First let me say I am assuming that both of the cartridges would be used in the same type of rifle. Having stated that, which would be a better cartridge for Dangerous Game, and why?

1.) 45-70
2.) 444 Marlin

Naturally, both cartridges would be loaded with the heaviest, hard cast flat points, that would achieve a muzzle velocity of 1550 - 1700 fps from the respective cartridge.

Thanks for your thoughts,

ASS_CLOWN

PS - which is better between the 416 Rigby and 416 Remington. Do not compare these two though to the aforementioned 45-70 and 444 Marlin. I am afraid the post may get too technical for the average hunter to then follow.

I would pick the 45-70. In theory, they should be about equal, but the 45-70 is currently available with much heavier bullets (up to 540grs in factory loads) that just meet your velocity requirement.

I've never seen a factory loaded .444 with more than a 355gr cast bullet. I think this is probably because Marlin used a very slow twist rate in the early rifles (1:38??), as they intended to use 240gr pistol bullets. They also cut very short throats that do not allow much of the bullet to stick out of the case. I think Marlin conceived the .444 as a modern 45-90 Express round. They intended it to be deadly on deer, but did not intend it as an elk/bear/boar round.

Recently Marlin has increased the twist rate (I think) and done away with the micro-groove rifling. With a 1:20 twist and a longer throat, the .444 should be capable of using a heavier bullet (maybe up to 450grs) but the action length will probably dictate a very short OAL, thereby nulifying the longer throat.

IF, you chambered the .444 in a Winchester 1886 (long action) with a 1:20 twist and a reasonable throat, it could probably equal the 45-70.

But, in actual factory rifles, the 45-70 is a little better.

IMHO

Bob.

Hey, bring the pop-corn, it has started again!

Regards,
Martin

It's all a matter of emphasis. Some talk about dangerousgame rifles and others talk about dangerous gamerifles. The two mentioned above are the latter when used to hunt dangerous game.



As far as which is better between the two .416's. In the context of dangerous game hunting both are adequate to the task so it's a matter of personal preference in reality.

I think the continued use of either of these for buffalo hunting would change the category from "Dangeous Game" to "REALLY DANGEROUS GAME".