.444 Marlin Contender

[Fixxah]

Is there anyone using this caliber on a Contender? I have heard the barrels were a problem (not sure what) and it was recommended that I should avoid using it.

My friend ran it for years without a hitch and I suspect there are many reloads already waiting to go to the range.

[George Tucker]

I know of 2 that have been sed for many yrs, quite a hand full, George.

[leadman]

I had one and shot it quite a bit for about 4 years. Mine was a rechambered 44 mag. barrel.
Very accurate with reduced loads with the Lyman 225gr. SWC gas checked boolit and the Hornady 265gr. Jacketed.
Shot the Lee 310gr. RFN also at about 1,850fps. Had quite a bit of recoil and muzzle blast with this boolit.

I had this barrel rechambered to 445 SuperMag first and probably should have stopped there.

When I did mine the Encore was not out yet. If it was it would have been a better choice for the 444.

[Fixxah]

As of right now, I can go to any one of 20 different barrels, including the .45-70 which makes my hand hurt at the thought, even with reduced loads.

[buck1]

A handfull is right. I think you need to change the lock in the frame or it can pop open with heavy loads. SSK has the beefy parts.
A buddy of mine made one up years ago, it kickled harder than my unbraked 4570 TC.

[cabezaverde]

My 444 barrel is a Bullberry that is not a rechamber - it started out as a 444.

I sent it to Magnaport and that really helped with muzzle flip. Factory level loads are stout, but certainly tolerable. My handloads are a little lighter than factory.

If I can help with any questions, feel free to let me know.

[dale2242]

I have been shooting a 14" 444 in a Contender. It is a rechambered 44 Mag. This caliber in a handgun is not for the recoil shy. Recoil and muzzle blast can be pretty serious with heavy loads, but not unmanagable. I have never had any problem with this barrel. My go to load is Saeco #432, a 265 gr RNGC boolit with 42 gr 4198. BTW, this boolit is very accurate in my 44 mags...dale



44 Mags....

[leadman]

My Contender had factory parts in it, never came open. Just make sure the locking lugs are engaging all the way.