Would the Marlin 444 cartridge be suitable for hunting Alaskan Grizzly?

Answer 1

The .444 marlin with the newer ammo by Buffalo Bore, Core-Bon, or Grizzly, can take any of the big bears. Mine is a freak, as it is extremely accurate, and puts them all in the same ragged hole at 100 yards. The rifle also reaches way out for deer hunting, and I have shot deer at 220 yards with it, but with the big bears, it is strictly a close range proposition...as the power drops off fast with the big blunt bullets. The .444 Marlin has become a popular fishing guide's gun in Alaska...with the newer +P solid ammo available. Mine sports a Wild West trigger and has been shortened 2" which does wonders for the rifle's balance.

444 Marlin for Grizzly? Here are answers and opinions from FAQ Farmers:

• Although the 444 designation sounds impressive the cartridge lacks the firepower necessary to kill this large animal with one shot... This is a dangerous animal and you must be a professional about your hunting method.. I would suggest using a factory high velocity 45-70 ballistic... or a 375 H&H Magnum... If you like a big bore weapon and have the cash to spend try a 416 Rigby or the 458 Winchester magnum... Remember be a professional when you hunt, humane in your method, one shot one kill...

• After some research, I have found that the .444 is very capable of taking down dangerous game or even hunting grizzly. However, some very important factors have to be considered. Such as bullet construction, bullet weight, sectional density, shot placement, distance, to name a few. There are a few manufactures that construct bullets in the .444 caliber that will make pretty nasty work of any large animal. Sure, there are other choices, but to discard the .444 as a serous contender is a mistake. After looking at many hunting situations where hunters have polished off a fair grizzly with one shot from heavy exotic magnums, I have to say, it is extremely rare. The largest grizzly ever killed in Alberta was killed with a single shot from a .22 long rifle.

* Have built several rifles for big game hunting. From buffalo to bear I know people who have dropped them with a 444 marlin. From double rifles to lever guns. Single shot Ruger #1's. They work. The only item in choice for large bore rifles if ammo. Check the area you are hunting for replacement ammo if lost in shipment. I know this first hand with trips to Africa. Ammo and rifle are packed and ammo case is lost in flight. What do you do?

Plan ahead. and good luck