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Gun question...
Posted on 11/29/11 at 10:18 am
Posted on 11/29/11 at 10:18 am
Which do you guys prefer? The .444 or the .45-70?
These are both single shot rifles used to deer hunt, so which one would you prefer to hunt with?
These are both single shot rifles used to deer hunt, so which one would you prefer to hunt with?
4
Posted on 11/29/11 at 10:27 am to Bien Fou
Most guys at the camp in MS have the 45-70 and like it. Conveninent if you happen to forget your bullets at the house or in the truck.
The 444 has better ballistics but no one that I hunt with uses it.
That being said, I bought the .35 Whelen--I know, counterintuitive--because the ballistics are amazing for a 200 grain load and I'm pretty anal about packing my stuff for the camp.
Also, rumors on the OB that the Whelen may be legal in LA next season.
The 444 has better ballistics but no one that I hunt with uses it.
That being said, I bought the .35 Whelen--I know, counterintuitive--because the ballistics are amazing for a 200 grain load and I'm pretty anal about packing my stuff for the camp.
Also, rumors on the OB that the Whelen may be legal in LA next season.
Posted on 11/29/11 at 10:30 am to Bien Fou
quote:
Which do you guys prefer? The .444 or the .45-70? These are both single shot rifles used to deer hunt, so which one would you prefer to hunt with?
These come in lever action guns too, and that's more what I've seen folks using, with regards to elk and whatnot. I know you are more interested in primative weapons season in La though.
You are really going to be splitting hairs with regards to anything in Louisiana that you would shoot with these two. The .45-70 will probably be easier to find ammo for, and it typicall throws heavier bullets than the .444. There's probably more handloading data to be had for a .45-70 as well. Recoil might be a little less with a .444, but its still a hoss.
Posted on 11/29/11 at 10:32 am to Bien Fou
Most people have the 45-70, but I prefer the 444 (which is what I have). Both are overkill for a whitetail, so I opted for the one that is less overkill and has better ballistics.
ETA: and it is less overkill on the shoulder.
ETA: and it is less overkill on the shoulder.
This post was edited on 11/29/11 at 10:33 am
Posted on 11/29/11 at 10:33 am to Skeet Mc
quote:
he 444 has better ballistics but no one that I hunt with uses it.
With comparable loads yes but with Hornady's new 250gr leverevolutions hitting the market soon i may not even have to take out the .270
I haven't seen any data yet but wouldn't be surprised if it doesn't make the .45-70 a 200yd+ gun.Posted on 11/29/11 at 10:35 am to Skeet Mc
thanks guys for the info... if have shot them both and not sure which way to lean...
Im going hunting in MS. this weekend so hopefully i will be able to decide after this, i borrowed both types to bring with me...
Im going hunting in MS. this weekend so hopefully i will be able to decide after this, i borrowed both types to bring with me...
Posted on 11/29/11 at 10:37 am to Slickback
quote:
so I opted for the one that is less overkill and has better ballistics.
How far would you stretch your shot and still be comfortable with your .444?
Posted on 11/29/11 at 10:40 am to Bien Fou
quote:
How far would you stretch your shot and still be comfortable with your .444?
quote:
To put the power comparison in another way, the typical .444 Marlin rifle, has more impact energy at 200 yards (180 m), than a 4 in (100 mm) barreled .44 Magnum has at the muzzle.
LINK
Posted on 11/29/11 at 10:41 am to Bien Fou
The differences inside of 200 yards are not going to be noticeable. Get whichever one you like. I prefer the 45-70 for bullet selection.
Posted on 11/29/11 at 10:41 am to Bien Fou
Everytime I shoot my 45/70 I have to say to myself, "this is gonna hurt you more than me!"
no lie, mine is sighted in and I hope it stays that way.
no lie, mine is sighted in and I hope it stays that way.
Posted on 11/29/11 at 10:50 am to Bien Fou
quote:
How far would you stretch your shot and still be comfortable with your .444?
About 200 yards comfortably, but if a monster came out at 250, and gave me a broadside shot, I'd be comfortable enough to take it.
According to Hornady's ballistic chart (265 grain 444 LeverEvolution), if you are 3 in high at 100, at 200 you'll be -1.4, and at 300 you'll be -18.6.
With the 45-70 (325 grain LeverEvolution), with 3 in high at 100, you'll be -4.8 at 200, and -30.2 at 300.
Posted on 11/29/11 at 11:00 am to Bien Fou
My .444 will shoot sub MOA groups at 150 yards. That said, I've never shot it at a deer that far. But I would if I had to. here is link to ballistic chart I use for it. LINK
I'm not real sure how that link will work for you, but I used the ballistic coefficient from Hornady lever revolution ammo (.225) bullet weight 265, caliber .444, Muzzle Velocity 2325, sight height of 1.8125 (yours may be different), zero range of 150, temp of 59 and pressure of 29.92 ( I think that was default), I set it at no wind.
Any way, my chart says if zeroed at 150, it'll be 4.2" low at 200, and 11.7" low at 250.
As far as would it kill a deer at what range? Who knows. There are all kinds of arguments on how much energy/bullet speed is needed to kill a deer. Farthest I've killed a deer (240 lbs) with the .444 is 100 yards. I killed a coyote at 150. Both never took a step after the 265 gr made impact.
I'm not real sure how that link will work for you, but I used the ballistic coefficient from Hornady lever revolution ammo (.225) bullet weight 265, caliber .444, Muzzle Velocity 2325, sight height of 1.8125 (yours may be different), zero range of 150, temp of 59 and pressure of 29.92 ( I think that was default), I set it at no wind.
Any way, my chart says if zeroed at 150, it'll be 4.2" low at 200, and 11.7" low at 250.
As far as would it kill a deer at what range? Who knows. There are all kinds of arguments on how much energy/bullet speed is needed to kill a deer. Farthest I've killed a deer (240 lbs) with the .444 is 100 yards. I killed a coyote at 150. Both never took a step after the 265 gr made impact.
Posted on 11/29/11 at 11:12 am to BRgetthenet
quote:
Everytime I shoot my 45/70 I have to say to myself, "this is gonna hurt you more than me!"
no lie, mine is sighted in and I hope it stays that way.
I know how you feel. Mine wouldn't hold zero until i noticed that the recoil was loosening my scope mounts. Had to loc-tite em. Also bought a strap on shoulder pad to use while bench shooting this beast. One box of leverevolution 325gr was all my shoulder could take
Posted on 11/29/11 at 11:12 am to ColesCreek
If you're hunting in MS I would go with the .35 but if not the .444 would be my choice even though it's uncommon
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