Lever Action Help....

[FreshAir]

So I am looking to get myself a lever action this year with the sole purpose of being my go to Elk hunting rifle. The area I hunt in the NW is very thick and we spend most of our time in the Dark timber so shot are typically 100 yards or less.

I REALLY like the stainless Marlin’s and the new .338 MX cartridge has my attention as well. Does anyone have experience with this rifle/cartridge combo? I would really like to get some feedback on inherent accuracy of this cartridge and its performance on game. The main reason I find myself leaning toward this round is from what I’ve read it seems to have roughly the same flight path as a 180 gr 30-06 which I am very comfortable with.

Any other cartridges I should be looking at? Thoughts on shorter barrel length models and what I would lose as far as trajectory? Although most of the shots that present themselves are short range I would really like to have a setup that wouldn’t limit me to those distances. I plan to mount a scope on whatever I get because my eyes and opens sights just don’t get along. Thank for the input and I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas.

http://www.marlinfirearms.com/Firearms/ ... 38MXLR.asp

 

[DrMike]

There is nothing wrong with the Marlins. One possible glitch, however, is that only one company produces brass. If you don't have a supply laid in store, you may be searching for some time before you find any. If you are not inclined to use a 45-70, you might consider using a BLR chambered in one of the WSMs (7mm WSM, 300 WSM or 325 WSM), or even chambered in another of the magnums (7mm RM or 300 WM). The BLR chambered in 358 is no slouch with elk out to 200 yards.

 

[SJB358]

Mike said it best, brass is made by one company and there are very few bullets suitable for the 338MX. It is a great cartridge, but I think it is limited in versatility. I really would have to vote for a 45-70 or 444 Marlin for what you are saying is your normal range. The 45-70's will shoot plenty flat enough to make 200 yard kills and 100 and under are what these bigger bores are made for. There are MANY options of ammo for them as well. Plus, if your a handloader, there are ton's of great bullets for both.

I like the Marlin 1895's alot. Very solid design and accurate as heck as well. Mike also spoke of the Browning BLR. That is a very slick lever rifle and chambered in the 358 Win as well. For an over the counter rifle, I think it is probably the most versatile cartridge, although, like the 338MX, you are limited in factory loads, but for a handloader, there are tons of great options. The WSM's in the BLR would be pretty slick as well. You kinda could have your cake and eat it too with them. You would have a slick handling/carrying rifle that also reaches as far as most shooters would need. Scotty

 

[Too Tall]

Hard to beat the .45-70, when it comes to quick shots in the brush. I've killed a plenty with it.

 

[FreshAir]

Thanks for the input guys....
The brass issues worries me because you never know which rounds are going to flop and which will take off. I really dont want to end up owning a rifle that the brass is going to cost me an arm and a leg. And ever since i started to hand load i cant bring myself to buy factory ammo anymore :lol:

The 450 and 45-70 have been on my radar for a while and i know they put a smack down on anything they touch. With handloads for the 45-70 and a moderate weight bullet what kind of max point blank range can you get out of the 18" or 24" barrels?

 

[SJB358]

Thanks for the input guys....
The brass issues worries me because you never know which rounds are going to flop and which will take off. I really dont want to end up owning a rifle that the brass is going to cost me an arm and a leg. And ever since i started to hand load i cant bring myself to buy factory ammo anymore :lol:

The 450 and 45-70 have been on my radar for a while and i know they put a smack down on anything they touch. With handloads for the 45-70 and a moderate weight bullet what kind of max point blank range can you get out of the 18" or 24" barrels?

There are others out here to give you a better idea of the MPBR deal, but here is a quick data dump. I used a 350gr Speer Hot Cor at 2000 FPS, with a BC of .232. This bullet, if zeroed at 150 yards is 2.4" high at 100 and 6.0" low at 200. Pretty useable trajectory. I can run 350's a little faster out of my 18.5 Guide Rifle, but I don't see much need for it. It is a 200 yard rifle all day long. Scotty

 

[DrMike]

If you limit yourself to 200 yards, there isn't much that the 45-70 won't put on the ground. You may be able to stretch it a little, but it is at its best within that 200 yard range.