Dusted off the old 444

[S Mac]

My 444 Marlin hasn't seen any work for a few years. I drew out for a managed deer hunt, population control in state park.
A Lyman 429244 over 37 grains of Rel 7 did a great job, two deer in the same bunch. One went ten yards, the other thirty. They were only fifty yards away, but hey open sights I need all the help I can get.

 

[fiver]

good job.
it's not easy to keep your head on the stock and pull off a second [accurate] shot.

 

[Brad]

good job.
it's not easy to keep your head on the stock and pull off a second [accurate] shot.

It isn’t hard if you practice it. Shooting off a bench doesn’t help in the field much.

 

[Ian]

Good times! Our state park cull hunts are mostly limited to muzzle loaders and bows.

With me shooting them from the shoulder, leverguns tend to hit a good bit high high if sighted in on a bench in the normal fashion, so I always set the sights for what I can repeat from a number of basic field positions. Also, when shooting from the bench for other than raw group/velocity data, I position my support hand on top of the front rest for support and don't use a rear bag, so the rifle is held by me just sitting (and leaning my upper body on the edge of the bench).

 

[S Mac]

good job.
it's not easy to keep your head on the stock and pull off a second [accurate] shot.

I won't claim to keep my head on the stock, catch the spent case, put it in my pocket, reshoulder the gun for an accurate shot was more how it went. Think park deer, not used to being shot at.
MO has a variety of hunts, methods. Everything from archery, Muzzleloader to centerfire.

 

[lkydvl]

What rifling does your 444 have? I've acquired a Ballard rifled 444 and can't wait to try cast bullets in it!

 

[S Mac]

Mine is microgroove. I like to size at .431, but this mould drops a bit shy of that, still works well. I loaded some full power loads with a heavier bullet but recoil was substantial. These are pleasant to shoot and accurate as well.

 

[Intheshop]

How far from the truck?

Dragging one isn't the easiest,two?

Had a hillbilly lasagna(ground venison) a week or so ago.Now I'm hungry again.

 

[S Mac]

Probably close to a quarter mile, pretty flat ground. Had to take several breaks. Not as young as I once was.

 

[Intheshop]

Front shoulder hits on your deer?Am assuming pass through?

 

[S Mac]

Both right behind the elbow, minimal meat damage. Standing broadside.

 

[Intheshop]

Classic.... burger and steaks,I don't mess with roasts anymore.

And I hear ya on the "Park" deer.Was practicing today with a longbow on our back porch.4 does at about 50yds were watching and sniggling at the misses.They start wagging their tails when I talk to them..... tough audience.

 

[gman]

Congratulations S Mac! 4 more days and I’m on em myself.

 

[Edward R Southgate]

Congratulations,,,,,,Twice .

 

[freebullet]

Congratulations!!

Guna be at it soon to.