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Consequently, my actual range results show the .444 Marlin shooting about 3.5" flatter at 200 yards and well over a foot flatter at 300 yards than my .45-70, when they are both started out at approx the same velocity (2150 fps). I consider both of them at max 200 yard guns; however, I am just reporting my findings.

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Of course the 444 Marlin will shoot slightly "flatter" than the 45-70 when shooting a bullet with a higher ballistic coefficient the same velocity. However, the potential of the Marlin 1895 45-70 with a 300 grain bullet is 2350 fps and a 350 grain bullet is 2150 fps, both in a 22" barrel. The 45-70 will shoot just as "flat" as the 444 Marlin, but your shoulder is going to notice the difference.

I have not been able to drive a 300g bullet more than 2200 fps out of my 1895G without the lever popping out of battery and the cases bulging excessively. This occurs with both Starline and Winchester brass. I do not care to go any further than that. Both my .444 and .45-70 have 18.5" barrels instead of 22" barrels.

My point was that from what I have seen is that at least some of the .458g 300 bullets have a much lower ACTUAL ballistic coefficient than what is claimed. Even if I was able to get 2350 fps MV velocity in my .45-70, due to the measured BC of .128 - the 300g HP in the .45-70 would still be 1" lower at 200 yards and 10" lower at 300 yards than my .444 Marlin starting a 265g Hornady off at 2200 fps.

I will soon be trying to determine the BC of the 300g .458 Nosler Partition. Of course, at $37 for 50, it is not a very practical bullet for my hunting needs when I can get 100 405g Remington SP bullets for $14.

I really like both cartridges and have no plans of getting rid of either. I just disagree with some posts (not yours jackfish) that often pop up on these threads that picking a .444 is somehow a handicap when compared to the .45-70 or .450 Marlin. Both have more power than necessary for anything I will ever hunt with them, and I suspect that I am not alone in that regard.

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Both have more power than necessary for anything I will ever hunt with them...

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Agreed, the deer, black bear, elk, hog, moose, griz or gnat's ass won't know the difference when hit with proper bullets and a well-placed shot from any of them.