Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Express Rifles and Big Bores Only .444 Marlin Lever Gun

Curious if anyone here has dealt with this critter, looking for a possible load for it with a 180gr XTP? For plinkin and prairie dogs...
Got one for my wife as a saddle gun, want her to get used to it before we start loadin 'er up.
Have found for 200gr XFB, but have a pile of the 180's for the .44mag, hoping I can use em.

Welcome to 24hrcf! You will most likely get more traction and replies in the big bore lever actions forum here. I see no reason why your 180gr booleets won't work just great on varmints and dirt clods out of your 444 Marlin. Probably wold make a big hole in a two legged varmint as well, should the need arise.

Thanks! I've visited here, tho in a comp crash lost PW's.. I enjoy the threads here, lots of info plus good humor..
I've been looking online for a starting recipe for the tiny bullets, haven't found anything, thought I'd check here before trying to come up with something on my own..
I love my 45/70 levergun, plan to dump a bison with that or my BFR 45/70 one day if I can ever draw a tag in Jackson Hole area in WY>

I've owned a few Marlin 45-70s in the past. I recently acquired a Marlin 444 levergun. I worked up some 300gn loads that were mid-power @ ~1900fps. The gun shot them very accurately for iron sights. I averaged consistent 2" groups @ 50 yards. I'm sure the gun can shoot tighter groups with a scope and hotter ammo. Recoil was very reasonable compared to full bore 45-70 loads. Recoil should be even less with 180-200gn bullets but I have yet to try them. I'm sure the 444 could work on Bison but I think it is more appropriate for Elk/Deer within 250yds. I would stick to a hot 405gn .458 for your Bison, just my opinion though.

IMO, the 444 is the most underrated cartridge at this time, especially considering the bullets that are available to the hand loader. For its intended game and range it really gives up nothing to the 45-70. Sadly though the 444 continues to lumber along in the shadow of the "superior" 45-70. Of course, the 45-70 would be preferred for Bison & Bear. However, the 45-70 is probably entry level for these critters.

YMMV Hope this helps. Enjoy the new gun.

check out the 444 thread at the marlin owner forum.

If a heavily loaded 444 Marlin is too light, I don't think a 45-70 is the right answer either.

I shoot a Marlin 45-70 myself, but just being objective. I wanted a big levergun, and it was a tough decision between the two.

Thanks ,guys, Somewhere in the midst of all the threads someone mentioned some loads for the .444 using Trail Boss,, Hoping to find it again as I neglected to make a note...

The rules with Trail Boss are...find where the base of the bullet will be when seated and fill the case to that mark with powder. Weigh it, and start at 70% of that weight. This info can be found on IMR's website. Sorry, I can't furnish a link. Probably most important is to not compress Trail Boss.
Good Luck,
Rick

If you're going to get one do it now. They are not listed in the 2012 catalog.