I have a Marlin 1894SS in 44 mag that I carry in deer season. The stainless steel and short light gun are nice for rainy days in the brush.
The 444 gives you a 265 grain bullet at speeds of the 200 grain in the 44 mag rifle.
I have shot thousands of rounds of 45-70. Original Springfield Trapdoor rifles and carbines, Winchester 1886 (circa 1910), Browning 1886, Ruger No 1, and a couple of Marlins.
The lead bullet loaded for original Springfield is anemic(1350 fps/Level 1 data)), but effective. Deer run of a bit before falling over from blood loss. I have yet to shoot one with the 405 JSP loaded for the Winchester (level 2 data). The 300 grain Speer JHP (actually a flat point with a slight dimple) loaded with 52 grains of Re-7 drops them where they stand. That load is top end and only for Marlins or Rugers.
