300/320 grain bullets in a Lever 44mag Winchester vs Marlin

[inluvwithsara]

I have been told that the Winchester 94 trapper in 44 handles heavy bullets better then marlin...though Marlin has ditched the dreaded Micro-Groove hence making it easier for us reloaders to use lead...
My pop has a 357 marlin, and we love it, and was looking for a lever gun in .44mag that will be just as good at say 50-100 yrds with 300/320 grain hot loads...

HELP...I know someone out there has and opinion

[lgm270]

The problem with heavy bullets in the .44 mag rifles has been slow rifling twists which fail to stabilize the heavier bullets.  The Marlin .44 mag rifle has a 38" twist, and the M-94, according to recent catalogs, has a 26" twist which does better with the heavier bullets.

Marlin changed the twist on its .444 rifles  from 38"to 20", according to the latest Marlin on line catalog, but maintained the 38" twist on the .44 mag.   I have read articles which reported key-holing with heavier bullets in Marlin .444 rifles with the older and slower 38" twist.  I guess someone at Marlin got the word.

By contrast,  most  .44 mag handguns are 20" twists.  

I like the Marlin .44 mag, but chose the Winchester M-94 because of the faster 26" twist.  My M-94 is a jewel. Accurate and reliable.  

Hope my explaination helped you.

[inluvwithsara]

I've also heard it said that the Marlin doesn't handle longer catridges as well...rounds like the Corbon 320gr  44mag
Anything on that?