[Dawei]

Marlin created the 444 in '64. I was the only big bore in production at the time. That is why.

That is the real answer to the original question of topic.

The reason that there is a .444 in my house is because that is what my G'Pa used in northern Minnesota to harvest at least one of everything that lives in the Northwoods. I remember shooting it as a wee-little pot licker - it was big, it was loud, and it kicked (HARD) - at least to a little kid. When my G'Pa passed, my Uncle sold that Marlin - I didn't learn of the sale until it was a done deal, but I was very disappointed. When Marlin came out with the .444XLR with the 24" barrel, it reminded me of my G'Pa and his 24" barreled rifle. It became a quest for me to obtain a new.444XLR, and I keep it for sentimental reasons, because it shoots well, it generates enough power to handle anything on this continent, it is versatile when handloaded, and finally because it is just plain fun to shoot a big-bore.

Others can and will say the same things about their .45-70's, .375's, and so on, and they wouldn't be wrong. On the other hand, the .444 is no red-headed stepchild, as some with strong opinions regarding their particular big-bore would lead us to believe. Those of us that have a .444 and understand the versatility allowed by handloading for it is the reason that there is STILL a .444.

That's it - EXACTLY!

 

[Vanhethof]

This is my first post so bear with me if this question has already been beat to death elsewhere. I own a 1952 Marlin in 30-30 and a 1972 in 35 Remington. I want more powerful, long range capability and am currently looking at a 444 or the new 338. Since I don't handload, I'd use factory ammo exclusively, probably LE. How good is the 444 vrs. the 338 on longer range (say 250 yards) elk and moose? And of course, which would you prefer?! Thanks!

 

[duhawki647]

One of the reasons why I used my 444 for deer season in KY this year is range. I'd thought I might need to shoot it at a distance approaching 200 yards. Well, the actual range was only about 160 yards. The 444 functions flawlessly at such distances, while my 35 Rem is running out of gas a little bit. I had the right rifle. I know this because I have shot both extensively at 200 yards. I've taken game beyond 200 yards. While I would not characterize this as particularly difficult, it will go a lot better with plenty of practice shooting from field positions. You will also need to understand well the limitations not just from intrinsic accuracy but also from windage and kinetic energy, not to mention bullet drop. And if you're like most of us, good optics will help a lot.
OK, back to your question. Is the 444 capable of a 250 yard shot on elk? Yep, but you've got to be shure about the range; the difference between 200 and 300 yards is about 1 foot and a half of bullet drop. Is the 338 Marlin a better choice? Absolutely, it is so much flatter shooting and has the down range energy to make good on the promise.

 

[444Hal]

One of the things I like about the 44’s is, as a reloader & future bullet caster I can store up on one average size and one heavy weight bullet and feed hand guns, a very handy & capable 1894 and also a “heavy hitter” 444 !

Pretty much covers the urban to South American jungles & the hot deserts to the cold northern wilderness.

 

[mountain_man86]

The 444 is perfectly adequate for shots out to 300 yards on Elk if you practice with it.. IF... It is mostly learning about your own individual rifles accuracy and your ability to judge distance, then apply the correct holdover or windage adjustments..

Years back, a gun writer heard about some shots Elmer Keith made with a 44 Mag Revolver on a deer 600+ yards away and still moving.. He shot that animal, and ended it's misery after a hunter he was guiding botched the shot.. The writer, naturally, wanted to know what the terminal performance of the 44 mag was at that distance.. He tried some shots at a cabin 600 yards away.. From what he stated, the logs used for that cabin were about 8 inches in diameter.. The 44 slug penetrated through the first wall, smashed into a bed and ruined it, then burried itself in the oposite wall..

So, yes, if using heavy weight bullets, the 444 carries punch for game much father than most of us can shoot it, even carrying the energy to finish off an elk 450 to 500 yards away.. Do any of us have the skill for such an arched shot.. A few, but they are master marksman with both gun and load, and I strongly advise going much over 300 yards.. My only issue with the 338ME lies in the 200gr bullet it fires, which is low end for 338 caliber rifles.. I do admire the cartridge however, as it reminds me of the old 348 winchester, just in a much smaller, trimmer package.. HAPPY 444 NEW YEAR!

