Home Forums Lever Action Central Big Bore Levers 444Marlin

I've seen what Piledriver Jr.s will do in my 45-70. I run 'em about 1650 fps, and they dig a deep, deep hole, breaking anything that gets in the way.

Beartooth makes a top-drawer bullet.

Vic in VA.......Well I think that someone who might have doubts about Piledriver" bullets by Beartooth Bullets should indeed do a little research on their web sight.

Then they will understand why I would be willing to bet my Superduty on what they can do and will do on a big bear, moose, Bull Elk, Buffalo or even Cape Buffalo. The proof is given and recorded.

Be sure to check that the twist is fast enough to stabilize such a long bullet. I heard that the twist rate on some Marlins may not sabilize 300gr 444 bullets. Mine seems to do just fine with them. With hard cast I would not worry so much about extra heavy bullet weight.

I shoot my .444 out of a 10" Contender. What a thrill.

I have no doubt that a 45-70 will kill most anything if the bullet disrupts some vitals. Just sayin' that you really aren't betting the truck, you're betting your backside. See the grinny face after my post???? It looked like this --

Now let me tell you Boys! Those thar Bar-Tooth Boolits are HeLL on Wheels to any critter that might want wantin to be snacking on your backside gents. They will stop a run a way Freight Train no jokin.....

Too bad we cannot get the Beartooth bullets up here in Canada. Would love to try some in my 444.

Is your winchester their "Black Shadow" model. The 444marlin was my first bigbore levergun and thus my handle here on the fire. However after owning it, a 1895G in 45/70 and a 444 Winchester Black Shadow I favor the 45/70. The 444 will more than get the job done though.

On the subject of the 'black shadow'- that one had a black synthetic stock and was the kickingest thing I've ever shot! I had to sell it b/c the recoil was just too sharp. The stock design just didn't fit me I guess as I can shoot a guide gun, a 444 Marlin and other large bore hard recoiling rifles with no problem.

The 444 Marlin to me is best served with either the 265gr Hornady or the 270gr speer gold dot if you want to shoot jacketed ammo. Big Bore Marlins really shine with heavy hard cast lead. I can whole heartidly reccomend beartooth bullets for that!

I 'll never run across anything that a 444 Marlin wouldn't take care of ..being i live in the Mtn.s of TN..But I would not have a second thought of useing it for Brown Bear protection if i ever had the chance ever arrises...The 444 Marlin, 454 Cassual ,45/70 , 450 Marlin are all levergun cartridges that up to the task ...with the right bullet that is ..any and all of the mentioned would have to have a heavy tuff bullet....
the 405 gr. .430 bullet would work extremly well in a 444 levergun...but theres no big brown maneaters running around in TN

And thats whats makes the 444 so versitile..the use of 240gr.-300gr. .430 bullets for White tail and hawgs ,and Black Bear..and if a fellow had the chance to go Brown Bear huntin ..the your 444 deer gun with the right bullet becomes a Brown Bear gun....