Which gun

[Bonecollector1245]

I have always wanted a lever action rifle. I'm trying to decide which caliber. I will be hunting elk and boar, I have herd many good things about the 30-30 but is it to small for elk

[UncleNorby]

I'd say the 30/30 is underpowered for elk. I'd look at the "express" cartridges that Marlin chambers their newer lever actions in. Either the 308 or the 338 will do the trick.

[VAhuntr]

I like the 45-70.

[fritz1]

Originally Posted by VAhuntr

I like the 45-70.

Me too. It is capaible of killing anything. A 30-30 will kill a elk, at close distances and proper bullet placement but so will a 22, I deffinitly wouldnt use either. A elk is a tough animal, a 45-70 will anchor one, and anything else you might shoot.

[Bernie P.]

The 30-30 will work but for elk I think the .35 would be my choice.

[Rebel Hog]

Originally Posted by Bonecollector1245

I have always wanted a lever action rifle. I'm trying to decide which caliber. I will be hunting elk and boar, I have herd many good things about the 30-30 but is it to small for elk

Browning BLR .358 win

[Big Z]

Would you rather go more traditional, or more modern? The new 308 marlin express would be promising if you wanted to be more modern, and the ol' 45-70 would be a fun route for a proven old cartridge.

[salukipv1]

I'd probably stick to one of the classic levergun cartridges...

or perhaps that browning lever in a more modern cartridge? best of both worlds? .30-06? .300 WSM?

[bronko22000]

Like earlier stated, if you want the traditional lever style then the .45-70. If you want the more modern then the BLR in the calibers mentioned above.

[Sheridan]

I have a 336C in .35 Remington, which would be fine within 100-150 yards.


............but if you're looking for a elk rifle, I'd opt for the .444 Marlin.

http://www.marlinfirearms.com/Firearms/bigbore/444.asp