The all-copper 444 Marlin load, built to modernize a classic big bore.
This is our high-velocity 444 Marlin ammo, loaded with our own 225-grain all-copper HV bullet. Machined in Michigan, 100% lead-free, loaded in Starline brass and developed for hunters who run a modern single-shot or bolt-action rifle. At 2,600 fps from a 22-inch barrel it turns this classic straight-walled cartridge into a genuinely flat-shooting big bore, still holding well over 1,500 ft-lbs at 300 yards. The solid copper bullet expands all the way down to 1,250 fps, so it expands rapidly like a bonded bullet, then holds together and penetrates deep like only copper can, with no lead left in the meat. The full 444 Marlin ballistics and drop chart for the 225-grain HV is below. Join the notify list and we'll email you the moment it's available.
| Caliber | 444 Marlin |
| Bullet | All-copper, HV |
| Weight | 225 gr |
| G1 BC | .285 |
| Muzzle velocity | 2,600 fps (22" barrel) |
| Min. expansion | 1,250 fps / 550 ft-lbs |
| Brass | Starline |
| Rounds / box | 20 |
| Lead free | Yes |
| Use in | Single-shot & bolt-action only |
| Made in | Michigan |
Single-shot and bolt-action rifles only. This high-velocity 444 Marlin load is not for lever-action rifles (such as the Marlin 444 or Rossi R95) or any trapdoor rifle, original or reproduction. It is built for modern single-shot and custom bolt-action rifles: CVA Scout and CVA Hunter, Thompson/Center Encore, and Ruger No. 1 and No. 3. See the FAQ below if you are not sure your rifle is a fit.
All Copper. Zero Compromise. Machined in Michigan.
Each 225-grain bullet is CNC-turned from solid copper in our own shop and loaded in-house in Starline brass. No jacket to separate. No lead core to fragment. Just reliable expansion, controlled penetration, and the weight retention that puts big game down fast.
444 Marlin Ballistics & Drop Chart
225 gr all-copper, .285 G1 BC, 185-yard zero (+2.0" high at 100 yards), 22" barrel.
| Range (yd) | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lbs) | Path (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muzzle | 2,600 | 3,378 | — |
| 100 | 2,295 | 2,635 | +2.0 |
| 150 | 2,155 | 2,315 | +1.5 |
| 200 | 2,015 | 2,030 | -0.9 |
| 250 | 1,880 | 1,770 | -5.5 |
| 300 | 1,755 | 1,540 | -12.5 |
| 350 | 1,635 | 1,335 | -22.3 |
| 400 | 1,520 | 1,155 | -35.4 |
| 450 | 1,415 | 1,000 | -52.3 |
| 500 | 1,315 | 865 | -73.5 |
Calculated from a 2,600 fps muzzle velocity (22-inch barrel), .285 G1 BC, and a 185-yard zero, standard conditions. Every range in the chart stays above the 1,250 fps expansion threshold, so the bullet keeps opening up all the way to 500 yards. Real-world results vary with your rifle, barrel, and conditions.
Why Hunters Choose the 225 HV
Some of our other offerings
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I shoot this 444 Marlin ammo in a lever-action rifle like a Marlin 444 or Rossi R95?
No. This high-velocity load is for modern single-shot and custom bolt-action rifles only. Do not use in any lever-action rifles, and it is not made for any trapdoor rifle, original or reproduction. It is designed for the CVA Scout and CVA Hunter, Thompson/Center Encore, Ruger No. 1 and No. 3, and custom bolt guns.
444 Marlin vs 45-70: which should I choose?
Both are excellent straight-walled big bores, and the choice usually comes down to your rifle and how far you shoot. The 444 Marlin runs a lighter .429 bullet at higher velocity, so it shoots flatter and kicks less than most 45-70 loads, which makes it easy to shoot well past 200 yards. The 45-70 throws a heavier .458 bullet for more frontal area up close. Our 225-grain all-copper 444 Marlin HV load leans into the 444's strength: flat trajectory and reliable copper expansion out at distance.
How far will a 444 Marlin 225 HV shoot, and what is the effective range?
Muzzle velocity is 2,600 fps from a 22-inch barrel. From a 185-yard zero that gives roughly 12 inches of drop at 300 yards and still over 1,500 ft-lbs of energy on target at 300. The 444 Marlin ballistics chart above shows velocity, energy, and drop out to 500 yards. The practical effective range on deer is well past 200 yards for most hunters, and because the bullet keeps expanding down to 1,250 fps, it stays lethal even farther. Recoil is moderate and noticeably softer than a heavy 45-70 load.
Is the 444 Marlin good for deer, and what else can you hunt with it?
Yes. The 444 Marlin is a proven deer cartridge, and this 225-grain all-copper HV load is built for it: flat-shooting, hard-hitting, and devastating on whitetail. The same bullet has the weight and penetration to handle bigger game too, including bear, hogs, elk, and moose at sensible ranges. Solid copper holds together for deep penetration and reliable expansion with excellent blood trails.
Is this copper ammo legal in lead-free hunting zones?
Yes. Every round is lead-free, so it is legal anywhere non-lead ammunition is required, including on federal land. You get full 444 Marlin performance with no lead.
Why choose a solid copper bullet over lead-core ammo?
Copper holds together. A cup-and-core lead bullet can shed weight and fragment on impact, while this solid copper bullet retains nearly all of its weight, drives deep, and leaves no lead in the animal. You get expansion that mushrooms like a bonded bullet down to 1,250 fps, a wide wound channel, and meat you can feel good about feeding your family.
All Copper. Zero Compromise. Machined in Michigan.
444 Marlin Ammo 225 Grain HV
Caliber
444 Marlin
Weight
225 Grains
Velocity
2,650 fps
Material
This copper ammunition is 100% lead free and is legal to hunt with on federal land.
Ballistic Coefficient
.285 (G1)
