What caliber in a lever action would be your pick for all your hunting? [Archive]

missionary5155

01-02-2015, 10:12 PM

Greetings
Mine would be a 405 JES (.41 - 444) in the 336 Marlin. Think of a caliber 41 but based on the 444 Marlin Brass.
Yes I have one. Have fired 180 grainers up to the 360 gr NOE and it will do everything I will ever need a Lever flipper to do. Have not yet tried RB or Multi-slug loads but I have no doubt it will handle those just as well. RB at 500 fps to 360 gr FNGC at 1800 fps should cover every critter on our lower 48 that I will ever see. Will have to "Injun" up close but that is how I like to hunt anyway.
If Marlin had made the 40-65 available (commonly) in the 1895 frame that would have been the ticket for me.... But that project gets out of my influence real fast.
Mike in Peru

ballistim

01-02-2015, 10:12 PM

Savage 99 - 358 wcf

load with pistol boolits for small game and for big stuff 250 grn thumpers.

hard to argue with this! bullet choices are unlimited.

pietro

01-02-2015, 10:18 PM

.

Realistically, I only hunt some of the lower 48 states - and most are in New England, where there's nothing alive that will stand up to my Winchester .30-30 Trapper.

However, if I were to also hunt small varmints (I usually don't), etc, I'd be looking hard at handloads in a .250-3000 Savage 99.

.

.

osteodoc08

01-02-2015, 10:24 PM

Just 1?

45/70

Just 2?

22 LR and 45/70

dragonrider

01-02-2015, 10:26 PM

Also from New England so I would go with my 30-30 Marlin.

Chill Wills

01-02-2015, 10:32 PM

I like posts #2, #5 and #9. In the Rocky Mountains, something with some thump is good.

starmac

01-02-2015, 10:39 PM

If one had to do everything, I reckon it would be 45/70. If I owned a 358 or 375 in a m 99, I would probably make that work.

jmort

01-02-2015, 10:47 PM

.30-30

randyrat

01-02-2015, 10:52 PM

30-30 It can kill everything from tree rats to black bear. Common to find brass/ molds/ bullets, very accurate at reasonable distances. My 1949 Marlin with Ballard rifling is very accurate and has a glassy smooth trigger. Wish it was a collector, but it is not, someone years ago tapped and drilled more holes in it than Swiss cheese for a scope. The only good thing safety nor function was compromised.

wlc

01-02-2015, 10:55 PM

For where I live at now I'd have to go with a 45-70. If I lived back down south again a 30-30 would take care of all my needs.

singleshot

01-02-2015, 11:00 PM

44 mag...but the 30-30 is right in there.

snowwolfe

01-02-2015, 11:35 PM

If only one, my BLR in .308 Winchester

GoodOlBoy

01-03-2015, 12:10 AM

30-30 winchester would be one of my top pics. BUT since I like to reload straight wall rimmed cartridges I would have to go with the 45 long colt. I can load it low enough to use as a bunny popper, and heavy enough to use on rabid log trucks.

GoodOlBoy

MT Gianni

01-03-2015, 01:14 AM

BLR and 308.

Hickory

01-03-2015, 01:19 AM

Two stipulations.
Hunting caliber.
For where I live.

357 magnum.

There's no armor plated deer here in the swamp.

M-Tecs

01-03-2015, 01:29 AM

BLR or 95 in 30/06 for the range in the West.

JHeath

01-03-2015, 01:36 AM

No votes for .38-55?

therealhitman

01-03-2015, 01:40 AM

Just 1?

45/70

Just 2?

22 LR and 45/70

Exactly. I love my .44 and .357 Marlins but the 39A may be the most fun and the Guide Gun is my all around woods carbine (we gots some black bears around these parts).

Mohillbilly

01-03-2015, 01:46 AM

30-30 is a very good choice , I think perhaps .32 win special is even better , as it is more friendly to CBs and can use the same brass . I also believe 38-55 is just as well suited for the same reasons . If I had to make one lever last , it would be a 30-30 , the next generation could reboared to .32 special , and if necessary the next generation , could rebore to 38-55 .

vdagiel

01-03-2015, 02:49 AM

Given my location and variety of game I'd pick a Browning BLR in .338 Win Mag, if they make one, or .300 Win Mag which I know they make.

JHeath

01-03-2015, 03:33 AM

wrench man

01-03-2015, 04:25 AM

Can't believe that I'm the only one that's correct with the answer of 35 Remington, in a Marlin 336A of course.

dlbarr

01-03-2015, 05:18 AM

45/70 can be loaded light just like many but can also handle the most dangerous of big game.

GabbyM

01-03-2015, 06:04 AM

Would have to keep my Win 94 in 30-30. Since I just like it. A little light on heavy game. But then we don't have moose or bear in Illinois. 150 grain Saeco cast sizes and loads like rain in April. Then the 200 grain RCBS 30-180-FN over LeveRevolution Will punch through about any critter.

blikseme300

01-03-2015, 06:15 AM

Marlin levers with a toss-up between 30-30 & 444. Where I hunt in deep south Texas there are some exotics that I prefer not using the 30-30 on so the 444 sees daylight more often. Yes, the 30-30 can get the job done but extended tracking is no fun.

claude

01-03-2015, 07:36 AM

where you live.

44 mag works well for me for what I hunt.

wch

01-03-2015, 07:40 AM

I live in PA, hunt the brush and mountain laurel- my pick would be my 94 Winchester in 38-55.

zac0419

01-03-2015, 08:49 AM

375 Win

BruMatt

01-03-2015, 08:59 AM

BLR in .308 +1

Hickok

01-03-2015, 09:13 AM

45/70, because it will get the job done with the right boolit in WV, Kodiak Island, and Jurassic Park:lol:

The .44 Magnum and .35 Remington are my favorites too.

snoopy

01-03-2015, 09:28 AM

Where I live, 30/30. All Around one rifle 45/70.

winelover

01-03-2015, 09:43 AM

I choose my lever actions based on the revolver/pistol, I happen own. They include 22LR, 38 /357 & 44 Magnum. For big game I mostly opt for the forty-four.

Winelover

Baron von Trollwhack

01-03-2015, 11:40 AM

For Kentucky today, it would be the 25-20 WCF with a lead bullet.

Think of the big Jordan Buck on one end of the scale, and squirrels & biscuits on the other end, with plenty of room in the middle for any kind of varmint as needed.
A 310 tool, a big lump of lead, and a few bricks of primers with a 8 pound flask of 1680 and one of 700x , along with a crate of brass cases of would do nicely for a lifetime.

BvT

Larryo1

01-03-2015, 11:54 AM

45-90

foxhole

01-03-2015, 12:11 PM

I second or third the BLR in .308 would cover a lot of bases,

1Papalote

01-03-2015, 12:26 PM

45 Colt or 38-55. Both cast easy, can load heavy and shoot accurately. As long as brass is plentiful, these are the two I shoot the most.

1Papalote

dragon813gt

01-03-2015, 12:35 PM

It really depends on where I'm hunting. If it's only at home my 1894C will do just fine since there are no bear here. But if I'm in the Poconos I will take a 336 in 35 Remington. If I had to choose one for all it would be the 99 in 358 Winchester. But I'm having a 336 bored to 356 Winchester so that might change :)

Combat Diver

01-03-2015, 12:45 PM

I hunt the swamps of the NC coastline and my Marlin 1894S in .41 Mag fits the bill for deer/bear. Taken couple squirrels with it too. Now if I move to Alaska or Africa then a 1886 in .45-70 or 1895 in .405 would be benetifical. :p

CD

Dan Cash

01-03-2015, 12:46 PM

1895 Winchester .30-06

OverMax

01-03-2015, 12:48 PM

Only one rifle you say> Savage lever model 1899 in 30-30. Accurate, quick handling, light weight, and best of all. I already own one. So I'm set.

Kansas Ed

01-03-2015, 06:15 PM

Tough choice. I was going to say the '92 in 32-20 because it can be loaded up for big game while the standard anemic loads can be used to fill the pot. But the better choice would be the '94 rifle configuration of the 30-30 and load it down for the pot, with standard loads for big game and varmints. I prefer the rifle over the carbine for balance and sight radius. A light boolit mold around 110 for plinking, and a 170ish 311041 for bigger stuff.

