What are the pros and cons of a 444 Marlin vs. a 45-70 Marlin?

So here's a quick summary of .45-70/.444 Marlin pros and cons: Favoring the .45-70: Stoutly constructed real rifle bullets available in weights up to 500 grains give excellent penetration. Favoring the .444: Shoots lighter pistol construction bullets faster for a straighter trajectory and devastating expansion. read more

There are many more loads available for the 45/70 than the .444. The 45/70 has much more powerful loads available which use much heavier bullets allowing use for much larger game. The .444 is just a stretched .44 Magnum, and usually just has a 265gr. bullet that isn’t very heavily constructed, good for deer and black bear. read more

The 45-70 is every bit as hot as the 450 marlin. The 45-70 has more availabilty, over the counter but, the loads are going to be quite a bit lighter than the over the counter 450's. The 444, although an excellent round, isn't very popular. read more