution bullets and many complained about the lack of expansion.

But this caliber is slowly disapearing now and for the one who wants a lever action rifle, the .45-70 Government is nowadays far more common.