Author Topic: What Caliber? (Read 946 times)

Feldhege · « **on:** April 15, 2006, 05:03:04 PM »

So, I really went looking for a winchester Lever action in 44 Mag today. Could not find one. I am thinking I would like a lever in 44 mag because I already shoot revolver in that caliber. Trying to keep the number of calibers to a minimum. Naturally I could not find one.

I know Marlin makes one in 44 but it won't shoot the 300 gr bullets that I would like to use. That is unless I rebarrel it.

So knowing that I would probably (for now) be using it on Hogs and Deer, what other calibers should I look into? One guy at the show started talking about the good ole 30-30. He said that with the new LeverLoution(?) ammo, that 3030 would be good to almost 300 yards. I also know that the 3030 is a popular caliber so finding factory ammo for target practice and hunting should not be a problem (I don't reload Yet).

What other calibers should I consider? Would a 3030 be OK for larger game if I decided on a moose or elk hunt? Any help will of course be appreciated.

Robb Feldhege

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #1 on:** April 15, 2006, 11:31:44 PM »

my 44p marlin will run lbt 300lfngcs without problems. If i had to pick a lever to hunt with id recomend a .35 rem.

fknipfer · « **Reply #2 on:** April 16, 2006, 02:33:38 PM »

I am a great believer in the 35Rem Marlin336. I bought some Buffalo Bore 220gr Rounds and compared them to the 30-06 Rem. 220gr Corelokt ammunition. On Thornily Stopping Power Graph or formula, the 30-06 220gr starts at 119 points of stopping power at muzzle and goes down to 81 points at 300yds, 112@50yds, 106@100yds, 93@200yds and then 81@300yds.
The 35Rem 220gr starts at 118 points of stopping power at muzzle and goes down to 82 @300yds, 111@50yds, 104@100yds, 92@200yds and then 82@300yds.
The 30-06 is faster but a smaller diameter .308, the 35Rem is a little slower but with a bigger dia. bullet .358.
I would never buy a 30-30 if the 35Rem were available with the data above you could go afater larger game like elk (if close enough) something you could never do with the 30-30. Anyway thats my humble opinion.

fknipfer

Dave Shooter · « **Reply #3 on:** April 16, 2006, 05:59:23 PM »

Quote from: fknipfer

I am a great believer in the 35Rem Marlin336. I bought some Buffalo Bore 220gr Rounds and compared them to the 30-06 Rem. 220gr Corelokt ammunition. On Thornily Stopping Power Graph or formula, the 30-06 220gr starts at 119 points of stopping power at muzzle and goes down to 81 points at 300yds, 112@50yds, 106@100yds, 93@200yds and then 81@300yds.
The 35Rem 220gr starts at 118 points of stopping power at muzzle and goes down to 82 @300yds, 111@50yds, 104@100yds, 92@200yds and then 82@300yds.
The 30-06 is faster but a smaller diameter .308, the 35Rem is a little slower but with a bigger dia. bullet .358.
I would never buy a 30-30 if the 35Rem were available with the data above you could go afater larger game like elk (if close enough) something you could never do with the 30-30. Anyway thats my humble opinion.

fknipfer

I respect your honest and humble opinion. I too do so like the 35 rem very very much. I think it had it 100 yr old birthday party this year. Have you tryed the new horandy ammo in your 35? It looks to take the 35 to even greater shooting heights. I sold one once I just replaced it with another brandnew Marlin 336. Havent had a chance to play with it as of yet. I promise I will. I would love to elk hunt with mine .
Nice talking with you about such a fine round the great 35 rem.
Dave Shooter

fknipfer · « **Reply #4 on:** April 16, 2006, 06:07:17 PM »

Well I am taking mine to Manitoba next year for some Black Bear Hunting. I would like to get a bear with it, hopefully with any luck I will.
Back up gun will be a 30-06.

fknipfer

lostsniper308 · « **Reply #5 on:** April 17, 2006, 04:23:38 AM »

well i like the .30-30, but my neighbors got the .35Rem which i shot too and shoots just as well as mine(both Marlins)

Feldhege · « **Reply #6 on:** April 17, 2006, 04:37:37 AM »

Since I don't reload, Is factory 35 Rem ammo avalable? What about price differences? I have a local shop who will order me ammo and a BassPro nearby. Walmart too of course.

Sixgun · « **Reply #7 on:** April 17, 2006, 09:09:50 AM »

If you want a 44 mag rifle, and don't want a Marlin, a good choice would be a Rossi in 44 mag. It will stabalize a 300 gr bullet and is readily available in 20 in or 24 inch barrels. It is built on a winchester 92 action which was invented by John Browning and is a stronger action than the Marlin 94 or Winchester 94.

If you get a 30-30 or a 35 rem, it will be enough for elk or moose and both have been killed very handily by the 30-30s and 35 rems, but since you live in Tenn. you may want to invest in a little more power if you are going to invest in an out-of-state moose or eld hunt.

Sixgun

victorcharlie · « **Reply #8 on:** April 17, 2006, 09:23:02 AM »

Maybe you should call Benton shooters supply and or Legends in Athens TN. Both carry a lot of rifles. Where have you looked?

If you want a rifle that shoots pistol cartridges, the .44mag would be a fine choice. I've got a couple of Marlins, but not in .44 (.35 Rem and .45-70). A 44 mag would make a fine woods rifle for around these parts......

Feldhege · « **Reply #9 on:** April 17, 2006, 09:30:05 AM »

Thanks for the help so far guys.

I have tried:

Benton's
J Floyd's (local shop)
Outdoor Sports (bigger local shop in Knoxville)
Bass Pro

I don't know Legends in Athens TN. I will find their number and give them a try. I have also tried the Gun shows when they come to town (another one is supposed to be coming this weekend). No one seems to have 44 mag except in Marlin.

Am I correct that the Rossi 92's are not marketed as Rossi's? aren't they imported and re branded as something else? How would I find the twist rate on them to see if they would do well with 300 gr bullets?

Thanks again.

victorcharlie · « **Reply #10 on:** April 17, 2006, 11:45:33 AM »

Legends has about as many rifles as Benton. It's also called the zoo store by the local school kids who make field trips there. Legends has about 100 stuffed (taxidermied) animals including 2 full sized bears. It's worth the trip just to see the mounts.