Author Topic: Need Help Deciding, 44Mag, 444, or 45/70  (Read 2229 times)

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Offline myank

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Need Help Deciding, 44Mag, 444, or 45/70
« on: January 21, 2010, 05:10:50 AM »
I am looking to purchase a new Handi-Rifle in one of the above mentioned calibers and need help deciding.  I would appreciate any pros and cons that would help aid my decision.  I was pretty set on the 44mag, but can't find one locally.  The local shop has both the .444 and 45/70 in stock, so it is tempting just to pick-up one of those.  However, I don't know if I should hold out for a .44.


Thanks

Offline 45-70.gov

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Re: Need Help Deciding, 44Mag, 444, or 45/70
« Reply #1 on: January 21, 2010, 05:16:20 AM »
45-70    with out a dowt

my next  one will  be a 444

the  44 mag  may be worth the  wait
if  you already  have a 44 hand gun

check the price  of ammo$$$
if you don't reload
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Offline FredWT

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Re: Need Help Deciding, 44Mag, 444, or 45/70
« Reply #2 on: January 21, 2010, 05:20:08 AM »
45-70.gov pretty well summed that one up.

Offline Blackhawker

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Re: Need Help Deciding, 44Mag, 444, or 45/70
« Reply #3 on: January 21, 2010, 05:22:20 AM »
Only owning a 45-70 and not the rest of your list I'd be inclined to tell you 45-70 but I would first consider what your going to hunt with it (if hunting) and then compare what you need vs ammo costs.  45-70 and 444 can be very expensive if you don't reload.  Then again, what isn't expensive when it comes to ammo these days???

Offline rex6666

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Re: Need Help Deciding, 44Mag, 444, or 45/70
« Reply #4 on: January 21, 2010, 05:22:57 AM »
45/70 every thing else is gravy ;D
Rex
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Offline wreckhog

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Re: Need Help Deciding, 44Mag, 444, or 45/70
« Reply #5 on: January 21, 2010, 05:28:53 AM »
Have them all and reload. My choice is .444. 99 percent plinking with reloaded pistol bullets at.44 Mag levels. 1 percent factory hunting loads. Sounds odd but works for me.

Offline achildofthesky

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Re: Need Help Deciding, 44Mag, 444, or 45/70
« Reply #6 on: January 21, 2010, 05:30:55 AM »
45-70 all the way

Offline myank

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Re: Need Help Deciding, 44Mag, 444, or 45/70
« Reply #7 on: January 21, 2010, 05:57:27 AM »
I definitely plan on reloading for which ever caliber I end up purchasing.  It looks like there are a variety of components available for each of these, so that's not really a factor.  The 44mag sounds fun for for plinking and it would make a good caliber for a kid.  For those that say 45/70, is anyone using a scope?  The particular rifle that the shop has on hand has open sights.  The stock is cut for use with open sights, will it make it difficult to get a scope at the proper eye height with this stock?

Thanks

Offline jlj1948

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Re: Need Help Deciding, 44Mag, 444, or 45/70
« Reply #8 on: January 21, 2010, 07:06:22 AM »
I like the 444 the best.

Offline gcrank1

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Re: Need Help Deciding, 44Mag, 444, or 45/70
« Reply #9 on: January 21, 2010, 07:40:40 AM »
If you ever want to really reach on out there or hunt big game the 45-70 would be better, I think, and components are reasonably priced and available. There is a lot of info on reloading it too, from basically a 300gr bullet on up. Some people may have even made plinker round ball loads for it.
The 444 has the capability to load light or heavy, ie, duplicate everything from a 44 roundball load on up to the biggest (300ish? gr bullet) and for me would be a good 200yd proposition even though the bullet can go farther. I rather like the 444 over the 44M because it has more capability on the upward side and used to use my 44 Spl dies to reload one.
All the rifles are drilled/tapped for the scope rail so it is your choice. I have my 38-55 Target Model scoped with an old El Paso Weaver 2.5 with the 'rangefinder' (2 hor. line) reticule and like it very much this way.
So, for me it would be deciding between the 45-70 and 444 and I wouldnt be dissapointed with either.
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12ga. 'Ol' Ugly OverKill', Buck barrel c/w  SpeedStock  and swap 28" x Full bird barrel, 1974

