The .44 Magnum is great on deer and hogs, and it leaves a blood trail a blind man could follow. For hunting in close heavy cover, its a winner. I love my 1894 Winchester. The 1894 Marlin is as good or better. I wish I had not let my Marlin go. It would group about 1.5" to 2.5" at 100 yards, with the right ammo. The Winchester is closer to 2.5" to 4" at the same range. Not a .223 Varmint round anyway. Its made for shooting big animals at close range, and it excels at putting them down.