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what caliber levergun do i want?

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what caliber levergun do i want?

Old 10-24-2010, 07:42 AM
  #31  
Typical Buck
 
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Saw the posting so I had to reply. Don't reinvent the wheel if you like the 30-30 then I would go with the 30-30. Its probably killed more deer than any other round. Except maybe of course the beloved 30-06. You go with a .444 or 454 or 45-70 then you're going to be using over kill. I personally hunt with an 1894 Marlin. Its a 44 mag and it'll kill a deer just as dead as anyother. If you wanted to go witha pistol cartridge both the 44 and 357 are good choices. But I would stay away from the larger cartridges unless bear or moose would be in your future.
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Old 10-24-2010, 08:33 AM
  #32  
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.270 one of the best calibers out there
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Old 10-24-2010, 01:36 PM
  #33  
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i have shot lots of game with the "dirty thirty" and i cant complain about it as a bush gun/saddle gun... but if you want to have a gun that can perform better, more options and a delight to shoot, i would strongly recommend the browning .308... i have shot my fathers and my brothers a lot, and it is always a joy to handle... i have never owned one, but been on many successful hunts where they were used...
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Old 10-25-2010, 02:19 AM
  #34  
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Originally Posted by weldit
I want a marlin xlr lever gun, but not sure which one. I have shot my brothers 30-30 and was wondering how a 444 or 45-70 compares as far as recoil.
I will be using it mainly for deer hunting in wooded areas 150 -175 yards max. I have never hand loaded before but might start in the future. What caliber would you guys want?

If you want a Marlin XLR, then gitchaone! Theyre all good
To answer your question about recoil, the .444 is probably twice
the felt kicker, as a 30-30.
If you flinch at recoil, you should probably pass, as it will cost you accuracy.
It is way more expensive to buy ammo for too, if you can find it, so you WILL reload. Thats settled.
The variety of bullets are more pleentiful for it than the .30-30 I'd say.
Both kill deer.
The .444 though REALLY kills them.
That's why I have one.
My first deer rifle was a.444, 30years ago?.
100% bang flop record.
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Old 10-25-2010, 04:25 PM
  #35  
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Sheridan question: Do you use the original iron sights, or have replaced with an upgrade open sight or peep?
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Old 10-26-2010, 03:52 PM
  #36  
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Dave,

I use the original sights including the front hood.

If I need the lever gun that day; it’s because I am expecting to have to take a quick shot in timber within 100 yards, and probably a lot less.

I have other scoped rifles for long range shooting.

BTW – I shoot the .35 Remington.

http://www.marlinfirearms.com/Firear...rfire/336C.asp

Last edited by Sheridan; 10-26-2010 at 03:55 PM.
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Old 10-27-2010, 04:42 PM
  #37  
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Originally Posted by UncleNorby
If you want to buy a Marlin XLR, get the 308 Express over the 30/30.
If I where going to buy an Marlin XLR and I reloaded, then it would be the 308 Marlin Xpress. Now, if I didn't reload then I would get the 30/30 since ammo is so much cheaper to buy and any levergun that I have owned in 30/30 has shot about any factory ammo in either 150 or 170 grain bullets to about the same point of impact. I have been hunting with my old Glenfield (made by Marlin) mdl30 levergun since it just packs so darned nice and is pretty much as accurate as anything else in the gun safe out to 100 yards. Dead is dead and as long as you put em where they breath or the heart beats it really doesn't matter what caliber you are shooting with as long as it is legal.
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Old 10-29-2010, 07:22 PM
  #38  
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I hate to hear the uninformed claiming that the 45-70 is overkill for deer. I load mine with a 300 grain hornady hollow point. Accurate 2015 and getting aroung 17-1800 fps out of it loaded about medium. Thats the same size bullet and ballistics as a thompson center Omega with a 150gr powder charge. Is a 50 cal smoke pole overkill? No? Then why is a 45-70? Hmm....
It's about the same thing as having a repeating smoke pole. Sounds good eh?
Good buy on the 30-30. It'll do you right. It just won't be as fun as the 45-70.
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Old 11-21-2010, 08:45 AM
  #39  
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I use a Rossi 20" SS .44 magnum with hornady leverevolution ammo and a mounted Redfield Widefield 4X scope. My thinking when I bought this gun after much research came down to a few factors.

1. Everyone owns a 30-30. Let's be honest those that love guns also love to have the one that few others have.
2. I wanted a gun that was versatile and gets the job done the first time. Been close to bear instances before and swore the next time I would not be under gunned. Could be the last time if you know what I mean.
3. Cost to use even over the counter ammo is comparable to othe other calibers.
4. Have to understand your hunting grounds. If your taking hill shots across fields or long stretches the 30-30 will prove to be the better ammo for most. However when hunting in brush and woods I want a round that delivers punch and stays on line within that 100 yard or less kill zone that most people report taking on 90% of their kills.

Great gun that suited my personal needs. As always if you personally love your gun then that is all that truly matters.

Last edited by wimike1969; 11-21-2010 at 08:54 AM. Reason: Wanted to explain further
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Old 11-21-2010, 08:58 AM
  #40  
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i personally like the 35rem using speer 180gr. flat points. dead sight in at 25yds and dead on at 125yds. perfect deer and bear caliber.
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