444marlin or 45-70 short barrel or longer barrel

[coalman]

planning on getting a big bore lever action some time this spring. trying to decide between a 444marlin or 45-70. i reload so ammo choice not a big deal of availability in stores. also can't decide wheather a guide gun or longer 22inch barrel.have a marlin in 308mx with a 22 inch barrel and a marlin 336 with 20 inch barrel no difference in manuvering in places . any help wuth decision would be appreciated

[knight0334]

Get the 45-70, the 444 stuff is already near max and only has a .429 bullet.

You can shoot loadings that are powder puff stuff, or loadings for a T-Rex hunt. From 1500ftlb energy to 3600+ftlb energy, although the heavier loads kill on both ends - recoil is fierce.

I have some 45-70 single shot NEF and H&R rifles. My 22" Handi will make ragged hole groups at 50 yrds with Win. Super X 300gr JHP ammo, and cloverleaf groups at 100 yrds with same ammo. My 32" 45-70 Buffalo Classic is a bit more accurate way out to 500 yards. My 32" Buffalo Classic 45-70 that was reamed to 45-120 will push 300gr JHP's to about 2800fps, and 500gr slugs to 2100+ fps(yeah, elephant gun area).

You'll definitely get more out of the 22" versus the 18" levergun.

[fingers80002]

.444, My brother has the one my Dad had.
I shot it in with Honady's new ammo, DAMN!!!!!!!!!!!

[gander215]

I love my 45-70 and would not give it up for anything. Like said lots of loads for it. But have to say I am in the market for a .444 though. I am trying to buy most of the calibers for lever guns. Looking to get a large lever gun collection. -BB

[rich e]

I was in the market for a bigbore, and got a deal on a Marlin 444..

After doing some internet research the 45-70 has more bullet selections for reloaders and can fling a heavier bullet...I think you can go up to 405 grain bullets with the 45-70 and 365 grains with the 444 ..

My conclusion..They both hit HARD..They both will take down huge animals..Both calibers can be reloaded for T-rex if need be..I went with the best deal I found locally..

[Steelblitz]

I love my 1895g in 45-70. Compact enough to carry comfortably anywhere in the wild with plenty of stopping power. Just don't have a partially torn up shoulder like me when you get to shooting it, it will remind you of the injury when you pull the trigger.

[Cyo]

I love my .444 but ammo is a pain because I'm not currently reloading. I can always find .45-70 but you can't always find .444. I think if you're going to travel with it and hunt, the .45-70 is a better option because it's easier to find the ammo when out and about. If it's going to be a strictly local affair, then the .444 is dandy.

I think the extra couple of inches of barrel will really only be a help if you're expecting to shoot out beyond 100 yards. For inside that, I doubt you'll notice any significant change in performance.

[gander215]

I was in the market for a bigbore, and got a deal on a Marlin 444..

After doing some internet research the 45-70 has more bullet selections for reloaders and can fling a heavier bullet...I think you can go up to 405 grain bullets with the 45-70 and 365 grains with the 444 ..

My conclusion..They both hit HARD..They both will take down huge animals..Both calibers can be reloaded for T-rex if need be..I went with the best deal I found locally..

I have 605 gr hammerheads for the 45-70. Sounds like some of you need to sell me your .444s. I'll treat them right. -BB

[dogngun]

.45-70 Marlin lever action - get the longer barrel to get it all out of the old boomer.The 19th Century Marlins had long barrels for good reason.
.444 is a great cartridge and rifle, BUT...
.45-70 is more commonly available, has more loads commercially, more loading information, more components and is a more flexible because of it.
In the Marlin, you can load the .45 so hot and heavy you will hate to shoot it.
You can also shoot very light loads in it. I used to load a 300gr JHP for ground hogs, and it stopped them right there!.
I have owned both, and I recommend the .45-70/Marlin.
It's a great combination of cartridge and rifle.

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