A 265 gr .430” bullet load at 2,066 fps, what a joke. Even Hornady’s over-the-counter load had a MV of 2,350 fps for the 265 gr FP 444 Marlin load. Also, how many game animals have been taken at 300 yards with a 348 Win and open sights? Why not compare to a 444 Marlin loaded with a 280 gr load at 2,250 fps (CorBon load), how about a 335 gr load at 2,125 fps (that’s an Underwood Ammo Load) out at 200 yards. Showing a bit of bias towards the 348 Win in lieu of factual ballistics.
I looked at Load data and that was the fastest 265 grain load listed.
The point is the 444 loses energy fast with poorer SD and BC. It also has more of a rainbow trajectory. What’s the upside to that?
I have shown what was a typical load. Sorry your favorite didn’t show to well.
i use a 280gr WNGC and Reloder 7 that goes 1937fps in my 444 Marlin and TC Encore with a 23" MGM barrel. i have done
2300fps+ with a 275gr Ranch Dog, 280gr WFN and LFN GC with Reloder 7. i have also done 2300fps+ on a 265gr Hornady FN with Reloder 7 and H4198.
i use the 444 for 100 yards and less for deer and black bear. mostly they are shot at 30 - 40 yards. they either fall down or jog about 20ish yards and then fall down.
if your dead set on using the 444 and maximum loads, then go to Hornady's manual and 265gr FN goes 2200 with Rel7 and H4198 or 265gr FXT with A1680 goes 2300fps.
i never bother with SD or BC when i am shooting deer. all they are, is just a number(s) for guys who shoot at long distances.
my load is quite weak, but i don't have to put up with strong recoil. also i use a Husqvarna m46 in 9.3x57 with a 275gr WFN GC and IMR4895 that goes 1900+/-fps (i haven't chronograph it yet). i think the max load is around 2200fps for the 275gr WFN GC . but why bother, it still puts down deer.
