new (preowned) 444 to the range.

[rmmellor]

Hey Flat Top I knew about the 405 gr. But the New 300gr is news to me. It sounds like it's going to be a very fast and flat shooting bullet in your SG for sure. I will be looking forward to your test results. A new 300 grainer, who knew!! I see more penetration testing on the horizon.

[Flat Top]

mt; At 300 yards the SG 444 300 grain bullet would still be traveling at 1522 fps with 1533 ft lbs......that would be a TKO of 27....a Thorniley of 123 (well within elk range)....and an OGW rating of 2109 at the muzzle and 492 at 300 yards. That would be like shooting that elk with a 300 H&H Magnum at near point blank range (TKO about 22...Thorniley 116 and an OGW rating of 942 at the muzzle)). I would say that this would put the 300 grain load in contention as a 300 yard elk round......again, providing the shooter did his job well. I never really thought of (or designed) the SG 444 to be anything but a mid range (200 yards or so) LDG cartridge/modification, but your point brings up food for thought, and, now that I have considered your point, you just may be right!

[Flat Top]

rmmellor; Marshall and I had discussed the 300 grainer years ago, when I brought up the idea of a new 405 for the SG 444 to him. Most of the .400 bore African large game rifles used two different weight bullets, a 400 to 410 for large game and a lighter (normally a 300 grain bullet) for open shots at thin skinned plains game. This is what made the 450-400 N.E. and the 404 Jefferey the legends that they are today...the versatility to take "all" African game under any conditions. The SG 444 was designed to mimic those two cartridges, so, for me the light/heavy bullet thing made a lot of sense....................and yes, I am sure that when I receive the new bullets for testing that mt-sourdough will be the first in line to try them out!

[rmmellor]

Lot's of GOOD things happening in the 444 Marlin world.

[Flat Top]

Lot's of GOOD things happening in the 444 Marlin world.

...................and I am sure there will be many more things to come.....and soon!