.444 Marlin vs .44 Magnum

[Salmoneye]

While the .444 Marlin can easily be handloaded 'down' to comfortable levels that will easily do what the OP is looking for, I'd go with a .44 Mag...If for no other reason than brass is easier to find...

Just be aware that .44 Mag SAAMI spec in a 'Rifle' is for a groove diameter of .431", and NOT .429" like the .44 Mag handgun, or the .430" of the .444 Marlin...

If you plan to shoot cast, you will likely need to run bullets >.431" to get good accuracy...

 

[MEHavey]

USAF... is there a reason (other than the one-time ability to exchange Handi-Rifle
barrels when the rifle was in production) that you don't just go w/ the ubiquitous
45-70 -- loaded up for elephants and down for ground squirrels ?

 

[Ohen Cepel]

The .444 makes sense to me if you're a .44 guy and reload.

It's not a bad round, and IF the price was right I would consider it. However, would have to be cheap since I much prefer the 45-70 if I want to go big like that.

 

[Bull Nutria]

i have a 44mag H&R handi rifle, i reload for it. it is a 100yd rifle max. i have a friend that has a 444marlin CVA single shot. he has consistent kills on deer 150 yds plus. he has 2 weatherby eyebrow scope cuts also. 444 kicks hard just like RC said it does.

i suggest that if you want a longer range rifle you consider 35 Whelen in a TC pro hunter. more expensive but a much better quality rifle. i wish i would have purchased the TC rifle first as the H&R accuracy is inconsistent although some individual rifles are very accurate many are not. My first handi rifle was returned for poor accuracy and H&R replaced the barrel, which improved the situation the accuracy was acceptable but not anything remarkable.

Buy quality first and don't look back. I am learning that fact the hard way!!

Bull

 

[bluetopper]

I have read where H&R is discontinuing the Handi Rifles and have stopped swapping barrels for people.

 

[Elkins45]

Get the 44. 444 brass is unobtainable now, and may be for any time in the forseeable future. The 44 will also have better resale value.

You do know H&R is going out of business, right?

Edit: sorry, didn't realize the OP had reported the 44 had been sold. My advice still stands: if you don't have brass then you probably won't be shooting a 444 for a while.

 

[DM~]

Get the 44. 444 brass is unobtainable now, and may be for any time in the forseeable future.

Don't tell Cabelas that, I just bought a bag of 100 from them...

DM

 

[eastbank]

yes, i have two 100 round bags of new brass and close to that meny once fired brass i picked up a gunshows and flea markets, if i load it two times i have will have close to 800 shots comming before i,m brass less and i know i can get more than two firings out of a case if i,m carefull in power and loading. eastbank.

 

[JSH1]

So after almost a year, I went back to the LGS with the H&R Handi rifle in .444 Marlin. It's still on the rack.

I'm considering making him a low ball offer just to see what he will say.

Considering H&R has been shuttered, what are the chances or avenues to get different caliber/ gauge barrels for the SB2 frame? I still sorta want the .444, but won't shoot it much. Additional barrels was sort of the draw and appeal to the Handi Rifle. If there is no option for getting more barrels with H&R defunct, I might as well just save my money.

Now that H&R is no longer making single shot rifles and shotguns you need to look to the used market for extra barrels. Some will mix and match fine with no fitting but others will need some minor work done. The Greybeard Forum is the place to go for H&R questions and tutorials.

 

[USAF_Vet]

USAF... is there a reason (other than the one-time ability to exchange Handi-Rifle
barrels when the rifle was in production) that you don't just go w/ the ubiquitous
45-70 -- loaded up for elephants and down for ground squirrels ?

The reason is... I can probably negotiate him down to $150 or less. Or pay what he's asking and negotiate in a box or two of factory ammo he has on the shelf under a half inch of dust.

 

[USAF_Vet]

Also guys, check the dates. I resurrected my old thread, and everything prior to post #24 is obsolete.

 

[Elkins45]

Don't tell Cabelas that, I just bought a bag of 100 from them...

DM

Really? I never thought to check there. Thanks for the tip. Wideners, Midsouth and Midway are all out.

Edit: can you post a link? I searched all over their website and couldn't find any 444 brass.

 

[DM~]

Really? I never thought to check there. Thanks for the tip. Wideners, Midsouth and Midway are all out.

Edit: can you post a link? I searched all over their website and couldn't find any 444 brass.

No link, I walked in and bought them, they had more, but I didn't want any more...

DM