Finally shot my new (old) 444S!

[Elkins45]

It was freezing and 20-30mph wind w/ snow falling, so my range trip was just long enough to shoot my new gun and sight in an old one. This group is at 50 yards with a Williams aperture sight.

The green dots are 4 shots to adjust the sights w/ the Ranch Dog 240 TL boolet at .432. The blue dots are a Lee 300 gr GC at .430. Both are "full power' loads, not plinkers.

The gun is a '71 444S with microgroove rifling and 1-38" twist. I was surprised and more than a little pleased with the groups using the 300gr boolet. Everything I've read told me I might be disappointed with the performance of heavy slugs or 'normal' diameter ones out of this gun, but I'm darned impressed with the size of that group. That's especially true considering I was just trying to adjust the sights more than to critically check for accuracy.

I think it's a keeper!

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm35/elkins_pix/97697391-26e0-4ca8-bc07-bce0d8c0a43c_zpscca5ebde.jpg

[Shuz]

What powder were you using?

[nekshot]

Now to shoot it full throttle on a warm day with out the heavy winter clothes!

[Elkins45]

What powder were you using?

H322 for both.

[TheGrimReaper]

Sweet! I always liked the 44 MagnumMagnum!

[6pt-sika]

H322 has worked well for me in the 444 with bullet weights from 205 grains all the way up to 375 grains in the 1-38 Micro barrels !

The roll stamp on my circa 1964 444 !

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f316/6pt-sika/444%20Marlins/336-444Magnum003.jpg

[smoked turkey]

Really great shooting of the .444. It looks like the big Marlin likes the load combinations.

6pt: 444Magnum..I like that!!

[Elkins45]

Yeah, I thought that was pretty good for iron sights and some very sloppy technique. I'm really looking forward to shooting it on a calm comfortable day when my main goal isn't just to hurry up and get back in the car.

Here's a picture of the old gal:

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm35/elkins_pix/444S.jpg

[TXGunNut]

And a rather handsome old gal she is.