I'm hoping some of you guys can help me out here. I need a pistol to hunt deer with here in Iowa, can't use bottle-necked cases, so I want to go with one of these two in an Encore. Which one will be a better deer buster for me? I know they'll both do the job, but are there some preferences of one over the other? If so, what are they, and how do these two compare in recoil with full-power loads? Please help me out here, max ranges will be 150-175 yds.
Thanks,
Willie
willie_rosin@hotmail.com

Welcome Willie!

Not having any specific experience with either cartridge, I would guess that barrel length would be a big factor - 12" or less would be 454 territory, above 12" the Marlin. Accuracy for either would be more a function of barrel/gunsmith workmanship rather than cartridge. I think you will find a wider range of bullet weights for the 444, and that may also play into your decision, considering your anticipated max range.

That said, my personal choice between the two for out to 175 yards would be a relatively long (14-15") barreled 444. That deal on the 454 that you mentioned does sound hard to pass up, I'm just not 100 percent sure that it is a 175 yard rig. (Editted to add after further thought) Maybe the 10" 454 is a 175 yd rig, I hear the 44 magnum does a pretty good job in Handgun Silhouette out to the 200 yard Rams, the 454 is just more of a good thing.

The 357 Maximum loaded with 180s may also be a good combination.

Have fun deciding (or should I say "agonizing"),

Bill

[ 09-05-2002, 23:48: Message edited by: Bill M ]

If it was me, I would go with the 454, only because I have the brass, dies, bullets, etc. I used to own a FA 454. I never had problems with getting bullets myself. It is really up to you and your preference. My choice would be out of practicality. Get the one you want, and have fun with it!