Home Forums Lever Action Central Big Bore Levers Marlin 444SS..... Ammo queation

I have been looking for 6 months for the "right buy" to get in the .444 world. As luck would have it, I found a 1990 Marlin 444SS in excellent condition with a Burris mounted on it for $550. Needless to say I bought it. Will change out the Burris as I am a Leupold guy.
I am well aware every gun is a separate animal, but I am asking anyways...... As for ammo, curious, for those that have a 1:38 twist micro groove. 444, what ammo do you shoot? I would LOVE to settle on the 265 Inter Lock bullet, but hate it's in the Super Performance only line as the couple folks I've spoke with say recoil is harsh. Read good things about the 265 FTX, but like to hear real world opinions.
Accuracy and performance .....thoughts?

Do you hand load? I've never shot factory ammo in mine. I use the 265 Hornady FP at 2200 fps. The recoil is stiff, but not as bad as my 45-70.

I handload so I’m sort of out of the loop with factory ammo. The 265 grain Hornady FP is a really good bullet, and I you can still find them, they are the one bullet you could use in the .444 for just about anything it was designed for. I’ve killed several deer with them.

I prefer 300 grain bullets, and use the 300 grain Speer Uni-Cor ( which isn’t offered anymore as a component) or the 300 grain XTP. I keep both of em at about 2000fps and they work well.

Have fun with it. The .444 is a lot of fun and brass seems to last a long time for me. Stock up on it if you find any, as it’s pretty scarce.

Every 444 I have will “one hole” with either Hornady factory load.

Starline sells new 444 Brass by the ton

A good recoil pad like the Pachmayer Decelerator, Kick-Eez or Limbsaver should tame the recoil sufficiently. Like Youper stated, the Hornady 265 is stiff, but I don't find the recoil to be too much to handle. That's an individual perception and subject to how well the rifle fits you too. That and recoil is at its worst hunched over at the bench. While hunting, not so much.

Remington's 240 load is milder and handles deer fine. I think the Hornady 265 is better for Elk and similar game. Speer's 270 is also a good bullet. If you don't handload, another option is Buffalo Bore ammunition. I believe their 270 gr load is probably with Speer's bullet. Not sure about that though, and they have a couple larger bullet loads too. Be advised that their loads are towards upper performance levels too.

If you do handload, I'd look at Hornady 265 FP, Speer 270 and possibly Hornady 300 XTP for jacketed bullets. If you go cast bullets, should probably size to .432 for best results.

Hand loads ARE an option for me. My brother reloads and so that route can be considered. I really appreciate the info. I am not a recoil sensitive guy, but I have shot Buffalo Bore ammo in an 45.70 I had and Holy Sheeeeet.....but knocked my teeth lose.
I'll look at buying both loads and see how they shoot and keep the brass for a couple reload options. Hopefully the gun will pick on a good, do it all, bullet/load. Thanks again for the info!!

The Hornady Superformance 265 is great ammo. You don’t even feel the recoil when hunting and after all, you are shooting a BIG BORE.

Handload 265 gr Hornady FP 100yd 3 shot group

Nice. What model 444?

Nice target!!! I should get my shot by next weekend. Hoping the 265 gr inter lock wins, as I would expect it to shoot better than the ftx dyebtobthe 1:38 twist. The shorter case/longer barrel would be better in the 1:20 Ballard rifling I believe..... but gonna try both factory loads and than work on reloads. Thx again guys.

I'm a big fan of Hornady's leverevolution ammo with the 265ftx. Very accurate and works great on whitetails. I've been meaning to do some reloading but can't do much better than the factory Hornady ammo.

1976 JM Marlin