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Lever in .357/.44
- Thread starter Alex T
- Start date
Tom Matiska
New member
The Marlin in 44 MAG is more than accurate enough for bambi, but don't expect it to overlap holes. Two or three inch goups are possible with the first few cold ones, but a warm barrel often opens up more than that.
The extra power gained out of a 20" rifle barrel puts the 100 yard energy level on par with the muzzle enery of a 7 inch pistol barrel. I consider the max range for hunting purposes to be about 125 yards. The energy is still good at that range but beyond that rapid bullet drop requires a pretty good eye for range estimation.
Tom
The extra power gained out of a 20" rifle barrel puts the 100 yard energy level on par with the muzzle enery of a 7 inch pistol barrel. I consider the max range for hunting purposes to be about 125 yards. The energy is still good at that range but beyond that rapid bullet drop requires a pretty good eye for range estimation.
Tom
Gunslinger
Moderator
I agree with Tom about the effective range of the .44. I would recommend the .44 over the .357 but then again I own the .44 so.....
Do not try to put "hot" loads through the Marlin. The theory that since it is a rifle it should handle souped up loads is incorrect. The action will not handle max loads designed for say a Ruger. Keep 'em down more around S&W levels for safety.
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Gunslinger
I was promised a Shortycicle and I want a Shortycicle!
Do not try to put "hot" loads through the Marlin. The theory that since it is a rifle it should handle souped up loads is incorrect. The action will not handle max loads designed for say a Ruger. Keep 'em down more around S&W levels for safety.
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Gunslinger
I was promised a Shortycicle and I want a Shortycicle!
Robert the41MagFan
New member
Both cartridges are very accurate at 100 yards. And in the power department, both will do a serious number on deer or even black bear size game. That is providing that you do your job. The .357 Magnum is the more elegant of the two rifles(broad power range and ease to shoot). The 44 Magnum is more of a sledge hammer. If you are in need of a woods gun to stop dangerous game or hunting larger game, like elk, the 44 will be a better choice.
To answer your second question about hot loads. The answer is yes and no. Yes, you can use a load that is hotter than what is typically available commercially. Modern Marlin rifles can safely take pressures to 40000 PSI (a bit more on the .357), most commercial ammunition is 3500 to even 7000 PSI less. No, you can't make loads that exceed 40000 PSI (about 42-43000 for .357 Magnum), it will lock the action up.
Robert
To answer your second question about hot loads. The answer is yes and no. Yes, you can use a load that is hotter than what is typically available commercially. Modern Marlin rifles can safely take pressures to 40000 PSI (a bit more on the .357), most commercial ammunition is 3500 to even 7000 PSI less. No, you can't make loads that exceed 40000 PSI (about 42-43000 for .357 Magnum), it will lock the action up.
Robert