35 Whelen vs 444 Marlin: Which is Better for Hunting?

General
1

35 Whelen vs 444 Marlin: Which is Better for Hunting?

As a hunter, I’ve been trying to decide between the .35 Whelen and the .444 Marlin for my upcoming season and would love to get some advice from the community here. Both cartridges have their proponents, but I’m particularly interested in understanding their performance, usability, and how they stack up for various hunting scenarios.

Ballistics and Range

From what I’ve gathered, the .35 Whelen is known for its flatter trajectory and decent range, making it suitable for open fields where you might need to take a longer shot. In contrast, the .444 Marlin has a heavier bullet and packs a significant punch, but might not retain energy as effectively at longer distances.

Considerations:

  • Whelen: Offers better ballistic performance over longer distances.
  • Marlin: More of a heavy hitter at closer ranges, good for dense brush hunting.

Recoil and Usability

A factor I’ve been considering is the recoil. I’ve heard that the .444 Marlin can be a bit harsh, especially if you’re using it in a lighter rifle, which could affect follow-up shots. On the other hand, the .35 Whelen tends to have a more manageable recoil, making it user-friendly, especially for fast-paced hunting situations.

Personal Experience:

  • Recoil from the Whelen: Easier to manage, allowing quick follow-ups.
  • Recoil from the Marlin: Stronger, but some say it adds to the overall hunting experience and excitement.

Effectiveness for Game

I often hunt deer, and I’ve read mixed reviews on which cartridge is more effective. Some users swear by the stopping power of the .444 Marlin for larger game, while others vouch for the accuracy and versatility of the .35 Whelen. I’ve been particularly interested in hearing real-world experiences regarding hits and effectiveness on deer or even larger animals like elk and bear.

Thoughts from Fellow Hunters:

  • Whelen: Great for all-purpose deer hunting, effective at various distances.
  • Marlin: Preferred in thick woods and for larger species due to its punch.

Firearm Considerations

Finally, I’m looking at what kind of setup I might want. I’ve seen that the .444 Marlin is often paired with lever-action rifles, which can be appealing for their rapid fire capability. However, the .35 Whelen can be found in a wider range of bolt-action rifles, providing more options in terms of precision and custom setups.

Key Points:

  • Rifle Type for Whelen: Options for custom builds, good precision.
  • Rifle Type for Marlin: Fast follow-up shots, classic feel of lever guns.

Conclusion

In summary, my choice boils down to what I want out of my hunting experience. I’m leaning towards the .35 Whelen for its versatility, but I’m also intrigued by the .444 Marlin for those heavy, close-in shots that could make a difference in the field. Has anyone here had experience with both? Any recommendations based on your hunting styles or preferences?

Looking forward to your insights!

2

I’ve been using the .35 Whelen for years. Its velocity and energy make it a solid choice for medium to large game. It can push a 250-grain bullet to around 2,600 fps with great energy retention.

3

Interesting! How does the .444 Marlin compare? I’ve heard it hits hard but comes with a different ballistic profile.

4

The .444 Marlin delivers incredible stopping power, especially at shorter ranges. It can push a 240-grain bullet to about 2,300 fps, which is great for thick-skinned game.

8 Likes
5

Sure, but how does the .35 Whelen’s trajectory compare? I worry about drop over distance.

2 Likes
6

Good point, Preston. The .35 Whelen has a flatter trajectory, especially for longer shots. It holds its energy better at range compared to the .444.

7

While I appreciate the flat trajectory of the .35 Whelen, I love using the .444 for its raw power on close encounters. It’s straightforward and very effective for me.

8

What about recoil? I’ve found both cartridges can be a handful, but is one notably easier on the shoulder?

9

The .444 Marlin generally has a heavier recoil due to the larger caliber. The .35 Whelen can still kick, but it’s a bit more manageable overall.

10

That’s good to know! Do either of these cartridges shine in specific hunting scenarios?

11

For dense woods, I’d argue the .444 Marlin is unbeatable. However, for open fields, the .35 Whelen really takes the cake! You get better accuracy at distance.

7 Likes
12

Hah! Sounds like a match made in heaven—one for close quarters and the other for open fields. Have you guys considered what game you usually hunt?

13

I typically hunt deer, and I find the .35 Whelen does the job admirably without excessive recoil. It’s the versatility I appreciate.

14

I love chasing moose and bear with my .444 Marlin! It just feels like a sledgehammer when it hits. The brute force is hard to beat.

15

Reflecting on everyone’s comments, it seems both cartridges have merits depending on your hunting style and preferences. It’s a bit of a personal choice.

16

I’ve had experience with both cartridges, and in terms of recoil, the 35 Whelen is definitely more manageable for me. It’s got a solid punch but still feels controllable on follow-up shots.

17

That’s interesting! The 444 Marlin has quite a reputation for kicking like a mule, but I’ve found it to be a blast for short distances. Anyone else feel the same?

18

The 35 Whelen, being a more modern cartridge, typically has better ballistics which can really help with longer shots. It’s what I prefer for deer hunting, personally.

3 Likes
19

I agree with that! But the 444 Marlin hits hard and is great for close-range. It depends on what you’re hunting, really.

20

I think it also depends on the shooter. Some might find the Marlin easier to shoot because of its design. The straight wall case helps with certain types of rifles.