3 Meter Para Bellum
Handloader
- Apr 17, 2020
- 493
- 769
So I have been thinking about lever guns. Always liked a lot about them, but considered them a secondary option to a bolt gun if I were to go hunting. I am now reconsidering this. I am left eye dominate and therefore shoot left handed with rifles, and lever guns easily accomodate this. I live in southern Arkansas, where it is heavily wooded and I expect most shots to be within 200 yards, or probably less most of the time. The biggest things I would hunt are the whitetails and hogs out here. It seems to me that typical lever gun cartridges would do quite well for this use. But even still there is a question of caliber.
I believe the 30-30 would work quite well. It should probably be a major contender if I go the lever gun route. I wouldn't mind something with a bit more omph if I could get it though.
I see that Henry has a chambering for the relatively recent 360 Buckhammer. Other than hating the name, I assume it is an OK catridge that probably packs a bigger punch than the 30-30. Being newer I am not all that knowledgable on the cartridges availability, reloadability, performance, and whether to expect it to stick around into the future.
45-70. I have nothing bad to say about the old horse and I kind of want one, but I weigh about 117 lbs. and it is a pretty stout cartridge. I have shot slugs out of a 12 gauge, so can I do it, sure, but I am not confident this is going to be the cartridge I shoot most accurately with that recoil. Plus I would like something that makes for a fun range trip without having intentionally limit round count due to getting beat up by the gun. Nothing lacking in performance at moderate ranges though.
From what I have laid out here I feel the overall most logical pick is the 30-30, unless somebody has some unforeseen benefits to expound on concerning the 360 Buckhammer that I am not aware of. HOWEVER... I am trying to make the 45-70 work out somehow, because I really do love the somewhat "end all" nature of it and the versatility. That is where reloading comes into play. I would like to hear from those who have hunted using reduced 45-70 loads. Is it possible to reach moderate ranges with a load that feels closer to 308 or 30-06 level of recoil while still maintaining good lethality on deer and hog sized game?
If it is possible to do the above, that would be intriquing, although I don't currently have experience reloading or have the equipment, so I have to ask myself whether it is worth getting set up and handloading everything to make it enjoyable. Anyway, I know there are always some great thoughts from everyone here, so I am curious to hear some opinions.
No matter what, I have decided I absolutely need a 22 rimfire lever gun.
I believe the 30-30 would work quite well. It should probably be a major contender if I go the lever gun route. I wouldn't mind something with a bit more omph if I could get it though.
I see that Henry has a chambering for the relatively recent 360 Buckhammer. Other than hating the name, I assume it is an OK catridge that probably packs a bigger punch than the 30-30. Being newer I am not all that knowledgable on the cartridges availability, reloadability, performance, and whether to expect it to stick around into the future.
45-70. I have nothing bad to say about the old horse and I kind of want one, but I weigh about 117 lbs. and it is a pretty stout cartridge. I have shot slugs out of a 12 gauge, so can I do it, sure, but I am not confident this is going to be the cartridge I shoot most accurately with that recoil. Plus I would like something that makes for a fun range trip without having intentionally limit round count due to getting beat up by the gun. Nothing lacking in performance at moderate ranges though.
From what I have laid out here I feel the overall most logical pick is the 30-30, unless somebody has some unforeseen benefits to expound on concerning the 360 Buckhammer that I am not aware of. HOWEVER... I am trying to make the 45-70 work out somehow, because I really do love the somewhat "end all" nature of it and the versatility. That is where reloading comes into play. I would like to hear from those who have hunted using reduced 45-70 loads. Is it possible to reach moderate ranges with a load that feels closer to 308 or 30-06 level of recoil while still maintaining good lethality on deer and hog sized game?
If it is possible to do the above, that would be intriquing, although I don't currently have experience reloading or have the equipment, so I have to ask myself whether it is worth getting set up and handloading everything to make it enjoyable. Anyway, I know there are always some great thoughts from everyone here, so I am curious to hear some opinions.
No matter what, I have decided I absolutely need a 22 rimfire lever gun.
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That 360 Buck Hamer is like a 35 Rem with just a few feet difference in velocity. There are several Marlin Mod 336s out there for sale in the 35 Rem and they are a good rifle plus accurate also. Henry might be chambering it now, haven't looked. Remington made pump actions in this caliber that are out there usually pricey though. 35 REM isn't a hard recoiling caliber and shells are pretty plentiful.
