So my LGS has the Marlin 444 on for 699+ and I bought one. I expected to see a poor quality Remlinized lever gun. This thing is shockingly well made. Fit and finish is pretty much perfect. Hopefully I will be able to get it out and try it out. I had a nice 307 94 that I loved. Hopefully this will scratch that itch.
Marlin 444
- Thread starter Trunnion
- Start date
Johnn Peterson
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Chemainus B.C.
Hand loads using the 265gr Hornady have been a great performer for me on a number of Moose.
gunrunner100
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- NW Ontario
Which LGS has the 444s? Friend is looking for one.
My 444 likes the Hornady Superformance 265gn factory loads.
The closest load data I've found to duplicate the Hornady's Factory 'Superformance' 265gn FN bullet load is Vihtavuori's N-120 & N-130 powder.
I went with N-130. As I got closer to the top end powder charges the velocity was +2400fps but the brass was getting getting sticky to eject.
Lee's Modern Reloader data says N-130, from 47.7 to 53.2gn, is a compressed charge. After I read that, I started using a powder drop tube and re-shot the load ladder, the numbers where a lot more consistent.
Settled on an accuracy node at 2282fps - chrono 5yds in front of muzzle.
Hornady has discontinued the #4300 265gn FN bullet, I did find a couple boxes before they totally disappeared. With Covid shortages, a lot of my other favorite 44cal bullets are 'out of stock' every where.
So for relatively inexpensive trigger time/plinking/gong ringing with the 444 I use H4895 & 240gn Campro bullets. Just keep your breach pressure less than 44Magnum and your good to go plinking.
My 44's
Marlin 1895 444Marlin
Marlin 1894 44Mag/44Spl
The closest load data I've found to duplicate the Hornady's Factory 'Superformance' 265gn FN bullet load is Vihtavuori's N-120 & N-130 powder.
I went with N-130. As I got closer to the top end powder charges the velocity was +2400fps but the brass was getting getting sticky to eject.
Lee's Modern Reloader data says N-130, from 47.7 to 53.2gn, is a compressed charge. After I read that, I started using a powder drop tube and re-shot the load ladder, the numbers where a lot more consistent.
Settled on an accuracy node at 2282fps - chrono 5yds in front of muzzle.
Hornady has discontinued the #4300 265gn FN bullet, I did find a couple boxes before they totally disappeared. With Covid shortages, a lot of my other favorite 44cal bullets are 'out of stock' every where.
So for relatively inexpensive trigger time/plinking/gong ringing with the 444 I use H4895 & 240gn Campro bullets. Just keep your breach pressure less than 44Magnum and your good to go plinking.
My 44's
Marlin 1895 444Marlin
Marlin 1894 44Mag/44Spl
