i'm trying to decide on a new gun... i want a short, light, handy rifle for short-range @55-whompin' (under 200 yards). i handload, so ammo variety/availability is a non-issue. i abhor brakes and ports, so anything that comes w/ that stuff is out.

i'm thinking a stainless/laminate marlin 450 will fill the bill, but the local dealer tells me the 444 is a superior cartridge. he has both on hand, so it probably doesn't make much difference to him which way i go.

suggestions? thoughts?

Hunting is not a matter of life or death. It is much more important than that.