45-70 or a 444 Marlin, Which would you choose?

[xringer3]

I've had a 444 marlin in the past and have been shooting some different 45/70s lately to see which one I wanted. For what I wanted it for, I settled on the 45/70 for the versitility. I can load it heavy for big game when out west, lighter faster bullets for deer in my area, and light cast loads for fun shooting and plinking. I got a great deal on an 1895Cowboy with the 26inch octagon barrel and a tang sight. I love it! it's not heavy like it looks and is well balanced. Love the long sight radius. Don't think this one will get traded!

 

[pinetree64]

I've got a Ruger #1 in 45/70 which is my primary deer hunting gun. I have never bought ammo for it, reloads only but I am tempted to try the new Leverevolution bullets from Hornaday. My buddy has retired his Weatherby 7mag and pulled out his Marlin in 35 REM with these new bullets. Took 9 deer this year with it. I had my 45/70 ranged at 200yds with Barnes originals.

Nice thing about the 45/70 is there are a lot of loads available for it from cowboy action to corbon and garrett.

 

[280shooter]

444 I had one i didnt have a 45-70
I shot all sorts of bullets out of it,and its a flatter shooting then the ole 45-70 shoot them 265 grns,,and they kick like a mule,I only reloaded for this gun,
I did try to use the 240 grn bullets,My loads were way to much for the pistol bullets,the core would seperate from the jackets half ways to the target,It looked like the target wa s hot with a shot gun,But lots of fun,I shot ground hogs to bear with mine,

 

[Colt46]

.45-70 is far more versatile

Better bullet selection, sectional density and all around just better than Marlins orphaned baby. Why it still clings to life is beyond me.

 

[gunnerh]

I have used .44 mag and .44sp in my Marlin .444 with good short range preformance for many years. The mag brass has a little more resistence to resizing then normal and the shorter rounds don't feed real well out of the magazine. The 45LC in the 45/70 do fire but only barely. Very poor results. I have used 2 1/2 inch .410 shotshell with very good results out my Marlin 45/70.