9.3x57 vs 444 Marlin

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MiG25

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Can't help but notice that there is considerable overlap between the 9.3x57 and the 444 Marlin (the Marlin is basically an x57R). The 444 Marlin is a bit of a Cult Favourite while the 9.3x57 is probably the best deal going right now for the reloader.

The 9.3 had the advantage in BC and SD, the rifles are typically lighter and certainly cost less today. The 444 had more frontal area.

Other than personal taste, bolt vs lever, is there any reason to pick one over the other?
 
To me the 9.3 is a better choice. The 444 hits pretty hard but sheds velocity much faster. Loaded with 232 grain bullets the 9.3 is a genuine 300 yard rifle. Plus those Husky's are old world craftsmanship for a ridiculously low price. Just bought a model 46 in 9.3 and condition is great for a 1937 made rifle.
 
The 444 being a stretched out 44mag allows for cheap plinking with .429 caliber handgun bullets.

The 9.3 would make for a better hunting rifle. The 45-70 is a better choice for hunting over the 444 since there are more options for .458 cal hunting bullets but I realize that's not the question you asked.
 
Other than personal taste, bolt vs lever, is there any reason to pick one over the other? that is the main reason you choose one caliber or another in that specific case...
 
I think at that size the advantage in frontal area is not gonna make too much difference. Would go with SD and BC.
 
I wouldn't be worried a bit about SD or BC at the distance these potato throwers are gonna be used. The only difference is the 9.3 throws Russet spuds while the 444 tosses yams. I owned both, and if you reload, then no worries. If you dont, buy the 444
 
As medvedqc said, if you prefer a bolt gun, it’s the 9.3. If you like a lever, the 44 wins. I guess the other consideration is bullet construction. In 9.3 you can get premium bullets from Nosler, Norma etc. the choices in 44 cal are a little more limited.

Maybe just buy one of each. I think you can get a perfectly functional (but not always pretty) 9.3x57 for a couple hundred bucks.
 
I own a 9.3 x 62. While you can find ammo for this, I reload. Components are available for both, dies for the 9.3 x 57 are a bit harder to find; brass is easy to make out of 8 x 57 brass. 9.3 x 62 brass is relatively easy to make from .30-06.
 
I'm happy with my HVA 46a in 9.3x57. I only run 270-280 gr hardcast loads through 'er in the 1500-1800 fps range and they plow deep on hefty critters at woods distances. Nice light rifle that's easy to carry though the woods fer me.

I've tried the 444 Marlin lever rifles yrs back using factory ammo but they just had 265 gr JSP as the heavy bullets for them back then. Bullet options are better now. The 444 can be handloaded with hardcast boolits in 300 gr and above weights to get fine performance on big critters without much fuss.
 
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I shot my last bear with my .444 Marlin with home cast 325gr powder coated bullets. Shot through the lungs and he went about 20 yards.
 
bcsteve said:
I shot my last bear with my .444 Marlin with home cast 325gr powder coated bullets. Shot through the lungs and he went about 20 yards.
Click to expand...

Way to go, bcsteve!

I find results like these interesting because no one questions what a flat piece of hard lead at these speeds can do....Yet people consider a copper/mono that expands even wider and also goes all the way through an animal to be a "slow killer".
 
Just yesterday I put my husky m46 9.3x57on the kitchen scale to check the weight. 7 lbs 3 oz. That’s with the barrel shortened to 20”, no sling or ammo, and with a weaver classic V 1-3 scope in Burris signature rings.
It’s a very handy little bush gun than can reach out a bit when needed too.
 
9.3x57 has the advantage in sectional density and velocity. Feels like a no-brainer, but I shoot left these days and I've yet to see a 9.3x57 in a lefty, whereas most lever guns are relatively ambidexterous. Had a 9.3x57, but sold it before I ever got all the components available to reload it to help fund my lefty hunting rifle. Kept the box of bullets I bought though, so one day I plan to get a lefty 9.3x62. Then again, I want a 444 too, but unless I get a single shot like the CVA Scout they're pretty damn expensive these days.

Really wish the Zastava's that TradeEx used to sell were still available, they were available in lefty in 9.3x62...

Lots of 9.3x62 rifles available at InterSurplus. If you can fix a crack in a stock they can be had for like $450.
 
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