.444 Marlin vs. .45-70 Government: A Head-to-Head Cartridge Comparison
The .444 Marlin and the .45-70 Government. Both are big-bore cartridges with a long and storied history. They’re still widely used today for hunting and sport shooting.
But which one is better? That’s the question this article aims to answer. We’ll dive deep into a detailed comparison of these two cartridges, looking at everything from their ballistics to their history and practical applications.
We’ll be comparing these cartridges based on:
- Ballistics
- Rifle availability
- Ammunition options
- Historical context
- Intended use
As someone who’s had experience with both the .444 Marlin and the .45-70 Government, I’ll also offer my personal insights. We’ll also consider the current market and how it affects the popularity of each cartridge.
Historical background and development
The .45-70 Government and the .444 Marlin are both big-bore cartridges that have found favor with hunters and shooting enthusiasts. But they came about in different eras and for different reasons.
The .45-70 Government: A Legacy of the American West
The .45-70 Government cartridge dates back to 1873, when it was developed as a military round. It’s most famous for its role in the Indian Wars, but it was later adopted by civilian hunters for its stopping power.
The .45-70 has been chambered in a variety of rifles over the years, including trapdoor Springfields and lever-action rifles. It’s important to note that different rifles require different load levels, so you need to be sure the ammunition you’re using is appropriate for your firearm.
The .444 Marlin: A Modern Lever-Action Cartridge
The .444 Marlin came along much later, in 1965. It was designed specifically for lever-action rifles, with the goal of creating a powerful, flat-shooting cartridge for big game hunting.
The .444 Marlin features a straight-walled case designed to work well in tubular magazines. It gave hunters a modern option for lever-action rifles that could take down large game at reasonable distances.
Ballistic Performance and Cartridge Specifications
Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of how these cartridges perform. We’ll consider bullet weights, muzzle velocities, trajectory, and effective range to give you a clearer picture.
Projectile Weights and Muzzle Velocities
Both the .45-70 Government and the .444 Marlin offer a range of bullet weights, with some overlap. You’ll commonly find .444 Marlin loaded with 265-grain bullets, while the .45-70 often features 300-grain options. For similar weight projectiles, the ballistic performance is comparable.
When it comes to muzzle velocity and energy, both cartridges pack a punch. You’ll see figures that put them in a similar class, capable of delivering significant energy downrange.
Trajectory and Effective Range
Understanding the trajectory is crucial for accurate shooting, especially at longer distances. Bullet drop and wind drift come into play, and knowing how your cartridge performs in these areas is key. You can find ballistic charts online that show you the bullet drop at various distances when using different loads.
Effective range depends on the game you’re hunting and the energy needed for a clean kill. This is where knowing your ammo and your own shooting ability is paramount, as the author notes. You need to know how well the bullet will penetrate and expand at different distances.
.444 Marlin 265-gr vs. .45-70 Government 300-gr
If we pit a .444 Marlin with a 265-grain bullet against a .45-70 Government loaded with a 300-grain bullet, you’ll see similar performance. The heavier .45-70 bullet might offer a bit more penetration, but the difference is likely to be small at typical hunting ranges. Ultimately, shot placement is more important than tiny differences in ballistic data.
Rifle availability and options
One factor to consider in any cartridge comparison is the availability of rifles chambered for each. Here’s a quick look at the current market.
.45-70 Government rifle options
The .45-70 Government has been around for a long time, so there are a wide range of rifles chambered in it. You’ll find lever-action rifles, single-shot models, and even some bolt-action rifles available in this caliber.
Manufacturers like Henry, Marlin, and Cimarron offer popular .45-70 rifles, each with its own features and benefits. Lever-action models are great for quick follow-up shots, while single-shot rifles offer simplicity and accuracy. Bolt-action rifles can handle higher pressures, making them suitable for modern, high-powered .45-70 loads.
.444 Marlin rifle availability and the current market
Unfortunately, .444 Marlin rifles and ammunition are currently hard to find. Manufacturing changes and market demand have led to a shortage, making it difficult to purchase new rifles or even find ammunition for existing ones.
Ruger’s reintroduction of .45-70 rifles may impact the .444 Marlin market. If Ruger’s .45-70 rifles prove popular, it could further reduce demand for the .444 Marlin, potentially leading to even fewer rifles and ammunition being produced.
Ammunition selection and reloading considerations
Whether you choose the .45-70 Government or the .444 Marlin, the type of ammo you select will have a major impact on your rifle’s performance. Here’s a quick look at some things to keep in mind as you consider your ammunition options.
Factory ammunition options
Before you settle on a particular type of ammunition, take some time to review the available factory ammo for each cartridge. You’ll find a wide variety of bullet types from different manufacturers.
For example, if you go with the .444 Marlin, you might consider Hornady 265-grain FTX rounds. If you opt for the .45-70 Government, you could try Steinel 300-grain Hornady Interlock rounds.
Whatever you choose, be sure to select ammunition that’s appropriate for your rifle and the way you intend to use it. Pay close attention to the safety warnings and manufacturer’s recommendations, too.
Reloading and handloading
Reloading your own ammunition can save you money and give you the flexibility to customize your loads for peak performance. If you’re considering reloading, be sure to select components such as bullets, powders, and primers that are known for their reliability.
It’s also important to use reliable reloading data and follow safe reloading practices.
One advantage of the .45-70 is that you can adjust its penetration by varying your bullet selection.
The Bottom Line
The .444 Marlin and .45-70 Government cartridges share a powerful punch, making them both excellent choices for hunting big game. They’re both big bore options that can handle a variety of hunting situations.
The best choice for you depends on your particular needs and preferences. Things to consider include the types of rifles available, the range of ammunition choices, the cartridge’s history, and what kind of hunting you plan to do.
Before you make a decision, be sure to understand the ballistic performance of each cartridge, and be honest with yourself about your shooting abilities. Safe and ethical hunting means knowing your limits and choosing the right tool for the job. Whether you go with the .444 Marlin or the .45-70 Government, happy hunting!