First Look: Federal HammerDown 444 Marlin

by
posted on June 28, 2023
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
MAIN 444 Marlin Hammerdown In Box

Federal's lever-action focused line of HammerDown ammunition already included options such as .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, .30-30 Winchester, .45-70 Government, and more. Now, a 270-grain load of 444 Marlin is available.

HammerDown

“We are excited to add 444 Marlin to the overall HammerDown lineup. It is another great straight-wall cartridge that hunters and shooters are actively seeking it out,” said Federal Ammunition centerfire rifle product manager Eric Miller. “The powerful stopping power of the 444 Marlin has been shown to be an efficient for big-game hunting since its introduction in 1964.”

The velocities of HammerDown offerings are customized to produce excellent ballistics and terminal performance specifically through lever-action barrel lengths. This is thanks in no small part to a specially-formulated propellant, that provide velocities in keeping with this central goal. The construction of the molecularly bonded soft-point bullets has also been adjusted for the best accuracy and expansion at those velocities. The geometry of each round’s case, bullet and cartridge ensures easier cycling through tubular magazine and typical lever-action feeding systems.

444 Marlin in ballistic Gel

“One of the enhanced design features found in all HammerDown ammo is that we chamfered the front face of the case rim on all the nickel-plated cases. This removes any sharp edges to increase reliability of feeding,” continued Miller. “This feature essentially improves cycling in all lever-action feeding systems, such as side-gate loading and tubular magazines.”

444 Marlin

All of these excellent attributes are further enhanced in the 444 Marlin, designed from the outset as a lethal lever-gun cartridge. Initially offered by Marlin in 1964, to fill the void left by .45-70 Government when it was (temporarily) not available in new lever-actions, the 444 Marlin resembles a longer, more powerful .44 Magnum. With a straight-wall profile and large, wide, .745-inch long bullets, its bonded soft points fly around 2225 fps, with a ballistic coefficient of .193. Upon impact, their petal-like expansion is devastating.

444 Marlin mushroom

For more information on this new HammerDown offering, visit federalpremium.comMSRP: $64.99

Latest

CVA Paramount Muzzleloadersafety Recall
CVA Paramount Muzzleloadersafety Recall

Recall: Stop Use Order for CVA Paramount Series Muzzleloaders

CVA is issuing a safety recall for all Paramount, Paramount HTR, Paramount Pro, and Paramount Pro V2 muzzleloading rifles. This recall pertains.

An Ode to the Double Rifle

There are few who appreciate double rifles more deeply than our regular contributor, Phil Massaro. From the guns' storied history, to their heft and utility, the double rifle has fascinated Phil for a lifetime, and he has carried them in pursuit of game at home and abroad. Read on for his tribute to the classic design.

New for 2026: Spartan Precision Equipment Valhalla Gen 2 Bipod

Spartan Precision Equipment has announced the Valhalla Gen 2 Bipod, a shooting support system engineered for exceptional stability, rapid deployment, and lightweight performance for hunters and long-range precision shooters.

D.C. Legislators Who Understand Hunting and Shooting’s Role in Conservation

Yes Virginia, there are members of U.S. Congress and the Senate who hunt, fish or participate in the shooting sports despite their Beltway jobs.

Lever-Actions, Riflescopes and Suppressors?

The historic lever gun, modern optics, fancy ammunition, and suppressors all in one hunting unit. Should that even be allowed? Welcome to the clash of old versus modern.

Remington Collaborates with Original Grain on the Hunt Club Series

Remington Ammunition has announced Original Grain as an Official Remington Brand Licensee. The two companies have recently partnered to launch The Hunt Club series of watches. At launch, the four-watch collaboration includes Mother of Pearl Chrono, Ebony Barrel Chrono, Silver Barrel Auto and Black Chrono, with more styles planned.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.