I've got a chance to hunt a nice piece of land. The owner works nights so he sleeps most of the mornings and early evening. I need something that is good out to around 100 yards with out alot of noise. EverythingI have makes way too much noise for him to let me hunt (7mm, 30-06, 264, 243). I was thinking of a Marlin or winchesterleveraction in a .44 rem?
I look at it as he's nice enough to let me hunt I can at least respect his wishes. Plus it's another reason I can give to get a new gun
I had a chance to shoot a 44-40 henry and it seemed about as loud as a 22. It was a fun gun to shoot with next to nothing for recoil so I was thinking along those lines as something to let my brother hunt with as well.
I assume you are talking deer for game. Well, the quiet ones are not real powerful and not so easy to find. 32-20, 25-20 WCF, maybe the .357 Mag in a rifle barrel. I think Marlin still makes .32 and .357 lever rifles. If it was varmints I would say 22 hornet or 222 Remington. Historically they were good poacher rounds. The tamer cartridges would naturally call for good bullet placement. Current trend in cartridges is for the big boomers. Sad for times like these where you want a low report.
__________________
Mess Chief, Ft Arroyo
"Tucson sweet. Best chili in the Saguaro."
It will be for deer and small hogs(75 lbs or less). The area is mostly heavy woods with a firebreak that cuts one side of the place. I'd say the closest to his house would be 200 yards and farthest about a 1/4 mile.
Yah, I guess I would consider a lever action .357 magnum. Also, recently saw some .45 Colt rifles that would make it out to 100. You could also fire 44 special in 44 Magnum rifles that would have a lower powder charge. Best to leave the 25 20 and 32 20 to varmints unless you have no options. Heh heh, grandad had a 32 20. Lots of fun.
__________________
Mess Chief, Ft Arroyo
"Tucson sweet. Best chili in the Saguaro."
At those distances, I would think you could get away with almost anything in terms of noise. Marlin does make the .357 in lever action. They also make the 30-30 which is what I would think is your best choice under these circumstances.
That's my official opinion. 30-30. OG style, effecient cartridge on deer, and low report.
__________________
While you rest, someone, somewhere, is training. When you meet, you will lose.