opinions on .444 marlin lever action?

[airbornekyle1]

does any body own the .444 marlin lever action? how much is ammunition, and how do ballistics compare with the 450, and the 45-70?

 

[444]

You might find this hard to believe, but I own a .444 Marlin.
The .444 Marlin is a fine cartridge in it's own right. If you already own one or are getting a smoking deal on one, go for it. They will easily take any game animal on this continent.
HOWEVER......if you are looking at a brand new rifle that you are going to order and pay full price for, the .45/70 is the way to go. It will do everything the .444 Marlin will do and more. Good bullets are also easier to find. Also, if you don't handload, you are pretty limited with the .444. Good bullets are available. Monster loads are available. But, it is just a little more rare than the .45/70.

 

[airbornekyle1]

what about the range diffences in between these rifles? i was looking to buy a new big bore lever action.

 

[Winters]

My son has a Marlin in .444 Ammo is $17.00 to $20.00+ for a box of 20. Some times it is hard to find. A 265 gr flat nose soft point Is listed about 2,000 feet per second. It is a good round for deer and should be O.K. for bear etc.

My son refers to it as the chiropractor, after a box of ammo at the bench he has to go see one.

Winters

 

[Buck Turgeson]

Yup. Go for the 45/70. It's more versatile and steeped in some damn fine tradition too. With the right load it can take anything from coyote to griz ... works so good on grizzlies that it's been years since I've even seen one here in Maine.

Buck