35 Whelen VS 444 Marlin.

[badbrass]

If one was to go! and one was only to hunt moose or Elk once in a while, ( Every 5 Years) which one would you let go?
The 35 Whelen or the 444 Marlin? I have a 6.5X65 rifle and lots of 30-30 rifles.

 

[propliner]

.444 Marlin. It's the hammer of Thor. Nothing walks away from a 265gr sledge blow.

 

[broadhead67]

35 Whelen all the way , it will do what the 444 will do but quite a bit father out. Better B.C. = better performance down range.

 

[Slamfire]

Better range with the 35 Whelen - if range matters.

 

[Royzo]

I would personally hang onto the whelen. But..... to use every 5 years.......I would be tempted to sell both and hunt moose and elk with a 30-30.
Then again......I'd also be tempted to keep them all.
Tougher question than I thought....Good Luck

 

[Papaclaude]

I'm a fan of big bullets, but if you hunt elk and/or moose at any distance, I think I'd keep the Whelen. A little flatter shooting.

 

[bcsteve]

I have both and would definitely keep the .35 Whelen. More versatility.

 

[GMC403]

If one was to go! and one was only to hunt moose or Elk once in a while, ( Every 5 Years) which one would you let go?
The 35 Whelen or the 444 Marlin? I have a 6.5X65 rifle and lots of 30-30 rifles.

35 Whelen all the way. I've owned several of both (I think you've had one of my 444p's) and I stuck with the Whelen.

The 444 is great if you're looking to stick with a lever action, and I'd take it over a 45-70, but the Whelen offers more range.

 

[Kevan]

I have both and would definitely keep the .35 Whelen. More versatility.

Same here and same opinion..

 

[brybenn]

I'd keep the 35 Whelen myself. Unless I had a special sentimental attachment to the other. Confidence makes for a better shot

 

[Papaclaude]

35 Whelen all the way. I've owned several of both (I think you've had one of my 444p's) and I stuck with the Whelen.

The 444 is great if you're looking to stick with a lever action, and I'd take it over a 45-70, but the Whelen offers more range.

Now them there is fightin' words, pardner. Y'all have 3 seconds ta take that back!

 

[Slooshark1]

Keep them both. You will regret selling either one. I am a big fan of the Whelen though.

 

[badbrass]

You are right on that one!

Keep them both. You will regret selling either one. I am a big fan of the Whelen though.

 

[GMC403]

Now them there is fightin' words, pardner. Y'all have 3 seconds ta take that back!

Now, now...... you can keep yer buffalo slayer . The cool kids know a T4 is where it's at.

 

[Betty-Lou]

I've had both, sold the 444, one of the few guns I've gotten rid of. I shoot 250 gr bullets from my Whelen and have never been disappointed.

 

[Slamfire]

Considered the .444 when I was looking for a big-bore lever rifle but went with the .45-70 instead because it can fire heavier bullets up to 500gr. But I can appreciate there is a following for the 44 caliber.

These are both excellent cartridges for hunting heavy game in timber where shots can be obscured by brush and tracking can be tough. An Elk hit properly with either isn't going to get very far.

 

[8x68]

I would tend to keep both as mentioned by many. First choice keeper would be the 35 Whelen though. Better choice at longer distances. For heavy bush a quick handling lever would be a better option I would think.

 

[SuperCub]

Given the two choices, I wouldn't touch the 444 with a 10' pole.

The Whelen is so much better for so many reasons ....

- Better range
- Fits in a bolt action. No need to use 1800s era lever action.
- Far better selection of bullets and pointy ones at that.
- Far easier to get brass for unless you can't find any 30/06 brass.

Pulled the following info off the first site that I found. Did not pick and choose to suit my argument.

444 240gr bullet
- Muzzle velocity 2350fps. @ 300 yds 1087fps
- Energy @ 200yds 1010fp
- Drop @ 250yds (100yd zero) 20.8"

35Whelen 250gr bullet
- Muzzle velocity 2400fps. @ 300 yds 1823fps
- Energy @ 200yds 2230fp
- Drop @ 250yds (100yd zero) 11.8"

 

[Slamfire]

If one was to go! and one was only to hunt moose or Elk once in a while, ( Every 5 Years) which one would you let go?
The 35 Whelen or the 444 Marlin? I have a 6.5X65 rifle and lots of 30-30 rifles.

If you hunt Moose and Elk primarily in timber then keep the .444. It's a heavy game stomper and brush-obstructed shots are less likely to be deflected.

 

[GMC403]

If you hunt Moose and Elk primarily in timber then keep the .444. It's a heavy game stomper and brush-obstructed shots are less likely to be deflected.

This brush buster deate has been beaten to death...... you either have a shot or not.

The .279 SD of a 250gr .35cal, is much more appealing than the .205 SD of a 265gr .429cal. I think the selection should be based on what platform is preferred.

If both were offered in the same platform, the Whelen would be the front runner.

But hey!, if you can keep both, That would be the best option. Time will tell if Marlin actually starts production of the 444 again.