Popular caliber choice

[jack19512]

I am going to purchase me a Marlin lever action rifle in a centerfire caliber and I was curious what calibers are the most popular. I know it is a personal choice kind of thing but I wanted to use the rifle for probably 100 yard shots or less on deer and wanted some input from others. I do own a H&R Buffalo Classic in 45/70 and reload and cast for this caliber but reloading for another caliber wouldn't be a problem. Thanks for any input.

[corvette8n]

I have 1- model 1895 in 45/70 22in bbl.
1- Marlin 336 made in the 50's in 30-30 ballard type rifleing
1- Marlin 336 made in 78, 30-30 microgrove

I shoot cast 150gr plinkers in both 30-30's (8-10gr Unique)
and I don't see a differance in accuracy.

I also have Win 94's in 30-30 and .32ws both pre 64, and a post 64 in 30-30.

and a Puma 92 clone in .45 Colt
can you tell I like levers.[smilie=1:

[Newtire]

I am going to purchase me a Marlin lever action rifle in a centerfire caliber and I was curious what calibers are the most popular. I know it is a personal choice kind of thing but I wanted to use the rifle for probably 100 yard shots or less on deer and wanted some input from others. I do own a H&R Buffalo Classic in 45/70 and reload and cast for this caliber but reloading for another caliber wouldn't be a problem. Thanks for any input.
I have a Marlin in .444 and you can do alot with that rifle. You can load down 200 grainers so an 8yr. old loves to shoot em (mine did) and shoot all day with 250 gr. pistol boolits and 25 gr. 2400 or 20 grains BlueDot. Hardly ever shoot full power in mine but it's there if I need it. Shot 5-pigs that never got up with it. Then you have a good excuse to buy a couple of .44's since you have the molds anyway. It's only logical!

[Jon K]

jack19512,

It's really quite simple..........1895 45-70 in whatever flavor of barrel length you want. You already have everything you need to shoot this, and for the most part already know load data some what except for fine tuning to the rifle. The 45-70 has to be one of the most versitile, easily adaptable cartridges, and been successful for over 100 years.

On the other hand, like you said it's a personal choice.........so whatever lites your fire. Among my favorites 45-70, 38-55 & 357.

Have Fun Shooting,
Jon

[Char-Gar]

The 30-30!

[Mk42gunner]

1. 30-30

2. 357

3. Anything else

Robert

[LET-CA]

Since you already have a heavy-wieght in the 45-70, I'd suggest a 44 magnum. It'll reach out to 100 yards quite easily and is a hoot to shoot. There's certainly nothing wrong with a 30-30, but I'm partial to the bigger calibers.

All the best with whatever you choose.

[Bass Ackward]

There are many calibers that kill and most of those maim unless you load them to handgun velocities. The best kept secret in the gun industry is the 35 Remington. You won't need a jacketed bullet and it's good out to 200 yards.

[Lloyd Smale]

you wont go wrong with about any of them. My personal favorites are the .35 rem and the .444. But anything from a .357 to a 3030 to a 4570 will take deer cleanly in a lever gun.

[Bret4207]

I'm with Lloyd and the 35 Remington. There's a gazillion moulds out there in 35/357.

[jack19512]

I really appreciate all of the replies. I have the opportunity to purchase a Marlin lever action and I would like to get this right the first time if I can. It's actually an early Christmas present from my wife, all I have to do is decide what I want.

I have grown fond of the 45/70 caliber since owning my H&R Buffalo Classic but do not want that to stand in my way of being able to own another fine caliber. Having never owned a rifle in the other various calibers such as .357, 44 magnum. 45 colt, 30-30, or 35 Remington etc. etc. you can see why I need the input from others. Thanks again. :)

[Tristan]

Everyone should have at least one 30-30 in the house.

I think it's written down somewhere... ;-)

The 30-30 (30WCF) is historic, effective, easy to load for, easy to shoot, and American as all get-out.

And, available all over the place. Ammo's available, rifle's are available.

The quintessential 'Truck Gun'.

Nothing wrong with the 45/70, either. Or the 35 Rem. Heck, even the .44 mag; or the 357 mag...

Just get one of each. Starting with the 30-30.

(chuckle)

- Tristan

[6pt-sika]

My picks ;

1. 32-40WCF
2. 32-20
3. 38-56WCF
4. 40-65WCF
5. 45-70
6. 32 Special
7. 25-36 Marlin
8. 25-20
9. 33WCF
10. 38-55
11. 30-30
12. 375 WIN
13. 356 WIN
14. 32 Long Colt
15. 22LR
16. 308 Marlin Express
17. 450 Marlin
18. 444 Marlin
19. 35 REM
20. 44-40WCF
21. 40-82WCF
22. 219 Zipper
23. 44 MAG
24. 41 MAG
25. 357 MAG
26. 45 Long Colt
27. 218 Bee
28. 30 Carbine
29. 256 WIN MAG
30. 32 H&R MAG
31. 22 MAG
32. 38-40WCF


And it just so happens I have factory rifles in every caliber listed [smilie=1:
And even though I have them listed by preference , I likes em all :drinks:

Now if ya wants to go with present manufacture readily available , my top choice at the moment would be the new 308 Marlin Express [smilie=1:

[Bullshop Junior]

Hope sombody from marlin is watchin this.
BIC/BS

[45r]

I'm happy with my 357CB.If they make a 357MX or bring back the 356 Win I will buy another Marlin if it has a 20 inch barrel like my 357CB.I've thought about a 358 BLR but waiting to see if Marlin will get serious with a 35 cal. that has a rim and more thump than the 35Rem.

