Recommedation on Whitetail Rifle?
 

I'm at mid life now and have a Moderate hearing loss and sensitivity to high cailber guns that produce the "crack" and/or concussion and blowback with short 20 inch barrels. I have used a 30-30 lever action for years with a 20 inch barrel and found that tolerable with some ear plugs while hunting. I wanted to buy a 7mm-08 today since it's been my experience that deer hit with a 30-30 through the lungs/heart can run for 50-100 yards unless you break their back and in PA with so many hunteres you risk losing your deer. After shotting a 7mm-08 today with a 20" barrel I was disappointed. I just can't tolerate that "crack" sound and pressure blowback. The 1st shot I had full muffs on and the 2nd shot a pair of custom ear canal inserts. After the 2nd shot that was enough for me.

My question to you seasoned rifle experts is this:

I'm thinking about my only option now for a new gun would be the new Marlin 336 XLR SS with the 24" barrel. It also shoots Leverevolution ammo so I can shoot out to 200 yards. At least I know I can tolerate this gun. I guess bullets traveling 3,000 fps+with crimped brass have high pressure and one of the reasons they produce such loud noise and downrange kinetic energy.

Are there any other Rifle/Caliber options for me besides the Marlin 30-30, 336 XLR with 24" barrel that would produce less noise (crack sound) or decibels yet enable me to shoot 200 yards?

Any info greatly appreciated!

I own a few rifles including a 30-30, my favorite is my 7mm rem mag but this will not do for your situation the crack and concussion is quite substantial but I also own a 243 in my opinion it's concusion and crack is considerably less then my 30-30 it also has enough power and speed and distance for anw whitetail just a sugestion hopefully this helps.

You could look at getting a rifle chambered in one of the older, low pressure cartridges like the 7x57, 6.5x55, 8mm mauser, 257 Roberts, 300 Savage.

That 20 inch barrel is part of the problem...

I had my .243 rebarreled a few years back and went with a 24 inch barrel to try and help my hearing as well...

Something else you can do, go with a muzzleloader...I do more hunting with a .54 caliber flintlock and 38 inch barrel than any other rifle...If you don't want to go with a flinter, go with an inline, with 80-90grs of powder the crack isn't as noticable...

One thing to consider is a used Savage 99 in an old/light caliber. They use a rotary magazine, so you can use whatever pointed bullets you want without special ammo. It might be a bit pricy, but if you can find one in .300 Savage it's a wonderful combo that will still outperform the 30-30. They did make them with quite long barrels, but finding one with all those qualities could be tough.

A .257 Roberts with a 22" barrel would be my choice.

+1 for a .243 with a 24" barrel


......and then you can shoot out to 300 yards.

6.5x55 in a tika T3

Lots of great ideas so far. The "Bob" is a dandy.

I would go the other way. I would go big bore with low velocity, in a long barreled single shot rifle. Even a 27 or 28 inch Encore if you want a modern firearm. Anything from 44 magnum to light 45-70 loads. 200 yards is not a problem with these cartridges if you know your rifle. The extra barrel length will help a lot also. And the lower pressure cartridges are just the ticket. There is not much difference between a 243 and a 7-08, they are pretty close. You hardly even notice the shot with a long barreled 44 magnum or even better yet a 45 Colt. MGM could make you one heck of a 26 or 28 inch 45 Colt barrel for an Encore. And the overall length would be the same as a regular bolt action, or very close. Tom.