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

Buck With Slug
Buck With Slug

Shotgun Slug 101: What to Look For

Don’t overlook shotgun slugs. When hand-picked, they will deliver outstanding accuracy and big game-bagging performance. Here’s a primer.

Leupold Announces Limited-Edition 'Mark 250' Riflescope Package

Commissioned to commemorate the United States Semiquincentennial, the Mark 250 package is built for the patriots that demand performance.

Ruger Celebrates 250 Years of American Liberty with Limited-Production Firearms

Ruger has expanded its 250th Anniversary Series of firearms, further commemorating the United States Semiquincentennial while celebrating the Company's longstanding tradition of American manufacturing. Each limited production model in this special collection is distinctly marked with the inscription, "Made in the 250th Year of American Liberty."

Hunting with Air: Getting Started

Looking into ways to expand your hunting opportunities? Ever think about air gun hunting? Follow along as Tim Hovey gives a great primer for beginners just getting into the discipline.

New for 2026: Hush-Point Cigar .22 Suppressor

Orion Wholesale has announced a collaboration with Hi-Point Firearms and Taylor Customs—the Hush Point Cigar 22 Suppressor. This unique monocore suppressor is designed to resemble, well, you guessed it, a cigar. 

#SundayGunday: Dead Air RXD30Ti

On this week's #SundayGunday, we’re checking out the RXD30Ti, a collaboration between Dead Air Silencers and Ruger Firearms, resulting in one quiet, lightweight, backcountry suppressor. Designed specifically to complement Ruger firearms, the RXD line is a workhorse in it’s own right, providing excellent sound mitigation and recoil reduction. Learn more about it in this exclusive video.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.