jimbo1096

Got a chance to pick up a Marlin 444 but don't know that much about the reloading of this cartridge. I mainly reload revolver cartridges, and was think ing most of teh components for the 44mag would cross over incl bullets, put it looks like most recipies for power are not what I already have. I was thinking H110 or 2400. I would like to find some midrange loads with cast bullets and Herco, any ideas? What about 4227?
Figured TGN would have loaded this old girl before.
Any tips and advice if I pick this one up?

Ornery

had one years ago, fun to shoot if you don't mind recoil its not bad but it sure isn't a 22 either. It will take any game here in North America, reloading is similar to the 45-70 not much if any case growth when sizing. Basically its a souped up 44 mags.

deputy125

the main gripe i heave read concerning the 444 marlin is that bullet selection is crucial as the various 44 handgun bullets are too fragile at 444 velocities.....and of course a good heavy crimp is needed as well.

XLCH

I have two that I load for. I use the Hornady 265 GR FP and IMR 4198. The Hornady265 FTX bullet takes a different trim length and /or case as it is shorter. In Lead, I cast with a Ranch Dog 265 or 350 x .432 mold and sized to .432 and again IMR4198 or Hodgdon H335.

tx gun runner

I never owned a 444 because the twist in a Marlin is 1 in 38 and is design for pistol bullet and will not stabilize heavy rifle bullets like a 45-70 with a 1 in 20 will . If your going to shoot lead bullets not gas checked IMR 4227 has a low flame and is great with cast bullet . IMR 4198 is good with gas checked or jackets bullet . 12.0 of Unique without a wad is great for a plucker load and cast bullet . 2400 can ring a chamber in a rifle with straight wall case so I don't like to use it . They make special design jacket bullets for the 444 Marlin rifle for hunting . Most of the people I know that have them , love them .

jimbo1096

Thanks for the replies, still on teh fence- I love the lever guns, and haven't had one for 18 years, so the itch is there. Not sure if 444 is the right one. Would really like a .35 or even a 44mag.
TGR, I was thinking IMR 4227 if I get one, and use it mainly with hardcast bullets.
XLCH - something like that Ranch Dog 265 is what I'd be inclined toward- never heard of them though.

XLCH

1in 38twist is for pistol bullets I think Not.


http://www.ranchdogoutdoors.com/

tx gun runner

The 35 Rem is a super round for a lever gun and my pick for a lever hunting gun . It don't kick like a 45-70 and shoot as flat as a 30-30 .

Ornery

I have a 35 and love it fun shooter.

tx gun runner

[QUOTE=XLCH;150167]1in 38twist is for pistol bullets I think Not.

Here some good infor on Marlin's micro-grove barrels and twist . The 240 to 300 gr pistol bullets work best in 1 in 38 Micro-grove . I just read in 1997 they when to 1 in 20 ballard rifling which 300 to 400+ bullet will work in it . Now you need to which barrel you have to load for it correctly .

http://www.lasc.us/Fryxell444Marlin.htm

XLCH

My earlier Marlin with the micro-grove 1in38 shoots the 350 Ranch Dog very well as dose my 1in20.
The Ranch Dog molds are designed for the Marlin guns, Check him out.

tx gun runner

Explain bullet stabilization is a 3 day class . Here is a short one . A wadcuter and a spitzer that weights the same take a different barrel twist , it is the lenght of the bullet not the design . The speed of bullet makes a big different also , you need to keep it either above or below sound barrier when it hit the target . Going thur the sound barrier is not a good thing on stabilization of a bullet .

Ornery

Well looks like your on your way with the right stuff needed to load that jewel up and shoot the heck out of it.

XLCH

Hell Ya I shoot Spitzers in my lever guns all the time, fill the tub right up tight, all I’m saying is there are bullets out there for the 444 that shoot good in the Micro-Grove and in the Ballard barrels. If it don’t work for you what can one say.

Ornery

each rifle and each shooter have a load that they like, other wise no one would reload

jimbo1096

Well, it's a moot point as I didn't get the Marlin anyway. So I'm still on the lookout for the right gun, either Winchester or Marlin, preferred older versions without the crossbolt. Caliber is dependent on what pops up and at a good price. There is a winnie Crazy Horse special edition but it's a bit expensive at $700 and in the 38-55, which is not something I really want. The owner wants to me to trade my 10" SBH and cash for it.

tx gun runner

The crossbolts can be disabled by removing butt stock and there is a small allen head set screw there , just screw it in and it will lock it where it will not move . They also make a a new bolt that is flush on both side and disable the safety for around $15 or cut the one side down to flush it and then lock it down with the set screw .
$700 for a Crazy Horse new , unfired with the box is about right . Remember when you shoot it it become a $300 gun .

Ornery

Well you would have to reload for that one and I am not so sure I would want it myself. Unless your into cowboy long range then it would be a gun you could use at match's .

jimbo1096

Well, it is fired, and shows a few scuffs from handling but otherwise pretty clean. I was thinking of offering him 400 or 500 and see what happens but the 38-55 is a turnoff. I don't want something that has to be babyied and you'd be scared if you end up with a scratch on the stock.

I say 'before crossbolt safety' more as an age thing than a function of the device, it doesn't really bother me if it was the right caliber at a good price. I didn't know about the allen screw that locked it and therefore disabled the safety. Good thing to know TGR.
I just like the feel, looks and character of an older firearm, as long as it has been properly cared for. Almost like it has stories to tell, and you can hear the wind and feel the open expanse of the great outdoors when you hold one of the older guns.