Offline S.E.Ak

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Re: Need Help Deciding, 44Mag, 444, or 45/70
« Reply #10 on: January 21, 2010, 08:24:57 AM »
45/70 and a good recoil pad

Offline gstewart44

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Re: Need Help Deciding, 44Mag, 444, or 45/70
« Reply #11 on: January 21, 2010, 09:37:09 AM »
45/70 and a good recoil pad

+1 -- make it a Limbsaver.....
I'm just tryin' to keep everything in balance, Woodrow. You do more work than you got to, so it's my obligation to do less. (Gus McCrae)

Offline wayne24

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Re: Need Help Deciding, 44Mag, 444, or 45/70
« Reply #12 on: January 21, 2010, 10:00:29 AM »
I have 2 44 mags .Both are great rifles.I carry one of them most of the deer season.But I am still looking for a 45/70,so that might all change.lol.
I would pick up the 45/70 now and wait to get a 44mag.Just my 2 cents
Wayne

Offline zackyholdem

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Re: Need Help Deciding, 44Mag, 444, or 45/70
« Reply #13 on: January 21, 2010, 11:24:59 AM »
my next handi will be a 44 mag. Since i dont reload and probably wont in the near future i can't afford factory ammo for the 45/70 but if i did reload the 45/70 would be my top choice.

Zack
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Handi's -30-06, 223 Ultra, 7mm-08, 44 mag, 45-70, 17hmr, Tracker II 12ga, Pardner 10ga (2)12ga's and .410

Offline gendoc

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Re: Need Help Deciding, 44Mag, 444, or 45/70
« Reply #14 on: January 21, 2010, 12:28:58 PM »
did someone say...45/70 !!!
then i sho-nuff agree wif'um........ ;D
sea-ya.....
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gotta big green tractor ana diesel truck, my idea of heaven's chasin whitetail bucks and asa country boy, you know i can survive............

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burn ya lil'bit did'nt it. ya ever been snipe hunt'n ?  come on...

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Offline gcrank1

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Re: Need Help Deciding, 44Mag, 444, or 45/70
« Reply #15 on: January 21, 2010, 01:26:18 PM »
I get it now, you just baited us with the question, didnt you?
Ha!
"Halt while I adjust my accoutrements!"
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12ga. 'Ol' Ugly OverKill', Buck barrel c/w  SpeedStock  and swap 28" x Full bird barrel, 1974

Offline Cabin4

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Re: Need Help Deciding, 44Mag, 444, or 45/70
« Reply #16 on: January 21, 2010, 01:43:06 PM »
45-70 hands down!
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Offline dpe.ahoy

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Re: Need Help Deciding, 44Mag, 444, or 45/70
« Reply #17 on: January 21, 2010, 02:54:54 PM »
I got all 3, would say to go with the 444 now, the 44 when ya find one and the 45-70 later if you think you want one.  The 444 will take any thing in North America as will the 45-70 as long as you use the right bullet in each one.  The bonus would be the ability to use some of the same bullets in the 444 and the 44 mag, when you get one.  If you get one of the big ones, get the Limbsaver with the gun and mount it soon, they do make a BIG difference.  The Wal-Marts sell the small slip-on for $20.  DP
RIP Oct 27, 2017

Handi's:22Shot, 22LR, 2-22Mag, 22Hornet, 5-223, 2-357Max, 44 mag, 2-45LC, 7-30 Waters, 7mm-08, 280, 25-06, 30-30, 30-30AI, 444Marlin, 45-70, AND 2-38-55s, 158 Topper 22 Hornet/20ga. combo;  Levers-Marlins:Two 357's, 44 mag, 4-30-30s, RC-Glenfields 36G-30A & XLR, 3-35 Rem, M-375, 2-444P's, 444SS, 308 MX, 338Marlin MXLR, 38-55 CB, 45-70 GS, XS7 22-250 and 7mm08;  BLR's:7mm08, 358Win;  Rossi: 3-357mag, 44mag, 2-454 Casull; Winchesters: 7-30 Waters, 45Colt Trapper; Bolt actions, too many;  22's, way too many.  Who says it's an addiction?

