444 Marlin

[wisconsinteacher]

With the new 444 Marlin on the way, I want to start buying the supplies needed to reload. I know I will need a crimp die for this round and plan on getting one made by Lee. As far as the FL size and seater, is there any that I should stay away from when loading a straight walled case? A local store has H4198 on hand so I was thinking about grabbing a few pounds. I will need brass and bullets. So far, I like what I am reading about the 265 Hornady SP.

I plan on putting a scope on it. From what I have read, I need a Weaver base. I don't know what rings or scope to go with. I would like a 1-4 or 2-7 power for deer drives and hunting over bear baits.

If you have any other ideas or info, that would be great. My goal is to be up and running by next fall with this rifle. There is just no way to get it ready for the rifle season coming up in the next few weeks.

 

[Guy Miner]

That ought to be a LOT of fun! All I can compare it to is my nine years experience with the .45/70 Marlin, a very similar rifle. I think you're going to just plain LIKE (LOVE?) the big bore Marlin experience. It can be a very good hunting rifle to reasonable ranges.

As a .444 owner you MUST read this series of three articles by Marshall Stanton. The guy knows his big bore Marlins. He also makes what may well be some of the very best hunting bullets a big bore Marlin could ever use, at Beartooth Bullets:

Article 1: http://www.beartoothbullets.com/tech_no ... tes.htm/17

Article 2: http://www.beartoothbullets.com/tech_no ... tes.htm/19

Article 3: http://www.beartoothbullets.com/tech_no ... tes.htm/28

Read and enjoy. He does some interesting stuff with the Weaver scope base, allowing a very quick change from a scope to high quality "peep"/receiver sights as desired.

Although I've never owned a .444 Marlin, only the .45/70, .30-30, and .22 Marlin lever actions, I firmly believe that it is fully capable, and appropriate, for any big game on this continent. It can be a deer killer or a big bear & moose rifle. Or downloaded nicely for taking small game.

Regards, Guy

 

[Wincheringen]

I have the RCBS die set and it has the appropriate crimp function.

Fast burning rifle powders work well in the 444 Marlin across the range of bullet weights. I use RL7 in mine.

The 265 Hornady FP is a very good bullet. If you are getting an older Marlin with the Microgroove barrel, Marshall is the guy that should be making your bullets.

 

[FOTIS]

H335 is your huckleberry!

 

[SJB358]

I run RL7 in mine. Right now mines loaded with 250 grain Sierra FPJs. I topped mine with a M8 4X and it seems to work fine. Very accurate combo. H4198, H322, H335, and a slew of others will work great. I don't think you'll have to work real hard finding accuracy. I love mine.

 

[NYDAN]

I love the DNZ bases/rings I put on my 1895 450 Marlin. I highly recommend them. Here is a link to MidwayUSA: http://www.midwayusa.com/product/301113 ... uctFinding