Author Topic: Is .444 usable in cowboy action?  (Read 34533 times)

Offline phoenix1151

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Is .444 usable in cowboy action?
« on: July 30, 2014, 09:31:49 AM »
Is a Marlin .444, suitably loaded for power factor limitations, an acceptable firearm for use in cowboy action?  I realize it is not one of the ideal choices by any stretch, but the only lever action I have is a .444 and if I can at least get started with it here in Ontario, then I will.  Otherwise, I'm waiting until I can get something in .357/.38 to match my Pietta .357/.38 1873 Millenium revolvers.

edit:  I need to edit a bit, duh, as .444 is available in models such as 1895 guide gun which would seem to qualified but my Marlin is a .444S, not a era-replica model, so am I SOL?

Offline Major 2

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Re: Is .444 usable in cowboy action?
« Reply #1 on: July 30, 2014, 10:42:42 AM »
Your Edit, pretty much answers your question...

On the end of the stick ..444 Marlin is not a Pistol caliber and would be precluded by that anyway....

I used to use it , cut down and crimped for blanks , in my 44/40 Henry ( reenacting ) though
when planets align...do the deal !

Offline phoenix1151

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Re: Is .444 usable in cowboy action?
« Reply #2 on: July 30, 2014, 10:58:42 AM »
Thanks for your reply.  I suspected as much, more because my .444S is not an era specific replica than having the .444 designation as it is essentially a stretched .44 magnum (which is a pistol calibre).  Looks like I'll have to wait to get started until I get a .357/.38 (hoping for a Marlin 1894 but may grab a 1873 if I see one at a nice price.  :-[

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Re: Is .444 usable in cowboy action?
« Reply #3 on: Today at 04:18:02 AM »

Offline Sir Charles deMouton-Black

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Re: Is .444 usable in cowboy action?
« Reply #3 on: July 30, 2014, 11:03:54 AM »
I have seen .444 cases used to load .410 shot loads.
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Offline Shotgun Franklin

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Re: Is .444 usable in cowboy action?
« Reply #4 on: July 31, 2014, 11:09:00 AM »
Take a couple of boxes of .38 lead target loads and a box of 12 ga dove loads and go to a local shoot, you will be over whelmed with offers to share.
Yes, I do have more facial hair now.

Offline Pettifogger

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Re: Is .444 usable in cowboy action?
« Reply #5 on: July 31, 2014, 11:44:25 AM »
Period correct really has nothing to do with it.  It is a rifle caliber.  It is legal for long range side matches, but not as a SASS main match rifle.

Offline phoenix1151

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Re: Is .444 usable in cowboy action?
« Reply #6 on: August 16, 2014, 01:27:06 PM »
Thanks for the replies Gents.  I ended up picking up a new Rossi R92 .357/.38 (blued octagonal 20" barrel with case hardened receiver) while I still have a Marlin 1894 .357/.38 on order.  The Rossi's still a virgin but hope to deflower her next week, slick up the action if necessary (not too bad as is but haven't tried loading/ejecting cartridges yet).  I've already got various sources for what/how to do a slick-up if I need to.  Now need to start shooting the Rossi and the Pietta 5 1/2 inch 1873 Millenium revolvers.
 ;D

Offline Dave T

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Re: Is .444 usable in cowboy action?
« Reply #7 on: May 12, 2016, 01:25:52 PM »
This doesn't help the OP but is related to the caliber in question, the 444 Marlin. I gave some serious thought to finding a Remington Rolling Block action, getting a 28" barrel with a .429" groove diameter and a slower than pistol twist rate (I found one but can't remember the name these 25+ years later). I'd also found a suitable bullet mould for some thing like a 300-320g bullet. I was going to call it the 43 Remington and have the barrel so marked. My intention was to shoot black power through it. Thought it would be a hoot. (smile)

Dave

Offline Coffinmaker

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Re: Is .444 usable in cowboy action?
« Reply #8 on: May 12, 2016, 03:59:32 PM »
While not legal for use in a regular CAS match, 444 in a H&R Handi rifle would make a dandy Plainsman Side Match Rifle.  ;D
Although this comment has no bearing on the OP. ::)

Coffinmaker

Offline Mike

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Re: Is .444 usable in cowboy action?
« Reply #9 on: May 13, 2016, 12:44:37 AM »
Been looking for a 444 for awhile now, also had the idea of a single shot in 444 for BP.
Got me thinking again.
Thanks
Buffalochip

 

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