RE: Which levergun caliber?
 

A claim which is impossible. Gravity effects the round immediately after leaving the barrel. You can easily sight the 30-30 for a 200 yard zero but the round will be higher between the muzzle and 200 yards and dropping long before 200 yards. The 30-30 is not known as a very flat shooting round.

RE: Which levergun caliber?
 

Within the parameters of your original question... 45-70 hands down.

RE: Which levergun caliber?
 

Hi Soil:

What you are asking for isa .45-70. While you can't load .45 handgun bullets, you have a plethora of .458 bullets to choose from and you can get within about 400fps of .458 magnum loads. Using Rem 405gr SP, my reloads still come in at less than $.30.

With bullets weights from 250gr to 600gr, you have tremendous flexibility. Add in bullets like the Beartooths or factory stuff like Garrett, and you will be good to go for anything.

CE

RE: Which levergun caliber?
 

Thanks guys. I looked over the 444marlin pretty hard. Just not enough availability out there for me. Looks like it's down to the .44 or 45-70 now. Coloradoelk, where are you getting your supplies!!!??? I have to assume that your $0.30 reloads don't count the first purchase of brass, because I was coming up with $.60-80 at BEST from midway prices. In looking at the 444 I ran across the beartooth bullets...VERY NICE!!! Right now the .44 holds the economic and "all-around fun" card, but the 45 trumps in with the blackpowder possibilities and extreme versatility.

Blackpowder loads aren't too harsh on the leverguns are they? (I don't mean pressures, just cleaning hassles)

RE: Which levergun caliber?
 

Soil, my numbers came from the cost of 1000 shots, $296, when I bought supplies last. With current Midway prices:

Starline cases, 100ct(will get more than 10 loads) $38
Primers, 1000(fromlocal store)I use Fed 210$18
Rem 405gr JSP (1000 ct), free shipping$138
7lbs IMR 3031 (local store)$126

Comes in at $320/1000. Don't you love inflation??? Still comes in at less than $6.50.box

Good luck,
CE

RE: Which levergun caliber?
 

No drop to 200?:eek: It must really take a nosedive after there.

RE: Which levergun caliber?
 

I have marlin lever actions in 357,44,and 444. The 357 is really a fun gun to shoot.I have killed deer with it but the 44 and the 444 are better.My 44 is the 1894p it has a 16 1/2 inch ported barrel this is a handy gun from a tree stand.If I had to choose one it would be the 444, loaded with the hornady 265 gr FN it's awesome on deer.