Offline Stan in SC

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Re: Need Help Deciding, 44Mag, 444, or 45/70
« Reply #18 on: January 21, 2010, 03:04:42 PM »
45/70
The more I listen,the more I hear....and vice versa.

45/70..it's almost a religion.

Offline jim36

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Re: Need Help Deciding, 44Mag, 444, or 45/70
« Reply #19 on: January 21, 2010, 03:18:01 PM »
If you don't have a 45 70, then you really don't have a Handi.  ;D ;D ;D

Offline myank

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Re: Need Help Deciding, 44Mag, 444, or 45/70
« Reply #20 on: January 21, 2010, 03:25:08 PM »
This is a real tough decison. Does anyone have experience handloading the .444 with a mild accurate load?

Offline dpe.ahoy

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Re: Need Help Deciding, 44Mag, 444, or 45/70
« Reply #21 on: January 21, 2010, 03:27:04 PM »
Cruise on over to www.marlinowners.com and check out the part of the forum for the 444.  DP  Oh ya, then get back here!
RIP Oct 27, 2017

Handi's:22Shot, 22LR, 2-22Mag, 22Hornet, 5-223, 2-357Max, 44 mag, 2-45LC, 7-30 Waters, 7mm-08, 280, 25-06, 30-30, 30-30AI, 444Marlin, 45-70, AND 2-38-55s, 158 Topper 22 Hornet/20ga. combo;  Levers-Marlins:Two 357's, 44 mag, 4-30-30s, RC-Glenfields 36G-30A & XLR, 3-35 Rem, M-375, 2-444P's, 444SS, 308 MX, 338Marlin MXLR, 38-55 CB, 45-70 GS, XS7 22-250 and 7mm08;  BLR's:7mm08, 358Win;  Rossi: 3-357mag, 44mag, 2-454 Casull; Winchesters: 7-30 Waters, 45Colt Trapper; Bolt actions, too many;  22's, way too many.  Who says it's an addiction?

Offline 45-70.gov

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Re: Need Help Deciding, 44Mag, 444, or 45/70
« Reply #22 on: January 21, 2010, 03:30:01 PM »
This is a real tough decison. Does anyone have experience handloading the .444 with a mild accurate load?

get  the  45-70  and  you will get  more answers than  you want
get  the   44 mag  it  is  mild already  shoot  44 special  go even  milder  and  REAL  quiet

i  don't have  a 444.........YET

I  CAST  ALL  MY SLUGS
the  444 will  shoot  280  WFN  when  i do
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Offline ki4dmh

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Re: Need Help Deciding, 44Mag, 444, or 45/70
« Reply #23 on: January 21, 2010, 03:33:38 PM »
I really enjoy shooting the 444. Perfect for hunting anything in North America and great for plinking when you pull the powder charge down.

Offline gcrank1

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Re: Need Help Deciding, 44Mag, 444, or 45/70
« Reply #24 on: January 22, 2010, 03:41:18 AM »
You can load the 444 down to any level of pistol load that will still get the bullet out the end of the barrel.
Think of it as an overly long pistol case and as easy to load as such.
When I had my 44Mag Handi I kept thinking I should rechamber it to 444, then I sold it so I could stop thinking about it.
"Halt while I adjust my accoutrements!"
      ><   ->
We are only temporary caretakers of the past heading toward an uncertain future
22Mag UV / 22LR  Sportster
357Mag Schuetzen Special
45-70  SS Ultra Hunter with UV cin.lam. wood
12ga. 'Ol' Ugly OverKill', Buck barrel c/w  SpeedStock  and swap 28" x Full bird barrel, 1974

Offline lgm270

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Re: Need Help Deciding, 44Mag, 444, or 45/70
« Reply #25 on: January 22, 2010, 04:23:29 AM »
You didn't say where you live or the intended use of  your handi.

