Decisiions-Decisions :Which Would You Choose and Why?

[RIFLE MAN]

Dear Friends:
Here's the scenario: a local sports shop has a full set of the Winchester model 94 "Big Bore" rifles in the following calibers .444 ($375)  ; .356 ($400)  ; .307 ($400)  ; .375 ($375). They're all in about 90 per cent, a few scratches, etc., nothing major. Anyway, I do not plan to reload (if I do it will be a long ways down the road), but to strictly use factory ammunition. I know that those rifles all fall in the 150-200 yard range for usefulness. Therefore, only one would be needed. Which one gets the nod and why? All replies are appreciated, and I hope they begin soon enough for me to make a wise choice and get one before they are bought by someone else.

Kindest regards,
Rifle Man

[Enforcer]

Dear Friends:
Here's the scenario: a local sports shop has a full set of the Winchester model 94 "Big Bore" rifles in the following calibers .444 ($375)  ; .356 ($400)  ; .307 ($400)  ; .375 ($375). They're all in about 90 per cent, a few scratches, etc., nothing major. Anyway, I do not plan to reload (if I do it will be a long ways down the road), but to strictly use factory ammunition. I know that those rifles all fall in the 150-200 yard range for usefulness. Therefore, only one would be needed. Which one gets the nod and why? All replies are appreciated, and I hope they begin soon enough for me to make a wise choice and get one before they are bought by someone else.

Kindest regards,
Rifle Man

With a name like rifleman and you don't reload,shame,shame.Anyway the answer is easy for a non-reloader.It would have to be the 444 Marlin.Now I like it the least of any of the calibers you mentioned.I have all except the 444 Marlin,and have 2 (356s) and 3(375s) and 1(307).But ammo is dangerously rare for the 356Win and 307Win.While you can still get 375Win ammo.It is quite rare compared to the 444 Marlins.

[John Traveler]

I'll have to agree with Enforcer.

The practical value of any rifle for non-handloaders is limited to the  AVAILABILITY of factory ammunition.  That pretty much narrows it down to the .444 Magnum.  The cartridge is no slouch in performance either:  It packs more muzzle energy and knock-down power than any of the other cartridges.

[RIFLE MAN]

Thanks friends. Now, let's change the situation just a bit. IF...IF I learn the wonderful art of reloading, then which two beat the others hands down? I am in a position that I can buy one flat out and trade for a second one.  Again, thanks!  :wink:

Kind regards,
Rifle Man  

[Cabin4]

Ditto on the 444 marlin since you don't reload.

[Graybeard]

For a non reloader (shame on you - become one) the .444 Marlin or the .375 Win. would be best. Both have ammo still available with the .444 Marlin likely having the best choices but still somewhat limited.

For a reloader? Hands down I'd chose the .356 Win. first and the .307 Win. second and likely get both if money allowed. If only deer is on the menu the .307 might move up to first place.

GB

[Dutch4122]

Ron-

You know what my answer will be :wink: .

Get a loan, sell some other guns, cash in some stock or do whatever it takes to buy all 4 of them.  Then learn to handload.  Maybe even a little bullet casting as well.  You'll regret it later if you don't!
 

[Oldtimer]

To answer your second question about which two to get if you reload, here is how I see it.  There are several guns for the .444, there is a wide selection of bullets, both jacketed and cast, lots of bullet moulds, and a lot of load information.  The .375 does not have the bullet selection, but cases are available, and they can be formed from .38-55, .32 Winchester, and .30-30.  There is a good selection of .35 caliber bullets, and you can use pistol bullets for plinking with the .356 Winchester.  You would need to lay in a good supply of cases, though you could use 358 Winchester cases, but you would have trouble ejecting them, and they would have to be sized to headspace on the shoulder.  There are lots of .308 bullets for the .307 Winchester. but then again cases would be a problem.  FWIW, you can reform .356 cases to .307, and vice versa.  My choice would be the .444 and the .375 on the basis of component availability.  My personal choice would be the .356 and the .307, if I could find at least 250 of each case.

[Enforcer]

Graybeard and oldtimer make some fine points.But I must disagree with the if you are a handloader go for the 356Win and 307win.The 307Win is a good choice,with factory loads in 150gr and 180gr and handloads in 110gr,130gr,150gr,170gr and 180gr.308win bullets should only be used if they are round.The 356win is a better choice than the 375win if you don't handload.The 375win is a better choice if you do handload.It will do everything the 356win will do,with a larger diameter,better KO and heavier bullets for large game 255gr Barnes O.Here is the low down.

375Win handloads using AA1680 and IMR3031
200gr Sierra 2396fps,Accurate
220gr Hornady 2335fps,Accurate
255gr Barnes 2015fps,Conley


I am in the process of chronoing some more 200gr,220gr and 250gr bullets for the 356win.Using some different powders.But I have never gotten the velocities i got with the 375win.And never ever  reached published loads for the 356Win,as they are always taken from 24in barrels.I have used H-322,H4198,IMR 4064,BL-C(2) and AA2015.If anybody has some different powders or has chronoed some loads from 356win.Lets hear them.I have gotten 2400fps with 200gr,2300fps with 220gr,and 2115fps with 250gr.

So the order of purchase would be for me,as a handloader.
375Win
307Win
356Win
444 Marlin

[Mikey]

Rifle Man:  I can only confirm what everyone else has already stated - if you do not reload you should go for the 444 as it has the widest ammo availability of all the cartridges mentioned.  Some folks don't like it, for whatever reason, but lots of us love it.  

That Winchester Big Bore most likely sports a 20" 1:38 twist microgroove barrel which will shoot anything commercially rolled from 240 - 300 grain.  The 240 Remington factory load is more than adequate and capable for fast food from Whitetail to Moose, and the 265-300 grain loads are reputed to be capable of taking African big game.  That's a pretty wide range of game getting capabilities.  Hope this helps.  Mikey.

[RIFLE MAN]

I appreciate the contributions that each of you have made. You as a group are very informative, and obviously have many years of experience with firearms. I love lever action rifles as they are practical, handy, and generally more accurate than is often alleged. I eagerly await any other posts that may be submitted.
I also intend to learn the art of reloading inasmuch as it seems that is the way to get optimum performance out of a cartridge.  :wink:

Much appreciation,
Rifle Man  

[Ron T.]

Rifleman...

Handloading will not only get the best a caliber can give you, but there's a certain pride in making the kill with a round you loaded yourself.

And... as a reloader, you don't fear the factories declaring your favorite rifle "obsolete" since, as a prudent reloader, you have already bought up a big supply of new, virgin brass in your favorite rifle's caliber... and you know you can keep on reloading that caliber for the rest of your life without ever running out of brass (cartridge cases).

(Pssssssssst!  And... reloading is FUN, too... and a great hobby unto itself)

THAT "do" make a BIGGGGGGGGGG" difference, my friend!!!    :wink:


Strength & Honor...

Ron T.