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.444 or .450 Marlin
- Thread starter yaktamer
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thearborbarber
Member
Both are real power houses. The 450 Marlin has been dropped from the 2011 Marlin catalog. So out of those 2 I would go with the 444. But if I could choose any Marlin it would be a 45/70. For a reloader it is very versatile.
Maximumbob54
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I'm more of the .45-70 vs .450 Marlin. The .444 being limited to .44 magnum bullets is slightly more limiting to me. Hearing that they dropped the mighty .450 Marlin might force my hand. Now I kind of want one out of spite. I know I could always handload the .45-70 up but I wouldn't mind supporting a good cartridge either. Maybe I waited too long.
venomballistics
Member
45 - 70 for the win.
your bullet selection is HUGE lending well to the arm as viewed from the reloading bench.
444 can go from 180 - about 310 grains and thats it, with 180 being kinda wimpy for the cartridge.
45-70 on the other hand can run from 220 - 550 grain slugs .. if you cant find an answer to a problem in that spread .. you need to find a new problem.
your bullet selection is HUGE lending well to the arm as viewed from the reloading bench.
444 can go from 180 - about 310 grains and thats it, with 180 being kinda wimpy for the cartridge.
45-70 on the other hand can run from 220 - 550 grain slugs .. if you cant find an answer to a problem in that spread .. you need to find a new problem.
Snapping Twig
Member
.450 brass is scarce as hens teeth right about now.
Re: The 45-70 vs. the 450, I vaguely recall reading somewhere that the 45-70 can't be loaded up to .450 pressures due to difference in thickness of the brass, but I could be wrong (hey, it's happened).
venomballistics
Member
in theory that might be correct though Ive seen some loading data for 45-70 in ruger No.1 that was walking in 458 win mag turf. That said, what limitations it may have against another 450 bore is kinda pointless since you'll only use its full redlined potential to play dirty tricks on your shooting buddies anyhow.
Maximumbob54
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The argument always thrown at me for the .45-70 over the .450 Marlin is that with new brass the .45-70 can be loaded up just as much. But it has to be new brass not decades old or from granddad's closet stash of brass. I just figured the .450 chambered guns were MADE for .450 so no worries on if you are pushing an envelope or not. That and they just look like belted bazooka cartridges. Likey.
Maximumbob54
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.357 from a levergun? I have a rechambered Winnie 1892 in .357 and while it's fun and handy as heck to carry I think unless you hotrod a little its a bit under gun. IMHO. Others will throw that in my face.
I recall that the article mentioned the Ruger #1 potential, aside from the possible brass issue.
thearborbarber
Member
I have also read on the marlin owners forum that the 450 loads and cycles smoother than the 45-70.
Maximumbob54
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You are making me want a Marlin in .450, but my gun budget is bone dry right now.
I saw a Marlin 1894 Cowboy Lever in .357 Mag. at the shop the other day that really got my attention - but don't know how well that round would pan out in a rifle at distance - guess I should do some homework.
Maximumbob54
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Dreams, my friend the yaktamer, dreams. Of what one day could be...
And gun talk is like crack.
And gun talk is like crack.
venomballistics
Member
figures are out of my reloading manual which also specified Ruger No.1, Siamese mauser actions and guns of similar strength.
The point really is that the OP didnt mention a love affair for the 458 win mag or 460 wetherby so I doubt that he intends to tap the full potential. which is fine. A 458 magnum would be a bit much for any practical applications here in the lower 48.
Since it would seem that 450 Marlin is a one hit wonder caliber, that leaves us looking at the 45-70 instead.
450 marlin or old 45-70, brass availability not withstanding, would both do a fine job of launching baseball sized chucks of lead the American way.
cowart
US Veteran
Does your LGS carry ammo or brass for either of them?
David Sinko
Member
About a week ago I got my whitetail with my 1895GS .45-70. I was shooting a 460 gr. LBT cast bullet that does 1817 FPS over the chrono. The deer was walking at about 30 yards in heavy cover and when I shot I didn't realize that the deer had stepped behind a tree. The bullet smashed through the 4" thick tree just off of center and then went on to hit the deer in the neck, dropping it in its tracks. With that kind of performance, who needs the .450 Marlin... or the .458 Winchester?
Dave Sinko
Dave Sinko
