In the mid-1960s the 45-70 had all but disappeared from the American marketplace. There was no big-bore rifle cartridge available in a lever-action rifle in current production, so Marlin decided to create a new cartridge to fill this empty space. They created what was really a longer version of the 44 Magnum by making it nearly an inch longer to give it power close to the 45-70.
The 444 Marlin was designed by Remington at Marlin's request in 1964. To facilitate this round, Marlin beefed-up their model 336, 30-30 lever action resulting in the Model 444. The 444 Marlin cartridge is little more than a 44 Magnum with an extra inch of cartridge capacity. It's a little demeaning to say that it's "little more" than a lengthened 44 mag, because that extra powder brings an additional 600 fps more velocity. In terms of muzzle energy, that extra inch causes 44 caliber projectiles to be pumped out at 30-06 power levels.
In 1999 Marlin introduced the model 444P, an 18-1/2” factory ported barrel, straight stock in the same configuration as the extremely popular 45-70 Guide Gun which debut the prior year. This model of 444 was named the Outfitter and was carried through 2002 when the last one was made.
In 2011 the Marlin factory was shuttered ending the 444 production. The other lever guns continued to be manufactured by Remington after they moved to Ilion, NY. The good news was that the 444 was finally brought back into production in 2019 in the 22” barreled rifle model. In 2020, Remington owned Marlin issued a 150 year anniversary edition that was gorgeous. To read more about the 444 history click here.
The 444 cartridge is a serious hunters round used on deer, hog, elk & moose. It’s often used on black bear as well making this a favorite right along with the 45-70 & 450 Marlin. The latter use heavier bullets however the 444 can rival their power on the lower end.
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