I recently obtained a model 1894 Marlin .44 magnum and the accuracy certainly does not seem to be up to my expectations. My group average now stands at 3.5 inches at 50yds. with the worst going only slightly under 5.0 in. These are 5 shot groups and I have made 3 range trips with bullet from 170 gr. to 300gr. These groups would be fair to poor in a good pistol but unacceptable in a rifle. Does anyone have any experience or imput. Thanks Jim.

The Marlin's have a 1 in 38" twist, which is way too slow for shooting heavyweight bullets, try sticking with 240gr Hornady XTP bullets, and hope for the best, Jay

BR5555, like Jay said 240XTP's have always worked great for me. I use the same load in two handguns and a Ruger 44 Carbine, a 240 gr. XTP over 23.7 gr. H110...... groups at a hundred yards in the Ruger are about half your 50yd groups.
Are you using a scope or open sights??? If the 240 XTP/H110 combo doesn't work a LOT better for you I'd start checking scope,mounts, etc. CSJ

Try H-110-25 to 26grs max with Hornady-XTP, and for hunting 240gr Gold Dot sp.

I have had 3 44 mag rifles, a Ruger 44 Deerstalker, a Marlin, and I now have a Winchester 44 Trapper. The 1 in 38 twist is a problem. Try the Speer factory load with the 270 gr SP. This load shoots good in my rifle and in several 44 revolvers. If this load does not shoot very good it might be a problem with your particular rifle.
All of my rifles shot good at 50 and 75 yards. Accuracy seemed to drop off at 100 yards.
I always use 2400 and H-110 when reloading.

Thanks for the replys. I am using a scope. I know H110 is the most commonly suggested powder but I presently do not have any. I was going to buy some but if this rifle does not show some improvement, why bother. I mostly reload for a varity of bottle neck cases and not much for pistol cartridges. I am now using unique and 2400. I have tried several loads with the speer 270 gr. The results have been about the same with any of the 6 different bullets used. about 3 to 4.5 in. at 50yd. This is from a rifle range, rest, sandbags, etc. This may be a rifle to pass along, but first I just wanted to see what results others were having with either the rifle or cartridge. Thanks again. Jim.

BR5555, I use 21grs. of 2400 with the 240 Hornady, which chronos at 1425fps,(Ruger Redhawk) give it a shot, 2400 is one of the best as far as accuracy for that bullet weight, I tried 24grs. I believe it was, of 296 out of the scoped Super RH I used to have and it wasn't as accurate as 2400, Jay



Just for the record, 296 and H110 are the exact same powder, made in the same factory in Florida.