There are all kinds of bigger calibers I own, which I would love to say I'd take, but truth is, the most practical in my book really is the 30-30 (of which ironically I don't own). I get hooked on all the oddball stuff instead.....

Ed

jbaldwin

01-03-2015, 06:44 PM

I'm a small caliber guy. Who hunts big game all the time?
So I'm staying with my 22LR suppressed Ruger 96. Love it.

MakeMineA10mm

01-03-2015, 06:57 PM

What cailber lever action would you pick, if you could only have one hunting rifle in ______ cailber for your hunting needs, where you live. What would it be?

What an impossible question! You can't have just one!

i have three 44 Mags, a 444 Marlin, a couple 30-30s, and I'd love to get a Savage 99 in 250... Oh yeah, and a .22 Marlin.

Lowpower

01-03-2015, 07:03 PM

.45-7 which can reach out there and touch someone (deer).

Lead pot

01-03-2015, 07:16 PM

Depends on where you live and spend your time hunting.
My favorite deep woods hunting I do I reach for the .444 Marlin.
It is also with me when I'm in the Alaska bush. Either the .444 or the Rem all purpose 12 ga.
A .44 mag hand gun just makes the bad once mad when you hit them if you need to.

Markbo

01-03-2015, 08:27 PM

I have been thinking this over. While I would love to hunt Bison & Grizz I never have. "Where I live" there is nothing I couldnt hunt with my Winchester in .30-30 AI. What can I say...I sometimes just cant leave well enough alone. :D

yooper

01-03-2015, 09:03 PM

No doubt about it - 250-3000 Savage. ;)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v305/yooper35/_57_zps9ded263f.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/yooper35/media/_57_zps9ded263f.jpg.html)

yooper

Bob Busetti

01-03-2015, 09:05 PM

Browing M71, 348, Browning M95 Cal 30/06.

Adam10mm

01-03-2015, 09:58 PM

90% of my hunting is small game, so I'd go with a Marlin 1894C in 357 Magnum. Most of my shooting would be cast bullets in 38 Special cases. If I wanted long range ammo or to deer hunt, I'd use 357 Magnum in the rifle. Right now I can load 38 Special for half the cost of 22LR.

Kansas Ed

01-03-2015, 10:09 PM

No doubt about it - 250-3000 Savage. ;)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v305/yooper35/_57_zps9ded263f.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/yooper35/media/_57_zps9ded263f.jpg.html)

yooper

Buffalo and elephant? Wow....not sure I'd go after cape with that caliber...

paralaska

01-03-2015, 11:24 PM

It would have to be in .45 LC . . . Because you could load light loads for smaller game and big heavy loads for big game . . . It is an accurate round . . . And casting molds, store bought bullets, store bought ammo, etc. Are readily available . . .

BAGTIC

01-04-2015, 12:51 AM

From Missouri Ozarks. Can't decide? A 357 (my funnest gun) or a 30-30.

Lonegun1894

01-04-2015, 05:25 AM

Buffalo and elephant? Wow....not sure I'd go after cape with that caliber...

You'll notice it said killing, not stopping. It may kill it from blood loss, infection, laughter, etc, quite possibly after it kills the shooter.

As to the OPs topic, there's not much here I can't hunt with a .357 Mag, and it is one of my most used calibers, but a .30-30 is tough to beat. And I also have a .45-70, in case the others aren't enough. However, if forced to choose one, I'd rather have too much than not enough, so would vote .45-70 (and sneak a .22LR pistol).

Mr Peabody

01-04-2015, 11:44 AM

My M94 Winchester in 38-55

303carbine

01-04-2015, 03:14 PM

45-70 with 405 grain cast for the nasty toothy critters.
358 BLR for tasty moose sized critters.
35 Remington for everything else like deer and bear critters.
12 gauge for flying and hopping critters.
My fry pan isn't lever action, so I won't include it here.

robertbank

01-04-2015, 04:55 PM

I am going to go out on the limb and say .303 British. There is an old Winchester lever up for sale up here in that caliber - more than I would want to pay. Bring it back and I would be all over it. The .303 Brit has taken every animal in N.A. worth taking and likely true in the world. The British Army tended to get around back in the day.

Take Care

Bob

bikerbeans

01-04-2015, 06:32 PM

Deer and occassionally a pig are all I hunt. My hunting is limited to ohio so I have to use an approved cartridge. First choice is my old beat up marlin 444s, followed by a Marlin 1895 45-70.

BB

TXGunNut

01-04-2015, 06:56 PM

Have leverguns in 30-30, 300 Savage, 32-20, 32WS, 35 Rem, 375W, 38-55, 45 Colt and 45-70. With the exception of the 32-20 I'd hunt anything in Texas with any of them.

Good Cheer

01-04-2015, 08:13 PM

If for here abouts and if jacketed as well as cast is allowed in the answer, 25-35 is just hunkie-dorie.
Super penetration with 117 grainers and good to go with wheel weight bunnie loads.

MakeMineA10mm

01-04-2015, 08:46 PM

No doubt about it - 250-3000 (tel:250-3000) Savage. ;)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v305/yooper35/_57_zps9ded263f.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/yooper35/media/_57_zps9ded263f.jpg.html)

yooper

I heard you gotta watch that 250! The bullet is going so darn fast it might go through the first elephant and wound two more standing behind it...

John Allen

01-04-2015, 08:52 PM

I would say 30-30

TCLouis

01-04-2015, 10:38 PM

I had a different answer til I read Artful's, Yep 358 Winchester in a Model 99 would cover anything I might want to do.

Model 86 in 45-70 would have to be right up there in close second though.

oscarflytyer

01-04-2015, 11:34 PM

Savage 99 300 Savage - and have one

.45colt

01-05-2015, 11:21 AM

Day in Day out in north America could I have only one.... 45-70.

fouronesix

01-05-2015, 11:27 AM

Now if I were heading off to Africa in 1924, I might just have to get me one of them "two fifty-three thousands" :veryconfu

Patrick56

01-05-2015, 12:26 PM

I think I sold the perfect rifle some years ago. It was a Winchester 95 cal. 45-70Govt. Powerful enough for moose and loaded with .410 a nice short range gun for birds and rabbits.

Camba

01-06-2015, 01:45 AM

Browning BLR 358 win. - From mice to moose.
I had just bought one and it is on its way.

magyars4

01-06-2015, 09:28 AM

having owned or currently own, 22, 357, 45 Colt, 30-30 and 45-70 in a lever action...and having to pick only one it would be 45 Colt.
I can load it up or down, and it is easy to load for. I have taken Turkey, Deer and a Wild Boar with it.

Speedo66

01-06-2015, 10:21 AM

I think I'm the 4th here to opt for a Browning BLR in .308. Covers all bases depending on bullet weight and powder load. Has the ability to reach out and touch at great distances. Ammo available everywhere. Short and light for extended carry. Not a punishing round to shoot.

Browning quality makes it a pleasure to hold. Now if these darn pre-81 mags weren't so darn expensive...... :-x

smokeywolf

01-06-2015, 10:59 AM

Think I would lean toward a Model '86 Winchester in 45-70. Although I like the Model 71 348 and the Model '95 in 30-06, because of unlimited load configurations, brass, moulds, etc., 45-70 is the wise choice.

FlatTop45LC

01-06-2015, 11:38 AM

If I could only have one rifle and it could only be a lever - give me a BLR in 308 or 358.

I could make due well with a M92 45 Colt or a 9422M 22 maggie as well!

cajun shooter

01-06-2015, 11:42 AM

I would have to say that I would choose the 45-70 so that I would be covered from small game to big game. The local would have a lot to bear on this. In Louisiana, I'll stay with my 44WCF to take care of my needs. Later David

EDK

01-06-2015, 01:22 PM

44 magnum is my choice BUT I just acquired a JM marked Guide Gun in 45 70. Have 30/30 and 357 too. No bad choices IF you shoot it regularly and pick your shots accordingly.

hickfu

01-07-2015, 03:08 PM

I cant pick just one! I love all my levers...
1895SBL 45-70
1894 44 Mag
336A 35 REmington
Sav99 300 Savage

Red Elk

01-13-2015, 08:07 PM

Marlin 1895 .45-70 . No question.

shoot-n-lead

01-13-2015, 08:25 PM

.357 with a 358429 will cover all of the deer and hogs that I hunt.

