Author Topic: Need Help Deciding, 44Mag, 444, or 45/70 (Read 2226 times)

myank · « **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

45-70.gov · « **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

FredWT · « **Reply #2 on:** January 21, 2010, 05:20:08 AM »

45-70.gov pretty well summed that one up.

Blackhawker · « **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???

rex6666 · « **Reply #4 on:** January 21, 2010, 05:22:57 AM »

45/70 every thing else is gravy

wreckhog · « **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.

achildofthesky · « **Reply #6 on:** January 21, 2010, 05:30:55 AM »

45-70 all the way

myank · « **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

jlj1948 · « **Reply #8 on:** January 21, 2010, 07:06:22 AM »

I like the 444 the best.

gcrank1 · « **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.

S.E.Ak · « **Reply #10 on:** January 21, 2010, 08:24:57 AM »

45/70 and a good recoil pad

gstewart44 · « **Reply #11 on:** January 21, 2010, 09:37:09 AM »

Quote from: S.E.Ak on January 21, 2010, 08:24:57 AM

45/70 and a good recoil pad

+1 -- make it a Limbsaver.....

wayne24 · « **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

zackyholdem · « **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

gendoc · « **Reply #14 on:** January 21, 2010, 12:28:58 PM »

did someone say...45/70 !!!
then i sho-nuff agree wif'um........

gcrank1 · « **Reply #15 on:** January 21, 2010, 01:26:18 PM »

I get it now, you just baited us with the question, didnt you?
Ha!

Cabin4 · « **Reply #16 on:** January 21, 2010, 01:43:06 PM »

45-70 hands down!

dpe.ahoy · « **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

Stan in SC · « **Reply #18 on:** January 21, 2010, 03:04:42 PM »

45/70

jim36 · « **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.

myank · « **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?

dpe.ahoy · « **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!

45-70.gov · « **Reply #22 on:** January 21, 2010, 03:30:01 PM »

Quote from: myank 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?

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

ki4dmh · « **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.

gcrank1 · « **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.

lgm270 · « **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.

xhare · « **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.

myank · « **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.

Spanky · « **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

Blackhawker · « **Reply #29 on:** January 22, 2010, 05:59:59 AM »

Quote from: Spanky 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

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.