444 for moose

Anthing you think is a big bore

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austenlake2
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Location: canada

444 for moose

Post by austenlake2 »

i am about to buy a marlin 444 but am wondering if it will be fine for moose at a 150 yds or less in cover and is it true you can shoot 2.5" .410 shells from it,or should i pass on it and hope to find one in 45-70 thanks
Sure-Shot
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Post by Sure-Shot »

The 444 is a great cartridge and in 265 grn or above would not hesitate to use it on moose. It has been used successfully on dear, black bear, elk and moose. Will you be reloading or using store bought?

Here is some information on the 444 (three articles) by Marshal Stanton of Beartooth Bullets:
1. http://www.beartoothbullets.com/tech_no ... tes.htm/17
2. http://www.beartoothbullets.com/tech_no ... tes.htm/19
3. http://www.beartoothbullets.com/tech_no ... tes.htm/28

and here is one by Bill McConnel
http://www.beartoothbullets.com/tech_no ... tes.htm/44

Lots of information here as well: http://www.marlinowners.com/board/
GBOT, GBUSA
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Jayhawker
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Location: Southern California

Post by Jayhawker »

The Hornady 265 gr bullet is quite adequate for moose. Heavier bullets would be preferred if you handload. I'm partial to the Speer 270 and 300 gr bullets, but cast bullets are available too. The key is shot placement, after all.

I heard of some people shooting 410 shotsells through their 444s but I wouldn't recommend it. I think only the Remington hulls actually fit but I'm not certain. Patterns have been reported to be lousy due to the rifling and only good for about 15 yards so they are more like close range pest/snake rounds. Just make darn sure there is no plastic left in the bore before you set off a regular round.
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