Marlin's New .308

statjunk · 07-25-2007, 08:35 AM

Have you guys heard of the new lever action marlin chambered in .308 Marlin Express. Is this a new cartridge and do you think it will last?

Tom

bugsNbows · 07-25-2007, 11:10 AM

Yea, it's new. Marlin is really trying to expand the lever action rifle sales. They (Hornady actually but with Marlin assistance apparently) came out with the LeverEvolution ammo (with a flexible tip) to be safely used in the tubular magazines on Marlin lever guns. These have better ballistic coefficients and increased ranges thus fitting modern uses better. Time will tell whether the .308 Marlin Express will survive the marketing / sales blitz. Personally, I doubt it will be around in a few years. It all depends on sales though. But I applaud the Marlin / Hornady collaberative efforts.

statjunk · 07-25-2007, 11:54 AM

So can this rifle safely shoot a standard .308 bullet if loaded one at a time? I have a feeling no, lawsuit if more than one.

Tom

JeffS · 07-25-2007, 01:12 PM

Quote:

So can this rifle safely shoot a standard .308 bullet if loaded one at a time? I have a feeling no, lawsuit if more than one.

No the case is designed different so you can't do that. That is the same reason they designed the .450 Marlin withbelted case so you couldn't load it in a old .45/70 and damage the gun.