308 Marlin Express

[kudzu]

The other day I was looking at all my "stuff" and noticed that I had almost everything but a lever action. How could this be ?
Any thoughts on the New 308 Marlin Express. Hopfully one in the XLR Lam/SS will find itself my way in the future.
A new round in my favorite, Lam stock with SS. I see myself falling off the wagon real soon. 
Also may top er off with the new Bushy 3200 3x10x50SA. If that won't work may go iwth the 3x10x40. Are 50's a problem on lever's.


Thanks, DM

[navylawdog]

Dancoman,

I know what you mean. I would like to have one in .308 Marlin as well. I think they are pretty cool. It seems to be a mixed crowd on here as far as whether or not people think that it will be worth a darn. In fact there have been a couple of somewhat heated discussion pertaining to this. As far as the scope I don't know I have never scoped any of my levers but the .308 would be the first.

Navylawdog

[totallycustom]

I don't think it is going to last long,  I don't think it gives that much real world advantage over a 30/30.  Now if they would have necked down a 45/70, 450m  or 444m they would have had a real winner with that added case capicity, but a round that is only approaching the 308 with special bullets and powder not available to the reloader will kill it off because with available powder and bullets it cant be loaded for with factory results.

Just my 2 cents, I hope they have success with it but I have strong doubts.

-TC-

[Blackhawk44]

A lot to invest in a piece built around a load with extremely limited availability that you won't be able to handload for years to come (no soft tip bullets).  Some chronograph results suggest .300 Savage far more than .308 Win, which is not bad until you handload RN bullets for the tube magazine.   

[jtaylor1960]

 I just posted on the Marlin Leverguns section about the 308 Express I saw at my local dealer today.

[BigJakeJ1s]

I'm curious as to the advantages of a Marlin in 308 Express over a BLR in 308win (or 30-06, or 300winmag or 300wsm, and those are just the choices in 30 cal). You can buy ammo from virtually any manufacturer for the BLR, or reload your own with a wealth of bullet options.

Andy

[Blackhawk44]

BigJake has hit on it.  When it come time for handloading, there are no gummy point bullets or proprietary powder available for the Marlin which leaves it making a weak attempt at becoming a "near .307 Win", flatpoint bullets and all.  Sorry, but that is the point where the BLR leaves the Marlin in the dust and gasping.  I just can't see the point of owning a rifle built around a single factory load only available through a limited distribution network with no available components.         

[Cottonwood]

BigJake has hit on it.  When it come time for handloading, there are no gummy point bullets or proprietary powder available for the Marlin which leaves it making a weak attempt at becoming a "near .307 Win", flatpoint bullets and all.  Sorry, but that is the point where the BLR leaves the Marlin in the dust and gasping.  I just can't see the point of owning a rifle built around a single factory load only available through a limited distribution network with no available components.         

You both hit the nail on the head with your post.

I had been thinking about this very thing myself as it looks like my wife and I will be resettling on the Big Island of Hawaii by next year.  Many wild pig hunts, axis deer, wild goats etc... I don't think the .308 Express will be joining me on island hunting.