Hey everyone, I am buying a 444 and have gotten many different mixed signals. I want to know if I can shoot Hornady Leverevolution out of my Marlin 444, which is a pre-safety so it is 1:38 twist microgroove. Is it safe to shoot them??
Thanks everyone
It's perfectly safe. Accuracy depends upon the individual rifle and its preferences.
Like Jayhawker said, safe but depends on rifle. I had both the 1:38 Microgroove and 1:20 Ballard for a while and contrary to popular logic, the 1:38 shot the Leverevolution tighter than the newer 1:20.
Matt,
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Ken
Keep an eye out for the new Hornady Superformance ammo, loaded with the iconic 265 gr FP bullet. It surpasses the old Hornady Light Mags and ought to shoot like a dream out of any .444.
The only issue you might have with the LE stuff is the magazine follower is not designed for that bullet. I've personally never shot LE, as I handload everything, but I've read some accounts where guys had to change to the new follower to solve a feeding problem. Go to the Marlin Owners Forum for tons of info on the .444
I just throw a flat point into the mag first, then fill it up with LE.
Over Christmas I acquired a handsome 1975 vintage consignment 444 Marlin at the LGS... and 60 rounds of 444 leverevolution arrived from Midway today... i am looking forward to some range time to see how the 1:38 twist handles this bullet...
i'm thinking you will be pleased
Interesting that the Hornady Leverevolution ammo box is printed with "1:20 or faster"...
This weekend was in SC at a buddy's farm, we used his outdoor "range" at 100 yards to see where it was hitting. With iron sights and 60 year old eyes I have both bullets on line and six inches left of point of aim. I was tickled pink. Now I need to figure how much to drift the front sight post to move POI six inches right at a hundred yards.
I have been amazed at the accuracy of older marlins. Where did the stigma of poor accuracy come from? Is it the reluctance to do trigger work?