 

[Tony65x55]

The .338 Marlin is a neat cartridge and really extends the Marlin's reach as a DEER rifle. The 200 grain .338 bullet lacks sectional density and moose can be tough critters. Although I've never killed one, I understand elk are pretty hardy too. I have shot a number of moose and I can tell you, there is no substitute for big. A 300 grain .444 boolit is a big chunk of lead and although it is also fairly low in sectional density, has the weight and size to make an impression on the biggest, toughest moose. I would strongly recommend the .444 as a versatile BIG game cartridge. As shot placement is very important on these big animals, taking long range shots at them is unethical. The potential for wounding is too great and these bad boys can carry off a lot of lead. Get closer, and place your shot. Don't worry about long range shooting on these big animals. Ballistic coefficient means squat at 75 yards.

 

[308/338]

I own a 444S since 72 and have a 338 ME I believe the 338 ME. is going to go down the same trail that the 444 has gone to survive. I mean it's a lever rifle cartridge only IMO. Why would any one buy a bolt action, pump, auto loader, BLR, single shot in this caliber with the 338 Federal, 338 Win Mag 338 RCM, 338 Lapua. around.
The 444 stood up to the odds of time. I but a 338 ME and one of my reasons were I'm 60 years old and a reloader I own the 356 win., 358 win. and took the opportunity to stock up on components and also with the 338 ME. As of this writing I believe I have enough for 10 year of shooting and hunting with the 338 ME rifle so am good. But I wonder if the younger shooters hunter that will carry on will have the same luck that I have with the 444.
The more I think the more I learn the more I realize the 444 is already here look no further.

 

[ki4dmh]

I just got my 444 just a few short weeks back. It is a 74 model. I am in the process of getting all the components I can get my hands on. I want to be able to enjoy my 444 for years to come.

 

[Two401Pm]

As long as they're round on the inside

PS: Wadda ya mean, weird?

I have a blackpowder rifle that has a mechanical fitting hexagon bullet.. The rifle is a parker Hale Whitworth... civil war era 45 caliber 535 grain slug.. 1,000 yard shooter... Read about it in the lyman cast bullet manual... ;D Sorry to get off topic,,, couldnt resist my bore is hexagon on the inside round on the outside....

 

[mountain_man86]

I have a blackpowder rifle that has a mechanical fitting hexagon bullet.. The rifle is a parker Hale Whitworth... civil war era 45 caliber 535 grain slug.. 1,000 yard shooter... Read about it in the lyman cast bullet manual... ;D Sorry to get off topic,,, couldnt resist my bore is hexagon on the inside round on the outside....


Just off the top of my head, wasn't that rifle designed with the idea of long range artillary destruction?

Meanwhile, Back on topic:

I am just a young guy, but with wisdom.. I am 23 and have been hunting with the 444 since I started my legal firearms hunting at age of 14.. Due to state laws, that was the minimum age.. In any case.. I have never yet felt the need for any other cartridge to replace the 444 lever action.. It is, for me at least, the top lever gun cartridge of all time. Teddy Roosevelt had his medicine gun in the 405, but I think had he been living in the mid sixties and seventies, he would have traded it off for the 444. I will never feel undergunned on any animal when carrying the mighty marlin..

 

[Tony65x55]

Wise beyond his years.

 

[Dawei]

I have a blackpowder rifle that has a mechanical fitting hexagon bullet.. The rifle is a parker Hale Whitworth... civil war era 45 caliber 535 grain slug.. 1,000 yard shooter... Read about it in the lyman cast bullet manual... ;D Sorry to get off topic,,, couldnt resist my bore is hexagon on the inside round on the outside....


Just off the top of my head, wasn't that rifle designed with the idea of long range artillary destruction?

Meanwhile, Back on topic:

I am just a young guy, but with wisdom.. I am 23 and have been hunting with the 444 since I started my legal firearms hunting at age of 14.. Due to state laws, that was the minimum age.. In any case.. I have never yet felt the need for any other cartridge to replace the 444 lever action.. It is, for me at least, the top lever gun cartridge of all time. Teddy Roosevelt had his medicine gun in the 405, but I think had he been living in the mid sixties and seventies, he would have traded it off for the 444. I will never feel undergunned on any animal when carrying the mighty marlin..

Me too!

 

[mountain_man86]

My thanks and hats off to you Tony65X55 and Dawei.. I may not have much wisdom, but I have it where it counts Since signing up on this site, the posts from both of you have always been excellent, and high on my respected reading list..


"I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. 'Tis the business of little minds to shrink; but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death. " ~Thomas Paine, The American Crisis, No. 1, December 19, 1776