Of the 3 calibers, 444 Marlin, 45-70 or 450 Marlin, which would you choose and why?
Pale Rider
Which Big Bore?
Moderators: Regnier (gunrunner), JohnK, Sure-Shot
-
- Distinguished Expert
- Posts: 1304
- Joined: Sun Nov 17, 2002 5:01 pm
- Location: Poulsbo, Washington, USA
There are arguements that have been made for all three. I have all three and they are great cartridges. That said unless they are early ones they are not really collectables. You might try marlinowners.com for more information. You will soon see this question has created animosity among members there. I don't think you will generate much response here.
GBOT, GBUSA
I agree with Sure-shot... try http://www.marlinowners.com for in-depth discussions of each. I have all 3 & really do not see a big difference. If you have a recently deceased elk you are ready to load in the truck, it will be no less dead for the caliber used.
Say! There's your solution! Buy one of each and shoot them as much as your circumstances allow. We will be eagerly awaiting your range report!
SW
Say! There's your solution! Buy one of each and shoot them as much as your circumstances allow. We will be eagerly awaiting your range report!

I am really not an expert - distinguished or otherwise!!
-
- Beginner
- Posts: 2
- Joined: Tue Dec 19, 2006 2:17 pm
If it sounds good, then that's about all the excuse you need to get one. There just isn't enough difference to worry about. I like the 444, but that's because I found a very accurate heavy load using 320 grain hard-cast, gas checked bullets. Over 2200 fps.
It's a trifle tough on the shoulder, though!
For a good discussion of heavy loads for the big Marlins, see also http://www.beartoothbullets.com ...and be sure you don't have any loose fillings before you try any of them! Some accurate mastadon whackers for sure! SW
It's a trifle tough on the shoulder, though!

For a good discussion of heavy loads for the big Marlins, see also http://www.beartoothbullets.com ...and be sure you don't have any loose fillings before you try any of them! Some accurate mastadon whackers for sure! SW
I am really not an expert - distinguished or otherwise!!
-
- Beginner
- Posts: 1
- Joined: Tue May 01, 2007 5:50 am
- Location: Northeastern, Mi
Pale Rider:
I personally would go with the 45-70, mainly as a re-loader you have more flexibility in bullet sizes, powders and loads,
The 444 usually is loaded with bullets in the range of 200-350 grains.
The 450 usually is loaded with bullets in the range of 250-405 grains.
The 45-70 can be loaded with bullets in the range of 250-550 grains.
Just depends on what you want the caliber to do.
All 3 are great calibers and you most likley won't go wrong with either one you pick.
djh
I personally would go with the 45-70, mainly as a re-loader you have more flexibility in bullet sizes, powders and loads,
The 444 usually is loaded with bullets in the range of 200-350 grains.
The 450 usually is loaded with bullets in the range of 250-405 grains.
The 45-70 can be loaded with bullets in the range of 250-550 grains.
Just depends on what you want the caliber to do.
All 3 are great calibers and you most likley won't go wrong with either one you pick.
djh