Geezer in NH

01-13-2015, 11:48 PM

What cailber lever action would you pick, if you could only have one hunting rifle in ______ cailber for your hunting needs, where you live. What would it be?45-70 of course

Gunnut 45/454

01-14-2015, 02:24 AM

Since I'm such a fan of the .30 caliber I'd have to go dirty thirty. Load light or heavy it can take anything from feathered table fare to Griz and it has. From RB's to 170 + cast bullets that will go through the toughest of critters!

woodbutcher

01-14-2015, 02:39 AM

:smile: 45-70 all the way.IF I was`nt limited to lever guns only for choice,I would have a 45-70 built on a Siamese Mauser action.
Nice thing about the 45-70,is the selection of bullets/boolits from the collar buttons of IIRC 185gr to 500gr truck killers.
Good luck.Have fun.Be safe.
Leo

Lead Fred

01-14-2015, 05:39 AM

Being that it will kill everything that walks on the planet. 45/70
Ive been experimenting with paper patched .452 cast, for them wee critters that dont need to be hit by a freight train

Markbo

01-14-2015, 08:19 PM

TXGunNut

01-14-2015, 09:55 PM

Question for you .45-70 guys. Now I am a fan though I didnt choose it as my ONE lever gun...this talk about light to heavy bullets.. do you have a lever or single shot that will actually shoot all the bulket weights accurately?

All? That's quite a few boolit weights. Some levers won't even chamber some of the heavies designed for single shot rifles. All rifles have their preferences but it seems the 1895 Marlin has a pretty wide comfort zone starting around 300grs and going up past 400grs. Seems to be happy with everything from mild to wild as well. Hard to match that kind of versatility.

oscarflytyer

01-15-2015, 12:24 AM

Oh so easy! Savage 99 in 284 Winchester! First lever gun I ever owned! It is a true beat up truck gun (before I got it) but I love it. Second would prob be same platform in 300 Savage - and have that one too. Next would be a tie b/n Marlin 336 in 35 Remington and Marlin 1895 in 45-70, both of which I have. 30-30 is a distant tail end for me. And looking to put together a 375Win/38-55 Jes rebore on a Marlin 336 - which would fall into the 35 Rem/45-70 grouping. yeah, I have and love my levers!!!

Lonegun1894

01-15-2015, 01:28 AM

Question for you .45-70 guys. Now I am a fan though I didnt choose it as my ONE lever gun...this talk about light to heavy bullets.. do you have a lever or single shot that will actually shoot all the bulket weights accurately?

I have a H&R BC that has shot everything I have tried from 300-460grs very well, but I have also read of a few that wouldn't chamber a 405gr load, so I may have just gotten lucky.

Gaterskiner

01-15-2015, 06:56 PM

One rifle? Tough choice. My choice would have to be .45 Colt. It can do all I need it to and I hate reloading rifle cartridges. If I lived farther north Would be between .356 Win and 45-70

T-Bird

01-15-2015, 07:36 PM

35 Remington. Shoot Straight, T-Bird

Markbo

01-15-2015, 10:15 PM

Seems 300-400gr bullets on anything from deer on down is way overkill. What would a rabbit look like? Or a squirrel? AND until I read oscar's post I smooth forgot... I have an old Savage 99 in .308. That would be even better that the .30-30!

dlbarr

01-16-2015, 02:03 AM

Question for you .45-70 guys. Now I am a fan though I didnt choose it as my ONE lever gun...this talk about light to heavy bullets.. do you have a lever or single shot that will actually shoot all the bulket weights accurately?

Markbo, I have shot 300-400 gr bullets accurately from my 1895 with a variety of light-heavy loads. My HandiRifle in 45/70 also shoots a wide variety, even a light 143gr HBWC (for small game like rabbit or squirrel), with great accuracy. My BC barrel has chambered anything I put in it so far. I have not shot the bigger bullets such as 500gr but have heard enough HR shooters that have and like their results. Yep, you can shoot many light to heavy loads in 45/70 and do so accurately from one rifle.

flint45

01-16-2015, 01:39 PM

no.1 .45-70 no.2 .22lr that covers it all for me.

Clark

01-18-2015, 02:22 AM

127784I have a Savage 99 in 308 that went to the range with 10 other rifles to see what I would use for hunting in 2006.

8) Savage 99 308, 22" barrel, 7 pounds, new unfired Savage barrel,scope
mounts may be pointing to the right
8.6 # with 2.5X Weaver German reticle scope.

Quickload 47 gr. IMR4895 150 gr. Sierra 2125 with moly, 2.810", 2871
fps, measured 3050 fps 1.2" 5 shot group @ 50 yards 3100 loose primer pockets

That was MY fault, but I was out of time, and went hunting with all 11 rifles in the back, but used a different rifle.

Motor

01-18-2015, 03:22 AM

One rifle for all? I'm tempted to say .300 mag BLR and as a hand loader and boolit caster I could but the .308 Win would probably make better sense all around. Don't really matter if its a Savage or BLR or what ever.

Markbo

01-18-2015, 08:15 PM

Clark...you took 11 rifles hunting? What do you use for a camp vehicle?

127897

Heck I dont take that many prairie dog shooting!

Clark

01-18-2015, 10:01 PM

127909
I did build a 360 degree turret.

dh2

01-18-2015, 10:44 PM

if I was only going to hunt NC you are either in the mountains or the swamp, shots are close bear are becoming more common, I would have to go tried and true 45/70 you hit you killed it

vietnam71

01-19-2015, 10:26 AM

If only 1 Choice would be 45/70.

If had 2nd 30-30 easy to find Brass Bullets and powder.

rintinglen

01-23-2015, 02:56 AM

I have a 1950 Winchester M-71 in .348 that is pretty spiffy, but these days the apple of my eye is an 1899 Savage in 303 Savage. The former if I was to get the chance to hunt Alaska, the latter for most of my hunting .

mizzouri1

01-25-2015, 10:02 PM

thurdy thurdy :guntootsmiley:

Ramjet-SS

01-29-2015, 11:02 PM

375 GNR #2 on a Marlin guide gun platform. It is a 45-70 necked down to 375 it will hammer anything up to and including elephant. it is handy accurate easy to shoot.

MaLar

01-29-2015, 11:16 PM

38-55 for me all the way!

LeadBrain

01-30-2015, 02:16 AM

45/70 is my pick.

georgerkahn

01-30-2015, 08:33 AM

.35 Remington
georgerkahn

centershot

01-31-2015, 11:14 PM

If I can only have one it'd be my Marlin 1894 in .357 Magnum. Big game with mag loads, small game with 38's, defensive situations with either! Short, light, slim, easy to carry, packs a good punch ---what's not to love??

RenoDave

01-31-2015, 11:53 PM

How about Win. 95 in 7.62x54R

paracordkydexcummins

02-01-2015, 12:16 AM

I would go with a win 92 from Rossi in 454 casull load it with the correct powder and you have mild to wild on your hands match it with a ruger redhawk Alaskan and you have a great set up

paracordkydexcummins

02-01-2015, 12:36 AM

45/70 can be loaded light just like many but can also handle the most dangerous of big game.
The 45/70 has been taken to Africa many times

wmitty

02-01-2015, 01:10 AM

GoodOlBoy (post # 18)

"rabid log trucks" .... my son lives in Kilgore; I know what yer sayin'.

A pause for the COZ

02-01-2015, 01:16 AM

BLR and 308.

I agree with this. if you can only have one. Might as well pick a good one.

Thank God we dont have to choose though.
Now if you only get one lever and one pistol.
44 mag.. for both.

RobS

02-01-2015, 01:20 AM

454 Casull...........dual up with the revolver and it can carry a big thump if needed or can run lighter boolits just as well. I can push out a 300 grain boolit at 1800 fps with a case of H110.

Muskrat Mike

02-01-2015, 01:36 AM

No doubt about it - 250-3000 Savage. ;)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v305/yooper35/_57_zps9ded263f.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/yooper35/media/_57_zps9ded263f.jpg.html)

yooper
My 250-3000 Savage 99 would be my choice especially since we don't have any wild elephants etc. in Central PA!

