which one

[Illhunter]

ok all i don't have alot to buy a rifle with want a lever action and was wondering which you would recommend a marlin or henry and what caliber and price of ammo for some of the larger caliber rifle i live in illinois but this rifle will be the one i would take if i ever get somewhere i can hunt with a rifle so any help would be appreciated thanks in advance


Terry

[WD45]

Well,
What are you hunting ? Tree rats or moose
Either brand is fine and if you are wanting to hunt deer then 44 mag is a good round that has ammo available just about anywhere. If you are a reloader then there are as many choices as carter has pills

[Illhunter]

would possibly use for larger game like deer,elk,moose,things of that nature it will be my all around hunting rifle if i ever get to hunt somewhere that i can use rifle will probably buy a few lever action rifles caus i like them but this will be the starting rifle so want something to be all purpose thanks for the help   


Terry

[22rimfan]

For an all purpose starting out rife I would go with the Marlin in 30-30 or 35 Rem, with the 30-30 being cheaper to shoot unless you reload.  For a pistol caliber I would go with what every you wanted.  I like the Henry's, I own one of their 22's, but there is just too much Brass on the Big Boy for me to hunt with, so the Marlin, or, possibly better yet, a Puma/Rossi 92 clone would get the nod.  Hope this helps.
Aaron

[Redhawk1]

That's an easy one, go with a Marlin 45-70. It will work for all you have mentioned. Factory ammo will kill just about anything. 

[Illhunter]

i am leaning towards a 30-30 but will have to check out a 45-70 does anyone the price for 45-70 factory loads i have never looked at them  thanks for the help all


Terry

[35Rem]

Standard stuff is a minimum of $20, if you can find it for that.  Most stores are more like 25-30.  Most folks can purchase stuff online, but you will still pay about the same prices, if you include shipping.  If you buy several boxes at once you can do a little better....

Check out sportsmansguide.com, midwayusa.com, or basspro.com for ideas.

[Redhawk1]

i am leaning towards a 30-30 but will have to check out a 45-70 does anyone the price for 45-70 factory loads i have never looked at them  thanks for the help all


Terry

Gun shops here carry it from $19.00 to $21.00 a box of Remington 405 gr.

[victorcharlie]

Because you included elk and moose, my first pick would be a 45.70, .450 Marlin, or .444, with the 45.70 my first pick because of the availablility of a wide range of ammo from cowboy loads to garrets and everything in between.

The .35 Remington is a great choice and would work for elk and moose, but would limit the range, but hey, the big bores arn't really known as long range rifles either,and there are several members who shoot 200 yards and more with the big bores.......

I'm certain that there have been many elk and moose killed with the 30.30 but the big bores would be a better choice IMO.

The 30.30 is relatively inexpensive to shoot compared to the rest even if handloading and if your wanting to shoot alot and have a limited budget then a 30.30 would be the round for you.

[Illhunter]

price range for ammo is not a huge issue but would like to shoot it quite abit and will probably not hunt any moose or bear with the rifle and if i did i would probably use my huntsman anyway another question i was wondering about is what is a good price for a 30-30  i saw a used one for $200 in our local paper with scope and sling and rings let me know if that is good price i might call about it to see if they might be willing to trade for a pistol or i saw a new marlin 336 30-30 at wal mart for 299. let me know what you all think i will appreciate any help you can give  thanks to all that have already posted it has helped


Terry