444 Marlin

[SJB358]

I got the chance yesterday to try out some handloads in my 444 Marlin. I have shot it a little, but all with the Hornady Superformance stuff. I worked up some loads with RL7 and the 300 grain Sierra JSP and the 300 grain Nosler JHP. I am using Hornady brass for this rifle and still shooting the open iron sights, as issued. It is accurate guys. It is very stiff though and could use about 1000 cycles on the action, but there are NO problems with accuracy that I can tell.

Fotis, that 300 grain Sierra seems good buddy. I have 5 left to try and capture one in a jug.

300 grain Nosler

Overall, I am very impressed so far. Once I get some proper sights on the rifle, I will ring it out a little further. It is a very nice handling rifle and seems to be very accurate.

 

[DrMike]

Those loads spell dead game whenever you pull the trigger. Excellent groups, Scotty.

 

[SJB358]

Those loads spell dead game whenever you pull the trigger. Excellent groups, Scotty.

Mike, you would love the 444 buddy. It is pretty gentle for a bigger bore and I can't help but think a 444 would be a fun rifle to have while stomping around bear country..

 

[Oldtrader3]

Nice clean looking and symetrical groups. That one is a shooter!

 

[SJB358]

Nice clean looking and symetrical groups. That one is a shooter!

I got lucky Charlie. This was a 2009 Marlin. Serial on the side of the receiver and kinda rough in operation, but it has a Marlin barrel. I feel much better about it after seeing what it is capable of now.

 

[Guy Miner]

Good looking Marlin for sure! The groups are good, and I think you're right, it likes those big 300 gr bullets!

 

[Oldtrader3]

It will loosen up and you can stone what doen't.

 

[DrMike]

Those loads spell dead game whenever you pull the trigger. Excellent groups, Scotty.

Mike, you would love the 444 buddy. It is pretty gentle for a bigger bore and I can't help but think a 444 would be a fun rifle to have while stomping around bear country..

They were quite popular at one point in the Cariboo region of BC. We didn't see many here in the north; the 45-70 was the chambering of choice here for the Marlins. I have no doubt that I would like the 444 a lot, however.

 

[SJB358]

From what I can see, the 444 has alot going for it. Little less recoil than a 45-70 with similar SDs.

 

[JD338]

Looking good Scotty.
Those 300 grainers are just the ticket for the 444.

JD338

 

[SJB358]

Seems like it Jim. That Nosler seems to shoot well. Need to put it in jugs.

 

[JD338]

I would be really interested in seeing how the Nosler 300 gr JHP holds up to 444 velocities in the jugs.

JD338

 

[SJB358]

You and me both Jim. I really think they might do okay.

 

[pre6422hornet]

That has some really nice looking wood Scotty!

Good shooting too I might add.

 

[onesonek]

Looks real good too me Scotty!

 

[billbam]

Thats pretty nice and shoots well too. A freind has an old one that he was going to sell which I was thinking about buying but I have not seen him in a bit. I had taken it apart for him, cleaned it, shot it and was pleasantly suprised. They are not bad to shoot. Good luck with it.

 

[Guest]

Nice groups Scotty.
Doing it with only iron sights is impressive.
Great shooting.
Dewey

 

[257 Ackley]

Those loads spell dead game whenever you pull the trigger. Excellent groups, Scotty.

It is pretty gentle for a bigger bore.

I say BS on the "gentle" term... :mrgreen: I shot it and will take my 45-70 anyday!! That rifle rattled my teeth when I squeezed the trigger. Guess I'm really getting wimpy...

 

[SJB358]

Your right Joel, but my loads aren't near as painful as those Superformance loads are.

 

[DrMike]

It is pretty gentle for a bigger bore.

I say BS on the "gentle" term... :mrgreen: I shot it and will take my 45-70 anyday!! That rifle rattled my teeth when I squeezed the trigger. Guess I'm really getting wimpy...

Joel, dentist have to work as well as others. :grin: So what if you shake a few fillings loose?