[EDK]

John Taffin suggests that you should have a 357 magnum and a 22 long rifle lever gun for starters. I agree, but use my 44 Cowboy rifles a lot more. I also have 45/70 and 30/30 Cowboys rifles (took a while to find the 30/30 at a price I could afford and could have sold it at a profit several times!)

They're all good choices. Put a Lyman 66 receiver sight on it (hopefully you'll find an all steel one) and the front sight of your choice, stick a fold down rear in the rear dove tail slot for emergency use, install UNCLE MIKE'S sling swivels, and shoot it for the rest of your life....or until you have a "temporary brain fade" and let someone talk you out of it! Don't loan it out either. When the novice deer hunter finds out how well it works, you'll get a check rather than your rifle back.

If you have a handgun (and a loading outfit for it!) your choice is a lot simpler. That's why I prefer 44 over 357---I shoot a lot of 44 Specials in mine and my Ruger Bisleys. But I've got a 357 set-up too. The handgun ammo is cheap and you can shoot a lot more...and more often than the rifle cartridges.

There's a lot of options here. I can only tell you what has worked for me for the past 40 years. An original 1892 converted to 357, a Navy Arms 1866 clone in 38 special, a Marlin 1894 in 44 and an 1894C 357, now 24 inch 1894 Cowboys in 357 and 44 PLUS "the big boys."

:castmine:

[jack19512]

Thanks for all of the replies. I went to my local Walmart and ordered me a Marlin lever action today. I decided to stay with the 45/70 caliber since I really like the 45/70 and have the reloading supplies and casting equipment already.

Since my son works at Walmart I was able to get the 10% discount on it. Total price was $472.69. Maybe this will just be my first. I didn't mention that I have a brand new in the box, never fired 30-30 Winchester in my safe that I had purchased back when Winchester decided to quit making these rifles.

But I purchased this Winchester for my grandson who is 13 now and will give it to him when he turns 18. I got the 10% discount on the Winchester also. Here is a pic of the rifle I purchased.

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a63/jack19512/41011.jpg

[Ed Barrett]

My vote would be for the 35 Rem. also. I have found it to be very cast freindly, and very accurate

[jack19512]

Just an update. While talking to a friend of mine that works in the sporting goods dept. at my Walmarts he informed me that they had a Marlin 1895 Cowboy in 45/70 caliber in the back and they just had not put it out in the display case.

I informed him that was the rifle I really wanted but didn't want to spend the $800.00 + for it. He told me that he thought it wasn't $800.00 but thought it was around $600.

I told him I had priced it on line and it is priced over $800.00. He checked for me and he was right, it was just a little over $600.00. I told him had I known that I would have taken the 1895 Cowboy instead.

He informed me it was no problem to cancel the other and get the 1895 Cowboy if I wanted. So I canceled the other and bought the rifle and brought it home and shot some of my cast through it and I did pretty good for the first outing.

Out the door price was $599.00 for me. Now I just need to work up a good load for it. :-D

[yeahbub]

Here, in the Ohio/Indiana/Kentucky area, I vote for the .357 mag as an excellent multi-role, walking-around-the-farm/deer hunting chambering. I can plink with less materials and expense than the .44s and .45s (which I also like a great deal), and needn't worry about unleashing excessive power when attacked by those dastardly hedge apples, dirt clods and cow pies. It can get into .30-30 power levels in a smaller case, has great versatility when handloaded, AND, unlike the .44 mag, .45 Colt etc., a pocketful of ammo doesn't feel like a big bag of doorknobs.

[Char-Gar]

The venerable 45-70 Govt. is one of those rounds that just want to please you. It won't be hard getting a fine shooting cast bullet load. Also after 134 years there is lots of loading info out there on this wonderful round.

[scb]

The 45/70 is hard to beat, but if you were looking for something to break up the monotony I'd pick the 35 Rem. I mean if your going to get a new gun why get the same caliber as what you already have?

[johnly]

I searched for years for a early Marlin 336A with a 24" barrel in 35 Remington, just about the time I decided that I'd have to go with a 336 XLR, a 1952 Marlin 336A in 35 Remington found me. The best part about it was that when I went to go and pick up the rifle, the shop also had a late 90's Marlin 1894 CS in 357 on the rack, so I bought it too. The price for the pair was about the same as a new XLR. I was a happy camper driving home after this purchase.

John in Oregon

[Poohgyrr]

Congrats on your Cowboy, those are nice Levers.

[jack19512]

I mean if your going to get a new gun why get the same caliber as what you already have?





1. I love the 45/70 caliber
2. The other 45/70 I have is a single shot
3. I already have the reloading supplies and casting equipment for the 45/70
4. I really don't want another caliber to reload for, I have enough already
5. I just didn't hear any solid arguments against why I shouldn't get the 45/70 instead of another caliber(in my opinion of course)

:drinks:

[outsidebear]

Presently have 7 long irons )3 lever and 4 single shot) chambered in .45 2 1/10th (aka: .45-70) and will be ordering another one (Shiloh Sharps) next spring...
Ya just can't have too many .45-70's ! ! ! !