.444 Marlin

They shoot and hit hard, the bullets are hard to find though at mom and pop stores, the trajectory is decently flat for a large caliber, and recoil depends on the pad, rifle design, bullet load etc. I haven't had the joy to shoot the XLR yet, but have shot a marlin without a recoil pad and let me tell you, it wasn't a pretty walk in the park. But the black bear my partner shot with it was killed so fast, I almost stood there in disbelief, his exit wound left a bloody splatter about 6 feet long in the dirt. I have tried to buy this gun from him several times, (including getting him absolutely LOADED DRUNK) but even then he was smart enough not to sell it. I say, if you have a fancy for this gun, I dont see how you can go wrong. It is a pretty great caliber, just make sure you buy lots of ammo when you shop, and get into reloading to ensure a good supply.
 
I just bought the same unit. The recoil is nothing to worry about, I'd guess it's the same or less than my 30.06 with 165 grn loads. I reload for mine and the accuracy has been MOA with only a couple of tries. A friend of mine shoots the leverevolution rounds and it shot ragged holes.
 
Not the same but similar, I have a 444S that I've had for quite a few years. I was never too pleased with some of the results using the factory 240gr loads. I started using the Hornady 265gr FP's in my reloads and that seems to be a considerable improvement.
The ammo isn't something you'll find available in most sporting goods stores and also, to fully appreciate the potential of the cartridge, reloading is almost a must.
Over the years it has accounted for a number of Mule Deer and Moose. I haven't used them on game yet but I've been playing with some 250gr & 325gr cast bullet loads that show promise.
Recoil, with the handloads using the Hornady 265gr FP, I would say is comparable to a heavy loaded 30-06.
For target shooting, load testing and as the eyes are not quite what they used to be, I've mounted a 1.5-4.5 Bushnell Scopechief VI on it using Weaver pivot mounts. Works well.
Although I really like my my Marlin 1895GS in 45-70, the 444 also fills a niche and is definately a keeper.
 
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I have a Marlin 444P (Outfitter) with the 18.5" ported barrel and recoil is on par with a heavy .30/06 load. The target below was shot at 100yds with the 265gr LeverEvolution ammo. Very accurate!

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I purchased my .444 Marlin last summer and took my first bull elk with it last fall using 265 gr. Hornady Interlock. I can't comment on ballistic comparisons as I've never owned the 45/70 or 450. From my point of view, I can say that recoil is very manageable even though mine has the standard hockey puck pad, an XLR comes with a softer pad, so that should make it even softer. Accuracy is about 1.25" with mine (scoped). Knock down power within it's effective range is very impressive. Although 300 yds in NOT recommended range, I consistently hit the 10" gong with the correct hold-over. Defineitely a caliber/gun combination that has my respect. :)
 
Olcowboy...I hate to be a kill joy but, the 45/70 is avail. in the same guns, at the same price, and is far more flexible as far as loads and power levels. The range of bullet weights for the 45/70 is around 250grs.(cast) to over 500grs.(cast). The rifling twist is fast enough in the 45/70 to handle the heavy bullets for good penetration on big game, the .444 is designed for much shorter/lighter bullets due to twist and OAL. requirements. The 45/70 is the hands down winner.
 
Not to start a peeing match, but when I bought mine, it took three stores and a bunch of phone calls to find the 444. I could have an XLR in 45-70 or 450 in all the stores, but the 444 was sold out. If you can find one BUY IT!!!
 
See my post on Marlin Big Bores in this forum.
The 444 is an excellent round and does it's job very efficiently and at lower recoil. This caliber really shines with cast as do the 450 & 45/70. The newer XLR's have a 1/20" twist (could be wrong) as opposed to the older microgrooves which had a 1/32" twist. I essence this alleviates any of the old weight restrictions from cast as a 1/20" will stabilize a 405 grn cast easily. A 1/32' will stabalize up to around the 350grn weights.
Buy what makes you happy and never look back. All three calibers (444, 450 & 45/70) work very well and will put down everything on this continent very quickly.
Most of all have fun. The big Bore Marlins are a pleasure and will never cease to amaze you.
 
tucker05 said:
See my post on Marlin Big Bores in this forum.
The 444 is an excellent round and does it's job very efficiently and at lower recoil. This caliber really shines with cast as do the 450 & 45/70. The newer XLR's have a 1/20" twist (could be wrong) as opposed to the older microgrooves which had a 1/32" twist. I essence this alleviates any of the old weight restrictions from cast as a 1/20" will stabilize a 405 grn cast easily. A 1/32' will stabalize up to around the 350grn weights.
Buy what makes you happy and never look back. All three calibers (444, 450 & 45/70) work very well and will put down everything on this continent very quickly.
Most of all have fun. The big Bore Marlins are a pleasure and will never cease to amaze you.
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Right on and well said. I like the 45-70 as a caliber in modern firearms but there's nothing shabby about the 444. It's capable, can hold its own on game and has the flexibility to work well with both cast and jacketed bullets.
 
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