Lever action question

S

SPAB

Inactive
Hello all,

I have been reading and learning on this forum for months, but this is my first post, so here goes.

I am looking at buying a lever action rifle in either a .44 Rem Mag or a 30-30 Winchester. On a balistics chart from Remington, the 2 calibers seem to have very similar numbers in terms of energy at the same distances. Can anyone provide insight as to whether or not this is the case? If they have similar balistics, I like the idea of having the extra rounds that you get with the 44.

I am looking at buying a Marlin, does anyone have any likes or dislikes for this brand, Winchester, or any other brand out there with regard to lever action rifles? Thanks ahead of time for any and all help.

Scott
 
They don't feally have identical ballistics because .30 caliber bullets have better balisic coeficents than .44 caliber bullets of the sane weight and so loose less velocity and energy at longer rangers. My own experience indicates that the .44 hits harder than the .30-30 out to a hundred yards but the .30-30 is better at 200 yards. If you can predict the reanges which you will shoot at most of the time, you can make a good decsion.
 
From similar past posts, the consensus seems to be a fairly even split between Marlins and Winchesters, with perhaps a slight lead to the Marlins. Both are excellent lever guns. The best way to decide is to go to a gun store and handle both. It really does come down to personal preference.
 
Welcome to TFL, SPAB!
I would go with the 44 Magnum. If you ever want to go plinking, it will be nice to be able to shoot 44 Specials.
 
SPAB,

Help if you told us your application. Both Marlins and Winchesters are great guns. Some have had problems with lead bullets in Marlins with Microgroove rifling, but Marlin's newest levers have gone back to Ballard-type rifling to address this problem. Never was a problem with jacketed bullets.

Marlin seemingly has the edge if you plan to mount a scope, given its solid top receiver and side ejection. But if you're buying a lever action to be "traditional," then you probably want to install a receiver or tang sight (Lyman, Williams, etc.) instead of a scope anyway, so this point may be moot.

If the rifle is to double as plinker, I'd prefer the .44 mag. Plenty fine as a brush gun for deer, or for shots out to 100+ yards; more rounds in the magazine, and able to fire .44 specials to boot. The .30-30 will take you out to around 200 yards. But if you want a long range deer gun, you'll want something with better ballistics than the .30-30 anyway.

Bottom line is that both Marlins and Winchesters make fine lever actions, and both the .30-30 and .44 mag are fine cartridges. It really comes down to your application and your personal preference.
 
The winchester does not feed as well in a pistol caliber as the marlin. The winchester is a little lighter, and I like the sights a little better. If you want to put a scope on it the marlin is better because of side ejection. Jeff
 
You can make a monumental leap forward in ballistics and accuracy by choosing the Browning BLR lever action over the Winchester OR Marlin.
The Browning system feeds from a box magazine that allows you to use modern spire point ammo like .308 or 30/06. Its better fitted, has a smoother action and is far more accurate than either of the other rifles.



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Keith
The Bears and Bear Maulings Page: members.xoom.com/keithrogan
 
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