.44 Caliber Question

[Ivan the Butcher]

Side note: When Marlin developed the .444 rifle, it was originally the Model 336 in 444 Magnum in 1963. Very few were made this way. This rare variation isn't even discussed in Col. Brophy's book on Marlins. The catalogue came out in 1964 displaying the new Marlin 444 in .444 Marlin. I've never seen one, but I understand that Remington produced some of the early cartridges in boxes labeled 444 magnum.

Very similar story for the Marlin 44 Mag rifles, just a few hundred on the 336 action the first year, then full production on the then new 1894 action. This is pre micro-groove rifling, and my gun shot .430 bullets just fine the when Micro-grove came along I moved up to .431"

Ivan

 

[Nemo288]

Here's the first catalog blurb for the 444:
That stock looks a whole lot more comfortable than the one on my 444S.

Edit: going with the steel puncturing theme of the catalog, I'll add another version (the big hole is from a 444):

 

[Bryan Austin]

....which is why the term "Pistol Caliber" is one of the stupidest.....nevermind!

 

[RoyM52]

Remington loaded a bullet into a 444 Marlin case that was not appropriate for the speed of the 444 marlin cartridge.....bad ....bad... the Hornady 265 was designed for the 444. The Remington 240 was responsible for an inferior record. It.s expansion was made for a 44 mag revolver....should have never been produced as a 444 round.

 

[Bryan Austin]

Remington loaded a bullet into a 444 Marlin case that was not appropriate for the speed of the 444 marlin cartridge.....bad ....bad... the Hornady 265 was designed for the 444. The Remington 240 was responsible for an inferior record. It.s expansion was made for a 44 mag revolver....should have never been produced as a 444 round.

The 444 was designed to "replace" the 45-70. Kind of hard to do with 210-240gr bullets designed for handgun purposes. If I am looking to "replace" my 45-70...the last thing I want is an "expanding" bullet.