Rifle 57

02-01-2015, 01:38 PM

If I could only have one lever gun it would be a model 92 in 454 that way I could also carry a hand gun a BFR with the same 454 cal that way I would only need one ammo belt.

Fatdaddy

02-01-2015, 01:50 PM

1894 in 44 mag covers about anything in North America, 30-30 would be a close second.
Brass and components for 44 are everywhere.

Rifle 57

02-01-2015, 08:57 PM

1894 in 44 mag covers about anything in North America, 30-30 would be a close second.
Brass and components for 44 are everywhere.
Yes I agree a 44mag would be a good choice also.

rintinglen

02-02-2015, 03:16 AM

Having read the ad from the Townley Metal and Hardware Store, I think my Savage 250-3000 will have to be my do-it-all gun. If only we had elephants hereabouts....

bob208

02-02-2015, 03:36 PM

I would be well served with a 94 rifle not carbine. in .30-30 fallowed close with the same rifle in .32 win. spl.

Nicholas

02-02-2015, 04:32 PM

Here in good old MO, I would have to go with my Marlin 30-30 for its versatility, availability of brass, and heritage. I actually have 2, but the wood/blue pre-safety would win out over the laminated/stainless. If I may blaspheme here a bit, the last couple of deer I have killed with mine were with the factory LeverEvolution 160 grain load and the results were impressive.

If I was restricted to cast bullets, I would likely opt for my Marlin 45-70.

If, in some horrific political environment, I could only have one rifle, then it would not be a lever rifle. It would be a very accurate and powerful rifle able to deliver a fatal strike at a long distance.

Rodfac

02-03-2015, 09:49 AM

All depends on the accuracy of the gun...and of course the throw weight of the bullet. Here in KY, a .35 Remington in my safe fills those caveats with some added features.

Using Hornady's excellent XTP 200 grainer, I get 100 yd gps under 2" with a 2.5x scope mounted....more than enough in weight and accuracy for anything 4-legged I'm apt to meet on our timbered ridge lines. Remington's 200 gr RN does as well in the accuracy dept. and feeds just a bit better. I've not installed the dimpled follower for use with gummy bullets as yet; but really, I've only had one mis-feed in over a hundred rounds of the rubber tipped Hornadys.

We also hunt woodchucks here locally and for that pleasant chore, I've had outstanding accuracy with Remington's 125 gr and 140 gr JHP's. These excellent hand gun bullets will confidently group into just about an inch at 100 for the first three rounds. Expansion at chrono'd velocities up to 1800 fps can only be described as spectacular.

I've yet to try one of my cast bullet molds with this old but well-liked caliber but look forward to Lyman's 358156 gc and a reduced 1400 fps or so velocity. From my 1894 Marlin, they're easy to keep under a 50 cent piece at 50 yds, and about as cheap practice fodder as one is likely to come across. I also have the Ranch Dog 200+ grainer and RCBS 200 grain flat points. 35Remington has reported great success with the RCBS especially, and I'm looking forward to warmer weather to give it a try out.

My 336 .35 was fitted out with a sling swivel by the previous owner plus a magazine tube mounted upper sling stud, making it very easy to get into my favorite deer stands. The carbine balances very well even with a Leupold 2.5x Alaskan scope mounted and would be my choice for any and all rifle chores here on the farm, if I were (Heaven forbid) forced to own but a single Marlin.

HTH's Rod

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii64/Rodfac/Nov2014139_zps474e9167.jpg (http://s261.photobucket.com/user/Rodfac/media/Nov2014139_zps474e9167.jpg.html)

william l evans

02-03-2015, 09:51 PM

I Have Marlins in 45lc,35rem, 38-55, 45-70, love them all. My M99 C in 308 win. shoots 1/2 in groups at 100 yds, gotta choose it.

JB Weld

02-03-2015, 10:24 PM

For me it would be the 30-30 with out a doubt.

Camba

02-04-2015, 11:21 PM

I made my choice with the 358 Win in the Browning BLR-81. I wanted a rifle that gives me many bullet choices and power range. It does spend a little more fuel to get the same velocities of the 357 mag but I can go a lot faster if needed to with the 358 Win.
The accuracy of my 358 Win rifle is much better than what I get with the 357 mag. For small game, I will use the 357 Mag in the Ruger 77/357. For deer, I will use the 358 Win with the RCBS 35-180-SIL boolit (can't wait to cast some of that soon).
Camba

bluelund79

02-07-2015, 08:02 PM

My go to hunting round is the 44 Magnum. I use my Rossi M92 carbine, but wouldn't mind the longer barrel rifle instead.

TCLouis

02-08-2015, 12:14 AM

Savage 99 in 308 or 358!

michaelcj

02-10-2015, 11:52 PM

I'd have a really hard time leaving my 30WCF model 94 behind but….. only one,ever,for everything????

I think the .308 lads have a point but the one I own is a pre64 88 so I'd be okay.

[BTW: Always wanted a 99 in 250.3000 and had a couple available lately but no ammo / no brass available ANYWHERE.. Oh Well…]

Mike

lbaize3

02-11-2015, 02:06 PM

I dearly love my 32-20 rifles and could very well hunt them thar eity-bity deer with it here in SE Texas. My 115 grain gas cheked boolits would make a hog think twice afore it messed wit me cause I kin load them rascals pruty darned hot. But I read how that thar other feller had a 250-3000 for Elefants. I didn knowed thar was Elefants in these here woods. Now I gotta go get out my 45-70 and load somma those thar Elefant loads.. Dogone it!

Kestrel4k

02-11-2015, 04:49 PM

Another vote for the .358Win, but I think I'm the first here to ask for it in a Winchester 88.
(I do have a Win88 in .284 and .308 but those darn .358 collectors thwarted me on that particular one. :sad:)

Clay M

02-11-2015, 06:24 PM

I started out with a .30/30 win and I love that old rifle. I never lost a deer with it. Right now my two favorite lever actions are the older Marlin 1895 model (@1972) .45/70 and the .405 win chambered in the original 1895's
Whenever I am doing serious hunting in the timber or woods, I usually have one of those rifle with me..
I have taken a good many big deer with the Marlin..
BUT.. the .405 seems to be more instantaneously DEADLY..
I have shot deer with the .405 and seen a yellow looking cloud of hair come off of them..
I shot a hog running at about 80 yds with the .405. It went down so fast I really thought I miss altogether.
Roosevelt was right..It is big medicine for sure...

Dave18

02-11-2015, 11:10 PM

a 357 marlin, inside of 100yds does everything I need to do, and its normally handy compared to others sitting in the safe, and funny thing is, when life went to **** for me, the last 10 yrs, I loaned the little gun to my niece who really wanted to mess with the thing, she has bagged deer every yr with that thing, ground hogs are not safe, some of the stories Ive heard of shots way out there, made me wonder but her hubby stands there nodding his head of being there seeing it happen, she is even a novelty to the local conservation cops, on her abilities, (small Indiana town, everyone knows everyone)

Ron in PA

02-14-2015, 02:36 PM

For me it will be the 45-70 Marlin 95130750

ballistim

02-14-2015, 02:44 PM

For me it will be the 45-70 Marlin 95130750

I'd feel comfortable grabbing mine for just about anything, great choice!

shdwlkr

02-14-2015, 03:00 PM

Well I would have to think where I am and what is the biggest critter that I might run into and then pick the right lever for the job.
If I am where there are no really big predators then a small caliber lever would fit the bill. Now if there might be some larger predators then I want something that makes a larger hole and punches with some authority.
As to having just one lever never could happen might seem to be multiplying on me all the time. Last I checked there is somewhere around 9 of them now and who knows where it will stop.
I can go from .256 win mag all the way up to 45-70 and yes they all have a purpose.

SOFMatchstaff

02-14-2015, 04:13 PM

I think the best for me here in the wide opens would be the 1895 Win in 30-06 , the 405win would be the back up choice. These both being open sighted. for a scoped lever it would be a Savage 99. with all the stuff in the safe its a hard pick....

