Home Forums Lever Action Central Big Bore Levers 444 or 348

I'm not selling it short, just stating a fact.

In original factory loadings, the .348 has a much flatter trajectory than a .444. If a man were inclined to only shoot such ammo, the .348 would allow further reach. The initial loadings of the .444 were also compromised by the use of pistol bullets, which has long since been remedied.

I agree the .444 comes into its own with the heavier, more suited to the task bullets, and mine had the 1/38 twist, so that option was not on the table. Using .44 Mags with heavy bullets gives me an idea what was left out with that slow twist.

I've shot the .45-70 quite a bit with heavy bullets, so I'm aware of what a large bore lever can do. Given the right twist and comparable bullets, there's nothing I wouldn't take on with a .444 that I wouldn't try with the .45-70. It's kind of like the .44 Mag vs .45 LC argument.



That would be my choice for big stuff.

The older CorBon 305 grain Penetrator load is a stellar monolithic projectile. Author Brian Pierce shot through two Cape buffalo standing broadside just inside 100 yards. Velocity was 1,670 fps on the CorBon 405 gr 45-70 factory load he used. The 444 CorBon .429, 305 gr. load with that bullet has a factory velocity of 2,150 fps. Quite sure with this 444 load you could easily slay most anything encountered. As a substitute currently to the CorBon load I’d probably load the .429, 300 grain Barnes Buster. It would duplicate the CorBon projectile well.

I own a Marlin 444S and would love to own an original Winchester 71. They both are cool, but I think the 348 is a little more flexible.

so to spice it up more then. One gun levergun caliber 45/70 or 348?

Or... A Savage 99 in 358 Winchester (I have one) or a Winchester 94 BigBore in 356 Win. (I have one) or a BLR in 358 (I don't have one), or a Browning 1895 re-bored to 35 Whelen (I have one of those). I also have a Marlin in 36 RPP which is faster and hits harder than the 348 or 358 but it is strictly a wildcat/handload proposition.

The way I see it the 348 and 45-70 are apples & Oranges. Both great within their limitations but not comparable. Same goes for the 444, a great round (I have several rifles in 444) but in a different league.

To answer the original question, I see the 348 as the "all-arounder" of the two.

T.S.

I owned an old 444 Marlin. I sold it, due to the length of the action and the length of a 444 loaded with Keith cast bullets - not being compatible.

I would very much like a 348 and never have owned one. For me it would be the 348, but it would be 2x the price. Yet, I'm getting long in the tooth, but if I were to buy one today, it would be an original 348, not the Jap model 71's. I would not care so much for a collector grade one, But, I'd like it to be a shooter.

That is my personal preference.

I've own several 358's and a couple 45-70's and I like them all, but that wasn't your question.

Hornady is introducing their own .348 Winchester ammo with flex tip bullets in 2019.

They are hard to find, but try a rapid taper lt weight Winchester 1886 in 33 WCF. This was the smokeless half magazine rifle that eventually evolved into the 1936 pre-war Model 71.
The 348 or 348 Ackley in the Model 71 is enough gun for most hunting needs , and will out range both the 444 or 45-70 unless you are carrying a Sharps.

For bear encounters in Alaska, Canada or the lower 48-the 450 Alaskan on the 348 case is a proven bear tonic. It pretty well
out powers other contenders, especially with premium bullets. Like the original early Model 71s, you have to own and carry one to fully appreciate the 450 or the M-71.

I had my 1886 takedown in .33 WCF out shooting over the weekend. It is a heavy rifle! Perhaps the takedowns were not rapid taper barrels? Seemed to be about the same in weight as the 71. That 1955 vintage 71 will be taking a trip to Reagan Nonneman after the first of the year to get converted to .50 Alaskan. I like to be over-gunned when possible (too much Elmer Keith influence!) and this rifle will be the go-to once I've relocated to western Montana...should be good piece of mind against grizz.

Since the OP has several 45/70's I wouldnt be suggesting a 444. They are both heavy weight calibres and have similar capability. The 348 is quite specialized however its performance would make it a better stable mate of the 45/70. However the OP seems to be looking for something he can use more. Perhaps a 92 style rifle in 44mag or 45LC might be a better choice?

A levergun that punches above its weight is the 375 Winchester but it is somewhat obscure these days. A BB94 weighs as much as a light 92 in 44, is really easy to carry and points well. It has modest powder consumption and produces plenty of power.

444 Marlin is a heck of a lever rifle,348 Winchester is more valuable and decent rifle too, but my vote for a big bore if that's what you feel you need is a 45-70 reason easier to find ammo,but if you want long range accuracy,alot of true power buy a magnum in a Browning BLR.

That would make a huge difference. It's tough to get horned up over a cartridge with no cases or ammo available.

gotta love hornady and their dedication to keeping the old cartridges alive.

Wonder if this ^^ means there might be another run of 71s in production soon?

I think Starline is selling 348 cases now.

Yes, but the price is "higher than giraffe p*ssy"!!!

If it's in original condition it would be worth keeping the Win 71 as it is or selling it and using a Browning 71 for your conversion. The Browning 71 and 1886 models had none of the drawbacks the later Winchester models had with rebounding hammer and tang safety. If you want the biggest possible, you should consider a 50/110 for your conversion instead of the 50 Alaskan. Starline make brass for both.

I sold my first year Marlin Guide 45-70 after I bought my Browning M71 Carbine. Just totally different pieces IMO with the latter winning for me.

Once I ever acquire a 71 im sure my 1895gs will sit in the safe more. I have 4 45/70's and love them all but I really want a 71. The money just gets allocated to other life needs at the moment. Ive got 100 new 348 brass and when/if Hornady makes some ammo I will stock up. I want the Browning carbine as well. Already have a Williams peep for one and hopefully draw a speedgoat tag next year and put it to the test

The 1955 Win 71 I have isn't totally original (recoil pad added), and is only about in 85% condition, so off it goes to get modified to .50 Alaskan. As for the 50/110, if you look at ballistics tables, not much (if any) can be gained by it over the .50 Alaska; and perhaps even a downside as the longer 50/110 case may prevent longer heavier bullets from being used due to being too long an OAL shell. At least that's what I've come to believe.