444 barrel twist in Winchester

[russlate]

The 444 is limited in the Marlin carbine ( as I understand it ) to a max of 300 grains (?) bullet weight. Heavier than that will not stabilize in the Marlin's 1 in 20 inch twist.

I have heard that Winchester has chambered a Big Bore "Timber Carbine" version of the 444, recently discontinued. I have not been able to confirm the Winchester barrel's twist. Does anyone know the Winchester barrel's rate of twist? Second, if it is faster, is it suffiently faster to stabilize a heavier bullet than the Marlin?

 

[Atticus]

Is the bullet weight limitation in the Marlin due to the twist rate or the type of rifling? It is my understanding that the Ballard rifling in the new heavy bores is suitable for bullets in excess of 300 grains, while the micro groove is not. That applies to the 45/70... I think, but I'm not sure about the .444. Sorry to answer your question with a question.

 

[russlate]

444 Marlins have had Ballard cut rifling since 1999.
45/70 ( and 450 Marlin ) since same year.

Any of the facts I stated the first post may be in error. So does the Winchester Timber Carbine have a differently cut or twist rate barrel which would allow 300+ grain bullets to be fired?

I have a 44 magnum Trapper Winchester, and may be buying a 357 Trapper as Marlin has discontinued the 38/357 for 03. Due to that I'd prefer the Winchester in 444 if it can shoot heavier slugs when reloaded.

 

[mete]

The amount of twist determines the bullet weight that it can stabilize. Type of rifling has no effect. Originally the 444 had a twist that would only stabilize the 265 grain bullet but then it was changed , at least in Marlin, so heavier bullets could be used.

 

[Dave T]

A twist rate of 1-20" would do fine with a heavier bullet. The earlier 444 Marlins had a twist of something on the order of 1-36" or 1-38". Those were the ones that would not stabilize anything heavier than Remington's 265g SP.

And it is the twist rate that determines the weight of bullet that will be stabilized, not the rifling.