[BattleRifleG3]

I've been seriously planning a project in 444 Marlin, but a lot of hunter feedback has forced me to think...

Do now the question is out there, what IS 444 Marlin good for? A big bore round usually chambered in lever action rifles, firing the same diameter bullets as the 44 Rem Mag, but much faster.

 

[Big Dog]

Well, it can take any larger critter on the Continental US. Might be a bit stout for squirrel, bunnies and turkey though.
It'd make a fine Homestead Defense round in the country - sure do a number on any goblins in the yard!

 

[Guest]

the question is out there, what IS 444 Marlin good for? A big bore round usually chambered in lever action rifles, firing the same diameter bullets as the 44 Rem Mag, but much faster.

It's a little demeaning to say that it's "nothing more" than a lengthened .44 mag, because that extra inch of powder buys you at least 600 fps more velocity in a comparable length barrel. That's nothing to sneeze at. In terms of muzzle energy, that extra inch causes .44 caliber projectiles to be pumped out at .30-06 power levels.
from
http://home.earthlink.net/~hwsportsman/444Marlin.html

 

[7mmag6]

the ammo seems expensive

 

[Bookman]

The .444 Marlin has been mildly popular up here since it came out 25 years ago. It handles any deer or bear with ease. Some folks up in Quebec use it for moose. The caliber makes a good choice for hunters not satisfied with the .30/30 or .35 Rem.

I agree that the ammo is expensive. Best to reload your own with this caliber. It's an easy case to reload (similar to the .45/70) and several bullet weights/styles are available.

 

[Shaun]

the ammo seems expensive

ammo is not that bad 7mm I remember it being very competitive with other calibers.

BRG I am actullay thinking of converting a #1 MK3 enfield to a 444 marlin

 

[lefty o]

the 444 is good for deer and black bear. bullet selection is the killer for this cartridge, the .429 bullets are all designed for the 44 magnum/special handguns and are not built for use in a rifle with much higher velocity.

 

[Mick]

Hey shaun, is the locking system on the bolt going to be stong enough, I'm assuming the .444 will have a bit more kick than a .303.

 

[BattleRifleG3]

Pressures will be what make the difference. That and the cross sectional area of the case. 444 Marlin should be fine in an Enfield, no question.