One advantage of the .44 mag is that indoor pistol ranges in urban areas generally allow people to shoot rifles chambered for pistol rounds  such as the .357 or 44 mag.  If you live in a major urban area that means you can shoot at a location near your home without having to drive long distances. I live in metropolitan Los Angeles and  an indoor range 20 min from my house allows carbines chambered for pistol rounds.  Not a big deal if you live on a farm and can target shoot in your back yard, but if you live in the city, something to consider. 

Offline xhare

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Re: Need Help Deciding, 44Mag, 444, or 45/70
« Reply #26 on: January 22, 2010, 04:27:04 AM »
The 44 mag rifle is only available on the SB-1 frame, something I feel detracts from it.  However the 44 mag is very inexpensive to reload for.  You will be amazed how long a pound of powder lasts. Top 45-70 loads with go through a pound of powder nothing flat.  The 444 Marlin requires that you be careful which bullet you put in it. Thats not hard as there are several bullets suitable.  It's velocity is much greater than most 44 cal bullets are designed to tolerate so choose wisely.  

That said, the 45-70 is still my favorite.  The are literally books of reloading data available.  You can load it down to 44 mag (revolver) levels with ease.  Some of those loads (with the faster burning powders) burn some quite small amounts of powder making it economical as well.  The 45-70 will have greater range than the 44 if you load it up a bit.  

Lastly, until you shoot a deer with the 45-70 you can never really appreciate its appeal.  Authority is a word that comes to mind.    

Offline myank

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Re: Need Help Deciding, 44Mag, 444, or 45/70
« Reply #27 on: January 22, 2010, 05:05:55 AM »
This gun will ultimately be used as a first gun for my daughter, that's why i'm really leaning towards the .44 mag.  I live in central PA, so I feel it would make an excellent first hunting rifle.  That's a ways off though.  I really like the fact that it is inexpensive to re-load.  I want something that is economical and will be fun to shoot.  I've looked at the re-loading data for both the .444 and 45/70 and they use considerably more powder than the .44 mag.  It's a tough decision.  I can't find a .44 mag locally, but the .444 and 45/70 are available.  The local shop only wants $249.00 for a new .444 so i'm really tempted to get it.  They have a 45/70 for $265.00.  The advantage to getting one of these is the SB2 frame.  Lots of stuff to think about, thanks for taking the time to help out.

Offline Spanky

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Re: Need Help Deciding, 44Mag, 444, or 45/70
« Reply #28 on: January 22, 2010, 05:44:32 AM »
I'm gonna go against the grain here and say get the 44mag. For what you need it will fit the bill nicely. It won't kick the heck out of your daughter and it is alot cheaper to reload for. I have had about 10 45-70's but only 1 44mag. Most of the time it is my go-to gun. Light recoil and shoots good too. I have a 2.5x20 Simmons on mine and it's a great woods setup. A 44mag has plenty of thump for whitetail too.
Here is a pic. of mine.



Spanky

Offline Blackhawker

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Re: Need Help Deciding, 44Mag, 444, or 45/70
« Reply #29 on: January 22, 2010, 05:59:59 AM »
I'm gonna go against the grain here and say get the 44mag. For what you need it will fit the bill nicely. It won't kick the heck out of your daughter and it is alot cheaper to reload for. I have had about 10 45-70's but only 1 44mag. Most of the time it is my go-to gun. Light recoil and shoots good too. I have a 2.5x20 Simmons on mine and it's a great woods setup. A 44mag has plenty of thump for whitetail too.
Here is a pic. of mine.



Spanky
Agree with Spanky.  That's what I was trying to get at in my first post; what you're going to hunt, ammo cost, etc.  I didn't even think of WHO was going to be hunting with it.  If your daughter is a little younger or maybe a little on the delicate side, you don't want to hand her a full loaded 45-70.  She'll never pick up a rifle again or not be able to hit a dang thing with it from flinching.