Rattus58

02-14-2015, 05:21 PM

Well in lever guns, I loved my 30-30, but now with a marlin 44 Rem I find it really hard to not love this gun. Being a bowhunter, trying to get closer than my furthest ever 330 yard killshot with my iron sighted .308 (this was an animal coming DOWN a trail and walked into the bullet) is ok with me and I'm surprised at just how much this bullet can do.... in fact I could consider this my lever muzzleloader.... :grin:

Bazoo

02-14-2015, 05:56 PM

I gave this a lot of thought, and settled on 357 magnum.

fatnhappy

02-14-2015, 10:48 PM

Savage 99 - 358 wcf

load with pistol boolits for small game and for big stuff 250 grn thumpers.

It would also be my first choice. Unfortunately I don't own one so I use a savage 99F in .308 pretty frequently.

tdoyka

02-15-2015, 02:01 PM

here in PA, i'd go with the 444 marlin. but if i had one choice, a 38-55 in either marlin/winchester. only because i don't have one!!!!!!

9w1911

02-15-2015, 02:20 PM

yep I am taking my 450 Marlin

Bphunter

02-15-2015, 06:25 PM

I have a bunch of lever guns, but given I like to hunt elk and deer between 25-150 yards, I would choose the 38-55 every time. It just has the perfect combination of accuracy, power, wieght, and recoil.

big bore 99

02-15-2015, 06:30 PM

Mine would have to be 45-70. Load up or down as needed. 5 shots should take care of any situation. I also reload that caliber already.

Blammer

02-15-2015, 10:05 PM

7-30 waters

phaessler

02-16-2015, 09:10 AM

.45-70Govt, either with a collar button on the low end or a large meplat 450gn gas-checked freight train on the other.
Just saying.

Clark

02-16-2015, 05:27 PM

131059
It seems like I get Sav 99s in 300 Sav, sometimes 308.
I have had one re barrelled from 308 to 308.
I re barrelled one myself from 250-3000 to 6mmBR single shot.
Both were to get rid of rotten bores.

I now have a 250 Sav reamer, and I am planning to do another rebarrel.

1Shirt

02-16-2015, 05:34 PM

Like Artfull, I would go with a 99 Sav. in 358. Wish I had mine back durn it!
1Shirt

.30-06 fan

02-16-2015, 10:20 PM

my choice would be a 45-70 for deer bear moose. heavy large bullets often equal quick kills with less meat damage.

rr2241tx

02-17-2015, 02:26 PM

45-70 Winchester 1886 with an assortment of elevator wedges filed to fit light, medium and heavy bullets.

Good Cheer

02-18-2015, 07:44 PM

Canuck Bob

02-22-2015, 01:40 PM

I'm a broken record, 444 Marlin, of course.

superior

02-22-2015, 06:20 PM

45 colt

Steve77

02-22-2015, 06:51 PM

Marlin 1894 in 41 mag or 44 mag with a revolver to match. If I couldn't have a revolver chambered the same, then a 336 30-30.

Larryo1

02-22-2015, 09:18 PM

My best luck has been with the 40-82 and the 45-90.

rbuck351

03-01-2015, 04:32 AM

I have a Rossi in 454 that would work pretty good but if limited to just one it would have to be a BLR rebarrelled to 358N. Jacketed bullets from 110gr to 300gr solids. Then there is a huge group of molds and cast boolits available in .358. That should work pretty well for just about any hunting situation.

texaswoodworker

03-01-2015, 05:28 AM

What cailber lever action would you pick, if you could only have one hunting rifle in ______ cailber for your hunting needs, where you live. What would it be?

Around here, a 44 mag will kill any animal you come across, and making shots past 100 yards is rare.

If I was going to hunt somewhere with large bears, elk, moose, ect, I'd go with the classic 45-70.

Indio

03-01-2015, 07:58 AM

My 45-70 Marlin is more than enough for any game im likely to encounter locally. I load from 145gr collar buttons to 550 WNFP's all cast lead so its all covered. From a one gun hunting pov any Marlin (low power scope) from 30-30 upwards would work for me.

BrentD

03-01-2015, 12:05 PM

Around here, a 44 mag will kill any animal you come across, and making shots past 100 yards is rare.

If I was going to hunt somewhere with large bears, elk, moose, ect, I'd go with the classic 45-70.

I AM going to go somewhere with large bears and moose - AK this fall. For that I am rebuilding/restoring a vintage 1895 Marlin in .45-70. But if I could have only one lever gun and had to hunt everything with it, I would choose either a .38-55 Marlin or a .30-30 Marlin, probably the former because I prefer black powder and straight cases. And I would hunt AK for moose with either one. Since I don't HAVE do to that, I have the .45. The fun of building it is half the trip right there. the .38-55 and .30-30 are up to the job easily though. We immensely underrate those cartridges today.

hamour

03-03-2015, 03:47 AM

My favorite lever action is the Win 71 with a bolt peep so the caliber would be 348 Win.

This X 2

Hank

220

03-03-2015, 04:33 AM

My 357mag is a bit light for the big stuff and lacks a little range to cover it all, my 45/70 is to big for the little stuff. I could probably get by with just my 30/30 but seeing it is a hypothetical question Ill give a similar answer
357Maximum that reliably feeds 357mag and 38spl with this I could cover it all, until it is Ill keep using quite a few more than one

mnewcomb59

03-03-2015, 06:55 AM

357 mag rifle would be my choice. The load would be pretty light, like around 1400 fps. Flat nose 158 for big stuff, round nose 158 for small stuff. This speed won't blow up a rabbit, but will shoot clean through a deer. Remember 1 caliber for ALL your hunting means a little light for large game, and a little too powerful for small game.

It might be worth experimenting with full powered loads at 2000-2100 fps. Use a flat nose 158 hard cast for the big stuff, then use a round nose for small game. The round nose might do less damage, or it might tumble turn small game into ground meat.

frogleg

03-28-2015, 11:08 PM

After reading all replies so far and thinking about the question of just one, it
would have to be my Marlin Texan 336 30/30.

Bill*B

03-28-2015, 11:15 PM

Any of the .30 calibers are superb - they will all put meat on the table.

Nrut

03-29-2015, 02:00 AM

38-55 in a Marlin CB with it's barrel cut to 19"..

A pause for the COZ

03-29-2015, 02:55 AM

For my all around lever gun. Its going to be the one I always ask for, because it cant be got.
I want a 92 in 327 Magnum. I could just about get every thing I needed done with it around here.
Plus I would be one happy camper. I would buy two. One for shooting and one for just lookin at.
Because it would be a rare one.

Newtire

03-29-2015, 03:58 AM

I second or third the BLR in .308 would cover a lot of bases,Only one & around here=.30-30 AI IN 94 AE or Marlin 336.

Lloyd Smale

03-29-2015, 06:57 AM

444 marlin

Walstr

03-29-2015, 10:41 AM

We're in love with our Marlin 1895GS. That 'cigar' 45-70 is loaded up & down for hunting, target practice & just plinking. My 11yr Gson, wife & I had great fun @ 25yd to 200yd with whatever loads were comfortable. My wife saw/heard me originally using it with 405gr pushed by 46gr of IMR3031 & stayed away 'till I convinced here to try the plink loads I brought along [using 11gr Unique] & she loved it!

She doesn't even shoot her X-Mas present Henry H004 [.22] 'cause as she says, "...can't even see the holes & it doesn't sound like a gun!"
So good luck with all this useful info.

Mgderf

03-29-2015, 11:04 AM

For my area, (upper mid-west) and the game I would be hunting, I think it would have to be the ubiquitous .30-30 Winchester.

That said, the one I would LIKE to have isn't even produced, at least not to my knowledge.
I would really like to have a lever gun in .327Fed/mag.

Ltdshooter

03-29-2015, 11:19 AM

I'll start with a story of a recent purchase (non-gun) that is a decent analogy.

I was in the market for a new dump trailer and was looking seriously at a 6x10 with 5000lb axles. Then a friend noted something that closed the deal on a 7x12 with 7500 axles (does not sound like much but it is a whole different animal....)

He said; Remember you can haul a small load in a big trailer but you will not be able to haul a big load in a small one.

That being said, I would always favor going big and loading down when needed / wanted.

The 45/70 for sure but my latest purchase is a 475 Turnbull and I plan on shooting everything with it with 325-425 gr cast loads and 400 gr solids coupled with moderate to max velocities.

There won't be much that beast can't handle from light recoil loads to those that will dislocate shoulders.

I'll go big every time!

