Help with a JM stamped Marlin 444 with ballard 1-20"

[Island Trash]

Hey guys, I have found a nice condition JM stamped 444 in excellent condition. It's a very late production model with the 1-20" Ballard barrel. Wood fit isn't great, but the condition of the gun is excellent. Price seems good, asking 450 but he wants to move it. If I get it, it would be strictly for cast boolits. What are your thoughts on the price and any mould recommendations?

Thanks guys

[308w]

Great price, get it now!!!

[seaboltm]

Decent price. The JM stamping seems to bring a premium, but it is worthless to me. I paid $450 for a brand new in the box Marlin 1895 45-70 just a month or two ago. Of course is is Remington/Marlin.

[Shuz]

Price is good, and I'd feed it with MP-433-300HP's and Alliant's Rel 7.

[dek16001]

Buy it! Mold restrictions are producing a bullet that is too long to cycle once it seated into the case. I'd suggest a GC at least mold because the triple 4's forte is sending a big slug down range quick...( in excess of 2200 FP's)

[Four Fingers of Death]

I know you want to shoot cast (which is what I intend to shoot in my similar vintage 444), but when I bought mine a year or two ago, I picked up 17 Hornady 265 Gn factory loads with it and they work really well! (New owner fired a round, handled it to his father who fired a round, handled it to the gunshop owner who was on the hunt with them, he fired a round and they drew straws to see who would clean it before putting it on the shelf at the gun shop). Brutal recoil with them, but great accuracy in my rifle.