Some of you may know that in Mississippi we can use certain caliber single shot breech action guns in place of our black powder rifles during primitive weapon season. I have always enjoyed hunting with my muzzle loader but have never been crazy about all of the cleaning. So I am going to get me one of the NEF Handi rifles. I am leaning towards the 444 Marlin. A lot of folks are using the 45-70 around me but that big of a piece of lead is bound to drop faster than the 444. But I have not actually found where I can study the ballistics of each. So if you were going to buy one which one would you get? I would like to get one with the most range for sure. I am sure either one of them will have plenty of knock down power with the cannon ball that they shoot. I just hope that i am making the right decision. If any of you have any suggestions please advise. Deer season will be here before we know it.

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here you go:

444 Marlin, 265 gr. FP

Velocity (fps) / Energy (ft-lbs)
Muzzle 100 yd 200 yd 300 yd
2325/3180 1907/2140 1542/1400 1251/921

Trajectory (inches)
Muzzle 100 yd 200 yd 300 yd
-1.50 0.00 -8.20 -31.30

45-70 Gov't 325 Gr RN

Velocity (fps) / Energy (ft-lbs)
Muzzle 100 yd 200 yd 300 yd
1875/2537 1575/1789 1322/1261 1134/928

Trajectory (inches)
Muzzle 100 yd 200 yd 300 yd
-1.5 3.0 -6.6 -36.3

you can see they ar both similar in ballistics, with a slight edge to the 444
And all but useless after 200 yds

I prefer the 45-70 but I always had a soft spot in my heart for black powder cartridges, though I think the 444 would be a better choice.

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I would go with the .444 unless you are going to shoot reloads

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Personally I would get the 45-70. The ammo is a bit easier to find and there is a wide range of ammo available. With reloads you can get as much performace as your shoulder can take.My personal favorite load is a 405gr #2 alloy, quench hardened, cast bullet and 50 gr. of varget.
There is nothing wrong with the 444 marlin.
You basically can't make a wrong choice. The deer won't be able to tell the difference.

With the 45-70 you could get a NEF Buffalo Classic.

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[quote="zace"]Personally I would get the 45-70. The ammo is a bit easier to find and there is a wide range of ammo available. With reloads you can get as much performace as your shoulder can take.My personal favorite load is a 405gr #2 alloy, quench hardened, cast bullet and 50 gr. of varget.
There is nothing wrong with the 444 marlin.
You basically can't make a wrong choice. The deer won't be able to tell the difference.

Once you get the gun you can go to the NEF website and buy a second barrel really cheap. Many bear hunters I know bought them in .450 marlin and .50 SW.

Get you a gooood!! recoil pad. Because they both kick like mules.

i want both.

i would love a 444 in a marlin leveraction, but that is defeating the single action limitation.

if i had to go with just one i would probably go with the 45-70. i reload so both would be easily to duplicate or stretch if needed.


whatever you do don't let the reloading bug bite you. it is a life long affliction if you do.

With the 45/70 you'll have a easier time finding ammo and several diffrenent bullets to reload with if you ever decide to do that.
The 45/70 really comes into it's own with reloading and it's a bit of history. The 45/70 is 130+ years old and still has a strong following.

AS for the Handi-rifles, the 45/70 comes with open sites but I don't know if the .444 does. That may not matter if your using a scope.

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ACTS 16:31

I ended up getting the 444 Marlin. I have never been one to reload although I am sure that I would enjoy doing that. I have reloaded shotgun sales years ago but never no rifle ammunition. So I can't wait to get out in the field behind my house to sight that thing in. I sure am looking forward to primitive weapon season now. I hope I have a good year. I was up at the hunting club the last time I was home. Their is a couple of my stands that had been wrapped up with deer. Their was tracks all over the place. Well anyhow I appreciate all the feedbacks. I hope you all have a great day. May God bless you and yours....

Good Luck and Happy Hunting!!