Notes

03-29-2015, 11:23 AM

In Minnesota, 45 Colt takes care of it all. Easy to loads for pistola or levergun. Besides, I can only see about 100 yards anyway! If I could have 2....it would have to be a .22LR for small stuff.

Ed Barrett

03-30-2015, 11:07 PM

A 92 clone in .454 Casull. It will do anything a 45-70 will do on the high end and loaded down to 45 colt plinker loads for taking squirrels in the head.

dougader

03-31-2015, 07:52 PM

Out west we hunt in thick woods and clear cuts, so your shot can be 40 yards or 300. I like my Savage 99C in 308 Wincester for one lever action rifle to cover it all.

huntinlever

03-31-2015, 10:14 PM

First of all, first post, and want to say hi all. New to loading, though I'm doing a lot of it, and very interested in rolling my own so looking forward to learning from all of you.

I have only come back after decades away. Hunted all the time as a kid, and then I was lucky enough to have a Marlin Model '97, heavy octagonal barrel, etc. Most accurate gun I ever had, though it was a half century old at the time. That and my single-six made .22 LR my everything gun, for chaparral small game.

Never lost my love for lever guns and I now have an 1895 guide gun, 45/70. Love its versatility and its feel, and for most of my hunting (hunting the midwest northwoods), I plan to make it my one-gun does all. My father in law gave my son his own 336 in .30-.30, a true heirloom from his own dad....and so the traditions continue. Together, we'll be busting thick cover and loving every minute. So for him, his 30-30 and for me, 45/70. I load my 45/70 with WFN gas checks, between 405 and 430 grains. Most accurate so far is 420 grain Cast Performance WLN with 38.5 grains IMR 4198. I have some Beartooth 425's on order. I've shot some Oregon Trail 430s. I'd like to get into casting before hunting season, as I'd really like to learn this part of the tradition.

If we're talking a second gun, my brother lives in CO and I'm originally from out west, and hope to get back for at least some more open range and mountain hunting. I've an X-Bolt Medallion in 30-06, and love shooting it; but am also poking around the 300 Win mag.

Speedo66

04-02-2015, 06:29 PM

If we're talking a second gun, my brother lives in CO and I'm originally from out west, and hope to get back for at least some more open range and mountain hunting. I've an X-Bolt Medallion in 30-06, and love shooting it; but am also poking around the 300 Win mag.
Welcome!

Yeah, a Browning BLR will care care of that need. http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/firearms/finder.asp?f1=003B

Lex

04-02-2015, 06:58 PM

The old 38/55 works well on everything.

birddog

04-02-2015, 08:44 PM

I like the 348 Win idea as my father in law has one, and I'm working hard on getting it. Secondly would be a Henry Big Boy in 480 Ruger. Then come my Henry carbine Big Boy in 45LC
Charlie

Lever-man

04-30-2015, 12:15 PM

For years my "go to" gun for everything in East Texas was a Marlin in 357 Mag. I have recently moved to the Amarillo area and I'm switching over to a BLR in 358 Winchester for my do everything gun.

Salmoneye

04-30-2015, 12:27 PM

Squirrel to Moose...

336 in .35 Rem

Round ball with a couple-three grains of red dot up to max loads 0f 3031 under a 220 grain Speer...

shdwlkr

04-30-2015, 03:24 PM

can't think of much a 30 30, 375 winchester or 45-70 wouldn't be enough

coxa2

04-30-2015, 08:01 PM

444 for me. Load it hot to bring the pain (and that 444 "grin"), load it down for fun plinking (10grs unique under a cast boolit)

smkummer

05-01-2015, 09:47 PM

Marlin 336 pistol grip and 20 in barrel. 170 grain for big stuff, 150 for deer. And since I am a reloader and bullet caster, pistol bullets for small stuff. I would scope it if I need to but right now at 54, I am good for a few more years. During ammo shortages, 30-30 was usually to be found.

bearcove

05-01-2015, 10:43 PM

That's easy 1895SS 45-70.

Gunnut 45/454

05-02-2015, 02:20 AM

I have four, 30-30, 454 Casull, 45 LC an a 357 Mag. Of these four if I could only have one I'd have to go with the 30-30. Tuff call but that's just the way it is.

GooseGestapo

05-10-2015, 05:23 PM

My favorite deer shooter is the 336 in .35Rem with RCBS 200gr FNGC (220gr). But one for all would be one of my .338ME's.
They have the punch of .45/70 and trajectory of a .30/06.
But, if I lived in Alaska, it'd be the 1895GG with a RCBS 405gr FNGC.
I'm not crazy about my BLR in .358. Trigger stinks.

6pt-sika

05-10-2015, 05:57 PM

I never really was that interested in levers until about 2000 . I'd had Winchester 1892's before but never really shot them a lot . In 1999/2000 when Marlin decided to bring the 450 Marlin out I got one and over the course of the following 12 to 14 years I acquired somewhere between 125 and 140 Marlin lever actions . I had atleast one for each cartridge Marlin chambered a lever gun except the 45-90 . I think I never owned more then 90 or so at any given time . But along about 2009 I decided to start downsizing and went to just 32 Special , 375 WIN , 44 MAG , 444 Marlin and 45-70 . After awhile I got down to just the 375 WIN , 44 MAG , 444 and 45-70 . And I shot cast in them all , I think at that point I had a pair of 375's , a 44 , two dozen 444's and 3 45-70's . After awhile I was down to the 44 MAG and the 444's . And then it was just 24 of the 444's . Now I'm down to a trio of 444's and about 40 molds in weights from 200-450 grains . Two Micro Groove guns for everything up to and including 375 grains and a ballard gun for anything from 390-450 grains . Do I need this cartridge for whitetail deer and black bear ? Not especially , but I do enjoy casting for it and shooting it . A lot of folks like the term plinking and there's nothing wrong with that . I however don't typically load that type ammo , I get enough shooting loading hunting loads and working up loads for myself and several friends . With my hunting loads and variouse bullet weights one can pretty much tailor make his recoil or lack there of . At the moment my three 444's are a circa 1966 1-38 Micro Groove gun I had chopped to 19" reblued and refinished the stock , this thing is a dream with a MM/RD 432-325GC mold I had cut . My other Micro gun is a circa 1967 with the full factory 24" barrel that's also been reblued and the stock refinished . This one shoots just about anything I choose to stick in it although I like the RD 432-265 , 432-300 and 432-350 as well as my hybrid BRP/RD 432-375GC . In my ballard I'm kinda partial to my hybrid BRP/RD 432-400GC . Mt Sourdough has sent me some MM molds he made and either didn't care for or lost intrest that have worked fair or better in my ballard gun , this thing is pretty much an ongoing experiment .

It's kinda nice having the Micro Groove 19" and 24" guns at the range when I wanna check velocities . Generally 5" equates into no more then 150 FPS loss at the muzzle and atleast 90 FPS loss at the muzzle depending on the bullet .

Bottom line FOR ME , is this . I've played with most all of the cartridges one would find in a Marlin and for hunting and shooting paper the 444 suits me just fine . A bit more recoil then some folks might like and maybe a bit more lead usage then some of you miserly types would like . But neither of those things are an issue with me so far .

The 1966 "Retro 444P" 19" gun and the 1967 24" gun both Micro Groove .

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f316/6pt-sika/444%20Marlins/RebluedRetro444Pandthe1967rifle_zps45deb0f8.jpg (http://s50.photobucket.com/user/6pt-sika/media/444%20Marlins/RebluedRetro444Pandthe1967rifle_zps45deb0f8.jpg.ht ml)

My circa 2001 Ballard rifled gun that I failed to mention I restocked a few years back !

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f316/6pt-sika/444%20Marlins/Newdesafetyon2001444003.jpg (http://s50.photobucket.com/user/6pt-sika/media/444%20Marlins/Newdesafetyon2001444003.jpg.html)

MostlyLeverGuns

05-14-2015, 10:44 PM

My wife and I carry Savage 99's in .358 Win for elk or moose. We have also shot a few deer and antelope with them using 225 Nosler Partitions or 200 Barnes X-bullets. They are 300+ yard capable. Using only boolits, it would be my very experienced Marlin 1895 .45-70 and a .444 for the wife.

Bubba w/a 45/70

05-15-2015, 07:14 AM

At one time my 1895SS in 45/70 would have been my answer, hands down.

