coles Posted April 17, 2007 Report Share Posted April 17, 2007 lately i have really been wanting a new marlin lever action rifle but i dont know if that dream will come true but if you guys had to pick between either the 30-30 or .444 which would you pick for moderate range deer and maybe an elk or two? i like the price of the 30-30 but would also like the power of the 444. so if anyone could help on this i would appreciate it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tecumseh Posted April 17, 2007 Report Share Posted April 17, 2007 Coles I have a 444P guide gun and love it, it' a tack driver with Hornady ammo.I've shot a couple of nice size hogs with it when I lived in Florida and it did the job on them.I'm going to bring it along with my 300wsm on the big hunt in September.I don't know much about the 30-30. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coles Posted April 17, 2007 Author Report Share Posted April 17, 2007 how is the recoil on the 444? what would it be comparable to? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Strut10 Posted April 18, 2007 Report Share Posted April 18, 2007 When you added elk into the equation, I believe you logically eliminated the 30/30. Sure it will kill an elk. So will a .22 long rifle. But you know....... Recoil of the .444 is not that objectionable. I'd put it on par with a .308 or '06. I think some of the Marlins come ported if you think it'll bother you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJ Posted April 18, 2007 Report Share Posted April 18, 2007 Like Strut said, I would definately take the .444 or better yet, the .45/70 over the .30-30 since you added elk. Fill the 1895 Guide Gun with some stout 350 gr Hot Cor loads and you can take pretty much anything including big bears. Recoil is dependant on the load you are shooting. Since the .45/70 is so versitile, it is available in factory loads in a wide spectrum of velocities. You cna get loads from mild to teeth chattering, shoulder busting, heavy weights, designed for big nasty critters. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coles Posted April 18, 2007 Author Report Share Posted April 18, 2007 When you added elk into the equation, I believe you logically eliminated the 30/30. Sure it will kill an elk. So will a .22 long rifle. But you know....... Recoil of the .444 is not that objectionable. I'd put it on par with a .308 or '06. I think some of the Marlins come ported if you think it'll bother you. im not too concerned about the recoil since im am an off the porcher. i was just wondering what it would compare too. i really want a lever rifle so i think i might look for a good deal on one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bowana Posted April 18, 2007 Report Share Posted April 18, 2007 If your an offf da porch'er than you should opt for the 450 marlin guide gun. BIGGER IS ALWAYS BETTER!! I have one with a forward mounted scout scope system. I have not taken it to Canada yet, but it is a'waitn for a big bear! It will shoot 1" groups at a 100 with 350 gr ammo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Colorado Bob Posted April 18, 2007 Report Share Posted April 18, 2007 Coles----for elk any of the "big bores" will work. I've got a 444 & plan on using Hornady's 265 Light Mag ammo. I've got friends who have taken elk with the 450 & 45/70. Depends on what you want. I just like saying 444. There are diffference in them but they are close enough in the real world of hunting. Check out www.marlinowners.com Lots of forums on Marlins & Big Bores. CB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeramie Posted April 19, 2007 Report Share Posted April 19, 2007 Personally Id lean toward the 45/70! That will be my next lever gun. I wouldnt hunt Elk with a .30-30 on a bet.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RangerClay Posted April 23, 2007 Report Share Posted April 23, 2007 If your an offf da porch'er than you should opt for the 450 marlin guide gun. BIGGER IS ALWAYS BETTER!! I have one with a forward mounted scout scope system. I have not taken it to Canada yet, but it is a'waitn for a big bear! It will shoot 1" groups at a 100 with 350 gr ammo. I agree!! Get the .450!! That will be my next Marlin levergun;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest TCScout Posted May 4, 2007 Report Share Posted May 4, 2007 Agree. The 45/70 and 450 Marlin are neck and neck performance wise in the higher end hunting ammunition. There are lesser numbers of factory loads in the 450 Marlin. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobw Posted June 1, 2007 Report Share Posted June 1, 2007 . 450 Is Probably Want You Want My Op... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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