444 or 45-70??

[Sneakshot92]

Hey all, just a simple one here. My lgs says he can get his hands on a few BFR's and has these two cartrige options available. I really shouldn't spend the money right now because of reduced work hours, but if you had a choice which would you choose and why? For me it doesn't make much difference as I reload. Have dies for one round and bullets that will work in the other.

 

[jmorris]

45-70 because it’s more common and if you ‘really shouldn’t’ be buying it turns out to be ‘really, really shouldn’t have bought it’, it will be easier to resale.

 

[Sneakshot92]

45-70 because it’s more common and if you ‘really shouldn’t’ be buying it turns out to be ‘really, really shouldn’t have bought it’, it will be easier to resale.

I do have a stash of 45-70 leverevolution ammo from when I owned a chiappa 1886 win copy. I sold the rifle because it wasn't worth the trouble of fixing the feeding issues. Kept the ammo and have been waiting for the "right" gun to come along

 

[MaxP]

I had both and kept the .45/70. That is the route I would go personally.

 

[Vikingsoftpaw]

I'm going to say 45-70. The 444 Marlin is a bit of an oddball, I've heard it uses 44 Mag projectiles.

 

[Doug444]

I have a .444 Marlin rifle and love it. I reload for it and .44 SPL and Mag, so I have plenty of .430 bullets, and the .444 likes the 265 to 300's. But I'm not so sure I'd want either of those in a BFR, or ANY handgun. Once shot a Contender in .45/70...once.

 

[troy fairweather]

45-70

 

[DocRock]

45-70 because it’s more common and if you ‘really shouldn’t’ be buying it turns out to be ‘really, really shouldn’t have bought it’, it will be easier to resale.

I own both in rifles and question the sanity of either in a revolver . Huge fan of the 444 Marlin, but this is excellent advice.

 

[748]

444 is pretty rare.
Big 45-70 appropriate bullets are common and the brass is cheap.

 

[Sneakshot92]

I'm going to say 45-70. The 444 Marlin is a bit of an oddball, I've heard it uses 44 Mag projectiles.

That it does, with th ability to go heavier. Makes me wonder if 44mag/spl would chamber properly in a 444 bfr.

 

[sabbfan]

That it does, with th ability to go heavier. Makes me wonder if 44mag/spl would chamber properly in a 444 bfr.

Ive never tried to put a 44 mag in a 444 but it shouldn’t, the 444 uses the same diameter bullet but the case is tapered so the base is larger then the 44 mag. I’ve always wanted a 444 rifle, I live in Iowa which is a straight wall cartridge state for deer and think it would be perfect. Currently use a 44 mag Henry and haven’t justified stepping up to the 444, but maybe someday.

 

[LUCKYDAWG13]

out of the two i would get the 45/70 But if it was me I would spend my money on a 44 magnum you will enjoy shooting it longer not only at the bench but also in your ginger years

 

[Sneakshot92]

Ive never tried to put a 44 mag in a 444 but it shouldn’t, the 444 uses the same diameter bullet but the case is tapered so the base is larger then the 44 mag. I’ve always wanted a 444 rifle, I live in Iowa which is a straight wall cartridge state for deer and think it would be perfect. Currently use a 44 mag Henry and haven’t justified stepping up to the 444, but maybe someday.

My best friend has hunted in Iowa some. He carries a little H&R Handi Rifle with a 375 Winchester barrel. It's a sweet little rifle. It has made me a fan of the cartridge. I'll have one someday.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

There have been a lot of cartridges launched in the last 20 - 30 years, and most of them sank like the Titanic. The .444 Marlin never set the world on fire and may be on the way out.

The .45-70, though is here to stay.

 

[Riomouse911]

Bruisers, both!

Either one can be loaded up or down as the mood suits the shooter. They pretty much overlap, however the .45/70 can be loaded with bigger and heavier bullets so it can be more versatile.

As much as a .444 intrigues me, the posters who stated the ,45/70 will sell easier should you decide to send it packing are right IMHO.

Stay safe.

 

[748]

Last time I went to the little gun store they had a few different kinds of 45-70.
I almost never see 444 at a small gun store.
Any time I do see 444 and 45-70 together the 444 is way more expensive.

 

[jeepnik]

The 45-70 is head and shoulders above the .444 at the upper end.

 

[MTNSTRYDER]

I’m a fan of 45/70 hell 45 anything that said 444 can use 44bullits but 45/70 is 458 not 452 so if you load 44 that would be the deciding factor.
The 45/70 is more versatile (useful).One thing to watch out for when loading either round for a revolver it’s tempting to load light and squibs happen.

 

[Tempus Tom]

45/70

All the reasons others listed.

 

[Obturation]

45-70, heavier bullets and more common. The equation is simple and eternal : bigger is better.

 

[jmr40]

In a rifle, 45-70. In a revolver I'd certainly consider the 444. I'm thinking 45-70 might be too much of a good thing in a revolver.

 

[Old Stumpy]

The 45-70 is head and shoulders above the .444 at the upper end.

Being straight-walled cases the .45-70 and .444 cartridges do have heads but do not have shoulders.

 

[silvermane_1]

Buy the caliber less likely to give you early onset Carpal Tunnel Syndrome there Sneakshot92.

 

[Sneakshot92]

Buy the caliber less likely to give you early onset Carpal Tunnel Syndrome there Sneakshot92.

In that case i'd be buying a BFR in each of the big bore chamberings.
If only I had the $$$ laying around to do so.

 

[ms6852]

45/70