Marlin 444

[Arizonan]

I would like all responses to stay on topic. I am looking to get a 444 that was manufactured in 1982. Pre cross bolt. Gun is like new. Paying $350.00

I plan on handloaing 240 grain lead for practice. And will be loading Hornaday 265 grainers for hunting. I plan on using this gun for Elk, Black Bear and Mulies. I plan on using skinner sites and not the Buckhorn sites. And I wont be shooting past 200 yards.

Thoughts on these loads? And anyone here have a 444 they use as their main gun?

I have a Marlin 1894 in 44 Magnum. circa 1979. I think it will fill the larder just as well as the bigger 444. But this is one heck of a deal.

 

[Float Pilot]

That is a VERY good deal...

Marlin 444 Sporter
Dates: 1972 – 1983
Serial Numbers, first two digits: 72 (1972 only) 27 descending through 17 (1973 - 1983)
Barrel Length: 22”
Barrel Rifling: Micro-Groove™, 12 lands
Barrel Twist: 1:38"
Proof Mark: "JM" on left side of the barrel

Since it will be a micro groove slow twist barrel it might be very picky about cast lead bullets. See if gas-checks help.
It will also be a bit picky about the longer heavier bullets.

The Hornady 265 grain flat nose works ok because it is fairly short of its weight. I like Benchmark with that bullet in the 444 and my brother likes Varget.

He even figured out a way to shoot 44 caliber round lead balls from his as a low velocity rabbit load.

You might have to back off the velocity with the mirco groove to gain accuracy with the heavier bullets. Anything in the 240 to 250 range will work a little better with the older rifling twist rate.

 

[natman]

The good: $350 is a bargain for a JM 444. I'd buy it in a flash.

The not as good: This rifle will have Microgroove rifling. It's possible to get lead bullets to shoot well with Microgroove, but it takes some fiddling. Also, 444s of that era have a very slow 1:38 twist, which limits how heavy a bullet you can use.

How big a drawback these limitations are depends on your requirements. Personally while I'd prefer a later JM 444 with the Ballard rifling and faster twist, a 444 shooting jacketed 265 grain bullets is a very useful gun and I'd certainly be able to live with it.

Especially at that price.

 

[mike28w]

My goodness , $350 for this gun sounds like a nice deal !

Re: shooting lead bullets with Microgroove..... I have a 45-70 with Microgroove rifling and it shoots lead bullets just fine. No problems, no mods and accurate too.

I'd buy that baby and I don't even need a 444 !

 

[kvtcomdo]

Have to agree.

The deal is too good to pass on.

Pics please.