Now I am inclined to say one of my 357 mags, loaded with the 180gr WFN Ranch Dog.

I don't hunt armored Terminators so I think I am safe.

Maximumbob54

05-15-2015, 08:01 AM

For the longest time I would say .30-30 in my favored Marlin 336:

http://i1176.photobucket.com/albums/x333/Maximumbob54/2012-12-24_09-11-52_766_zps86672630.jpg (http://s1176.photobucket.com/user/Maximumbob54/media/2012-12-24_09-11-52_766_zps86672630.jpg.html)

But then I bought this Rossi R92 in .44 magnum:

http://i1176.photobucket.com/albums/x333/Maximumbob54/2013-01-22_20-18-30_398_zpsd9d8d423.jpg (http://s1176.photobucket.com/user/Maximumbob54/media/2013-01-22_20-18-30_398_zpsd9d8d423.jpg.html)

And I still love that rifle but I wanted a carbine for climbing those tree stands. And while that may be as close to perfect as I would get for hog hunting it feels like a bit much maybe for most of these large dog sized deer. So I got to thinking...

And...

Since I bought this Rossi I'm changing my tune up some:

http://i1176.photobucket.com/albums/x333/Maximumbob54/IMG_20140606_100753884_zpslhte4yjs.jpg (http://s1176.photobucket.com/user/Maximumbob54/media/IMG_20140606_100753884_zpslhte4yjs.jpg.html)

It's the 16" R92 in stainless. I didn't get as lucky with this one as it's a little rough but I just need to take the time and give it some love. I'm betting with the right load I could do all my southern hunting with that rifle and it would be easy to pack along my 6" S&W M66 to complete the stainless .357 magnum combo. None of my shooting has yet to date even been able to see a hundred yards so this is ample boom stick.

I did at one point sucker into one of the new at the time Remlin's when I saw the 336Y back in production. I thought that would be handy as heck in a tree stand and I can download a .30-30 all I want with Trail Boss. BUT... I was quick to find that Big Green did NOT know how to make a lever gun. I've smoothed it up since then but I still greatly dislike this little carbine:

http://i1176.photobucket.com/albums/x333/Maximumbob54/IMG_20130627_174502_550_zps0758e19c.jpg (http://s1176.photobucket.com/user/Maximumbob54/media/IMG_20130627_174502_550_zps0758e19c.jpg.html)

And I do also have this old Winnie 1892 that was rebored into .357 that makes a slick combo hunting partner with a S&W M28:

http://i1176.photobucket.com/albums/x333/Maximumbob54/2013-01-05_11-14-01_199_zps6e5f0690.jpg (http://s1176.photobucket.com/user/Maximumbob54/media/2013-01-05_11-14-01_199_zps6e5f0690.jpg.html)

Only really posted that one since there's a shocking lack of pics in this thread about levers. No, I don't tote that old Winnie up trees but it sure does look good. :wink:

I should add that when I go out set and hunt with family I carry a Browning BAR in .30-06 but my back-up gun is my dad's old Winnie 1894 in .30-30 since nothing says reliable back-up like a good lever. I do load up with the new Hornady rubber tipped pointies to give it the needed possible range out there. And I hate to admit it but those are some wicked accurate loads in both Winchesters and Marlins. No pics of that one though as it's locked in a safe out west.

Norske

06-04-2015, 01:34 PM

I dream of a Browning BLR in 358 Winchester. But, with Buffalo Bore ammunition, a Marlin 336 in 35 Remington will almost equal the 358, which should be very good for black bear or anything less.

6mm win lee

06-04-2015, 02:13 PM

only one lever action? I helped out a guy in the late seventies who needed a few bucks until payday so I bought his Marlin 336. Should have kept it instead of selling it back to him. But I have always thought it would be a hoot if it was chambered in 600 Nitro Express. It would be good for hummingbirds on the wing to saber toothed elephants hiding in strawberry patches. (that's why they paint their toe nails red. Don't tell anyone) Of course it would be good for shooting paper too.

BrentD

06-04-2015, 02:16 PM

You know of course, the 600 nitro would take that thing apart like a hurricane hitting a dandelion seed head.

It would be unkind to your shoulder too, not that you would notice since the upper 1/2 of your head would be vaporized... :)

Norske, why a Browning BLR? I had one once (.308). Might have been the most ackward, ungainly rifle I have ever owned.

Speedo66

06-04-2015, 05:27 PM

Norske, why a Browning BLR? I had one once (.308). Might have been the most ackward, ungainly rifle I have ever owned.

Funny how tastes differ. I've got an early Belgian made BLR in .308 and love it. Best woods gun ever.

6mm win lee

06-05-2015, 04:23 PM

You know of course, the 600 nitro would take that thing apart like a hurricane hitting a dandelion seed head.

It would be unkind to your shoulder too, not that you would notice since the upper 1/2 of your head would be vaporized... :)

...

I know all that but suffer a guy to have a Walter Mitty daydream every now and then. Maybe I'll have a few dozen made and send them to Syria or western Iraq as a donation to the guys with the black flags. ooooo There I go daydreaming again.

BrentD

06-05-2015, 04:25 PM

Dreamin' is okay. I shot an 86" moose the other day. Same way. :)

Lonegun1894

06-05-2015, 06:31 PM

Dreamin' is okay. I shot an 86" moose the other day. Same way. :)

Geez! An 86" moose? Isn't that just about half the size of our famous Texas-size deer? :kidding:

BrentD

06-05-2015, 09:00 PM

yeah, I try to keep my dreams respectable and realistic, you know... :)

Do they have deer in texas? I've heard of antlered mice, but never deer.

Lonegun1894

06-05-2015, 09:13 PM

We have several varieties, some larger than others, and some quite rare, but you never know what you'll find. I bet you don't have too many of these (below) around, unless you're from Texas.

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQlEV7zsoyoJdhTpR1NgB5D-10Xos4si8jqV4X6tCj1zxzTBSiwdQ

BrentD

06-05-2015, 09:16 PM

Lonegun1894

06-05-2015, 09:18 PM

And for what it's worth, all jokes aside, my dog on the left is slightly bigger than any deer I have seen in my area.

superior

06-05-2015, 09:19 PM

45 colt, Rossi M92 20" SS

Lonegun1894

06-05-2015, 09:21 PM

Oh, everybody has those. They are pests from Colorado to the Mississippi. We whack'em with slingshots.

BTW, you know when measuring moose over 75" the measurement just refers to one side. 86" is 172" Wyoming style....

I have never had the pleasure of getting to measure a moose, but hope so someday. So is the proper way to measure by getting a measurement of both sides, or just one side, and if one, the longer or shorter? With my luck, I'd have to measure across the top AND bottom of both sides and then add everything up to come up with anything close to 86".

BrentD

06-05-2015, 09:26 PM

You always report the shorter measurement so as to not embarrass anyone, especially Texans :) :)

To be honest, I'm a renowned baby killer.

BrentD

06-05-2015, 09:27 PM

Handsome dogs!

http://www.public.iastate.edu/~jessie/PPB/Pheasants/Gus%20in%20the%20grass%202011%20small.jpg

Lonegun1894

06-05-2015, 09:54 PM

Now that is beautiful!

If it makes you feel any better bout being a "baby killer", my last whitetail buck weighed about 140#, had a "rack" that was 19" tall, never got more than 5" wide, and was unbranched. I took him as a way to add a little chlorine to the gene pool, cause he really needed to go. Looked more like an antelope than a whitetail. I wish now I had taken pictures just because I've never seen anything like it before or since, but at the time it was almost embarrassing.

jrmartin1964

06-06-2015, 11:24 AM

.30-'06 in a Winchester Model 1895.

huntersdog

06-06-2015, 01:22 PM

Handsome dogs!

http://www.public.iastate.edu/~jessie/PPB/Pheasants/Gus%20in%20the%20grass%202011%20small.jpg

Nice dog!

yooper

06-06-2015, 04:13 PM

It would likely be this one - my 1886 Win in 33 WCF. It'll do just about anything that needs doing anyplace I'm going to hunt.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v305/yooper35/m862%201280x263_zps0acdtkhd.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/yooper35/media/m862%201280x263_zps0acdtkhd.jpg.html)

yooper

rainierrifleco

06-10-2015, 11:45 PM

Would be a toss up between 308 and 284 in an 88 Winchester...

blixen01

06-11-2015, 12:16 AM

Savage 99 in .300 Savage. Duh.

rhouser

06-25-2015, 05:52 PM

I like my Marlin 336 38-55 for VA white tails if I am woods hunting. I am 65 and can still take my deer with the iron sights. I use a ranch dog mold and a lee pass through die and the RCBS Cowboy dies to keep the boolit nice and fat. When I really want to drive the young guys (45 and 50 year olds) that I hunt with crazy, I will load it with Holy Black instead of smokeless. They don't see the humor with their WSSM super mags and deer scented tree climbers.

38-55 loads right up. For a J Word, I use the Barnes Original bullet they still make for 38-55s. Again, it is Fat for caliber and really does shoot well from my Marlin.

Nice comfortable caliber. I also shoot the same Ranch Dog from my 375 H&H. Its all good.

rch

Clay M

06-25-2015, 06:07 PM

For me, in a lever gun it always comes down to two. The .45/70 and the .405 win. I can't decide so I flip a coin..

MBTcustom

06-25-2015, 10:44 PM

I think it would be a 45-70.
I love my 1886
142939

142940

142941

utahtrapper

06-28-2015, 12:50 PM

Would be my 1965 444 Elk and Mules would have to agree.
Will take it back to the farm this fall to add Whitetail to its resume

Bill Torzsok

07-02-2015, 05:48 PM

45-70

Blackwater

07-04-2015, 01:11 PM

As a hunter who may need both long and short range capabilities, I think I'd have to go with a 99 Savage in .308. It will do for any long range I'm likely to encounter, can be loaded down to .30/30 levels or any place between, can shoot light cast for small game, and the guns can be made accurate enough for really decent long range shooting. I'd have to make my own forend for it, though. The factory types just don't feel "right" to my particular hands, and I think I could make it balance just a tad better, too. A good action job to slick it up and make it faster, a good trigger job, and there's really nothing I really want to do that it wouldn't be very apt for.

Just for deer in my more normal areas of access now, I can't rally think of any levergun in CF calibers that really wouldn't do the job.

AllanD

07-07-2015, 08:49 PM

375 GNR #2 on a Marlin guide gun platform. It is a 45-70 necked down to 375 it will hammer anything up to and including elephant. it is handy accurate easy to shoot.

Meaning it is a reinvention of the 38-56Winchester but uprated like the 38-55 was to create the 375Win...

If I was forced to choose one chambering for a lever rifle it would depend on a few factors....

If the bullets were to wear copper jackets (minor heresy on this forum) then I'd be able to work with a 30-30, but if I were to be required to use EXCLUSIVELY cast bullets then I'd be inclined to get a 38-55 or 357, preferably in a Marlin.

While I own a Marlin 1895 in 45/70, it is a bit too much of a sledgehammer for typical Pennsylvania game

AD

Pereira

07-12-2015, 05:15 PM

Well if I could only have one, the 35 Rem. would be my choice.
But seein how I don't have to. I've
4- 30-30's , 1 Glenfield/ Marlin, I 336 Marlin, & 2 Winchesters
2 35 Rem. both Marlins
1 357 Rossi
1 308 MX Marlin
1 44 mag. Henry
1 444 Marlin
1 22lr Henry

GooseGestapo

07-19-2015, 02:26 PM

I can't make up my mind!
I started with several .30/30's, then a .45/70, but let first one go (1895 w/22"m-g barrel).
got hooked on .35rem. Now own 3 .30/30's (2 Win, one Glenfield M30), two .338Express!; a .45/70 Guide gun, a Win M94 .45Colt, not to mention a M39D, and not least of all a Marlin 1893 in .25-36. And, throw in a BLR .358.
Ill have to let you know how the .25-36 does on deer. I don't think it'll dissapoint.

Blackwater

07-20-2015, 02:08 PM

GS, that is one MAGNIFICENT rifle, sir! Excellent work!!!

patrick_ford

07-20-2015, 02:18 PM

Given that I live in central NC, I am going to have to go with my Winchester Trapper in 30-30. I can download it with lighter bullets for smaller game if need-be, since I can only have one rifle :-), but use standard loads on the typical whitetail in the area.

birddog

07-20-2015, 10:25 PM

My vote goes to the 45/70 and way out front. Cheaper brass than the rest and brass you can get, with cast boolits that shoot well with little effort.
Charlie

Greg S

07-21-2015, 10:12 AM

All hunting lower 48, 45 Colt. All purpose plinker/small game gun, 1892 in 32/20....for now. :p

BAGTIC

07-23-2015, 05:41 PM

.357. There are no armor plated deer here in the Ozarks either.

Gofaaast

07-23-2015, 05:44 PM

41 Mag would cover all I hunt with power to spare.

BAGTIC

07-23-2015, 06:01 PM

"If, in some horrific political environment, I could only have one rifle, then it would not be a lever rifle. It would be a very accurate and powerful rifle able to deliver a fatal strike at a long distance. "

Yup. That would allow you to bushwhack strangers at long range before you could identify them or determine their intentions. In a SHTF the best protocol is to keep a low profile and be as unobtrusive as possible. For living off the land most game for sustenance will be of the small game variety with few things that could not be taken with a .22 LR.

OnHoPr

07-26-2015, 05:29 PM

These are crazy poll types for the one gun scenario, but since you are polling. A Browning BLR in a rebored 06 to 35 Whelen. You got 115 gr boolits for the little critters all the way past 300 gr for the bigger critters and at longer range.

edit: a 35-284 in a Savage 99 wouldn't be to shabby either. Just a slightly shorter neck for the longer boolits.

Anschutz

07-27-2015, 09:58 AM

45-70 Guide Gun. Mainly because a .410 shotshell works as a single loader and I'm pretty sure at least one elephant has been killed with one. I'd really like to have a Ruger No. 1 in 45-70 and will one day if the .458 I've got my eyes on sells.

Electric88

07-27-2015, 09:59 AM

Maybe I'm old school, but I'll take a lever action in 30-30. The gun that won the West :D

Rodfac

07-27-2015, 10:50 AM

.35 Remington. Does it all at moderate ranges. Even elk at 125 yds or less. Hand loading makes it better. Woodchucks with pistol boolits!!! Rod

ArcticGoose

07-27-2015, 09:37 PM

Where I live I usually bring something big along. Most of the time I bring either my 1886 in 50-100-450 or my 71 in 348. I have others, but these are my favorites.

1bluehorse

07-28-2015, 12:03 PM

Either or.....Marlin 308 or 338 express.....BUT....the rifle I really have a hankerin for is the 358 winchester and probably in a BLR....by the way, if any of you 45-70 lovers have said 358 I would trade my 45-70 Browning 1886 SRC straight across in a heartbeat.....that's MY opinion of a 45-70.....:bigsmyl2:

cliff55

07-28-2015, 12:08 PM

Savage 99 308

jrap

07-28-2015, 01:59 PM

I love my 30-30 marlin buy I'd have to go with something more like a savage 99 in .308 for ease of finding ammo

sailsguy

07-28-2015, 11:32 PM

45/70

kjorgy

07-29-2015, 05:39 AM

My favorites are 38-55 32-40 & 45-70

helice

08-03-2015, 10:29 PM

Kestrel4k

08-04-2015, 03:09 PM

I have a 350 Rem mag in the M-600 Remington that I load with pistol bullets from 1000'/s up to 2800 with Jacketed HPs so I like the idea of the 356/358 Winchester. I am still planning to have JES bore out my 30-30 to the 35-30-30 and when that project is completed, I'd probably choose that piece.
I trust my Rossi 45 Colt but I think, with what's in the safe, it would be the 444 Big Bore Winchester Scout.
Hi, I also plan to load pistol bullets in my .350 Rem 660, just haven't got around to handloading that setup yet is all.

Just a heads-up for your 30-30 reboring project though, not sure if you'll be using a Marlin or Winchester for your donor rifle but there was no way for me to get my Win94AE .356 to feed pistol bullets correctly, the OAL was far too short and they would 'nose up' during the last part of the chambering cycle, nowhere close to getting it to function correctly - I had to give up on that idea. The solid top of the Marlin receiver would give much a better chance of that combination working however.