Lever Gun Considerations

[3 Meter Para Bellum]

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.

 

[wvbuckbuster]

30-30 is good but the 35 Rem is better in my humble opinion 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.

 

[bdbrown66]

I haven't personally loaded it this way, but the 45-70 can be loaded "from mild to wild." Go take a look at the load data and you will see what I mean. The trapdoor-level loads are pretty tame, but would still be plenty effective for game.

 

[salmonchaser]

Go find a clean pre 64 model 94 in 30/30 or 25/35 and never look back.

 

[bdbrown66]

Go find a clean pre 64 model 94 in 30/30 or 25/35 and never look back.

Not if you think you'll want a scope on it at some point. If that's the case, a Marlin, Henry, Browning, or Savage makes more sense.

 

[sako2]

Savage 99 or Winchester 88 in a 308. Sako made a finnwolf in 308. My finnwolf in 208

 

[JD338]

Lever action rifles are a lot of fun. The 30-30 would definitely fit the bill for what you are wanting. The 35 Rem would be an excellent choice for deer and hogs. Don’t over look the 45-70. Its is a power house with upper end loads but there are lesser loads like the Remington 405 gr SP at 1200 fps that are quite mild in recoil. They punch a big hole going in and a bigger hole exiting. I’ve got a marlin 1895 Guide rifle. I load 300 gr BSTs at 2100 fps. My best group went .400” at 100 yds and my furthest kill was a white tail doe at 160 yds, DRT.

JD338

 

[Wolfshead]

I’m not a big guy by any means, and I’ll be 66 this fall.
I pretty much only hunt northeast whitetails. I have never hunted Hogs however so I can’t comment on them.
My Dad had a Marlin 336 in 35 Rem when we were growing up. Mom gave it to him for a wedding present. So it was bought new in 1958. I never hunted with it, but was able to shoot it once in a while, and don’t remember it being bad to shoot.
I will say that it has been difficult these past few years to find ammunition for it. Not sure how it is now, but as little as three years ago it was very hard to come by.
30-30 would be the way to go in my opinion. I don’t think you’d be disappointed with the 30-30 round or the recoil.
The different offerings of bullet types, and the availability of factory ammunition is another plus. When the pandemic was on, in my area, the only ammunition I could find in our stores was mostly 30-06, 308, 30-30, 270, and some 45-70. Not much else available at all, but that is just where I was looking at the time. So take that as you will.
I personally hand load the Hornady 160 grain FTX bullet, with 36 grains of Leverevolution powder, in Starline brass cases, and CCI 200 large rifle primers. They Chrono at approximately 2350 fps. It easily shoots out to 200 yds, and within ethical limits for taking game I believe.
I personally would recommend a Winchester model 94. I’ve held and shot a few Marlins in 35 Rem, and also in 30-30, and I find them just a slight bit heavier and chunky feeling in my mind.
A good friend has the Buckhammer and it is a beautiful gun, but also a bit heavier and chunkier. (All these are just my opinions, so please take it as you will, others my disagree)
My 94 weighs 6.4 pounds is balanced very well, very agile, and quick to point, easy to carry all day in the thick woods where I use it the most.
I understand the love of the “pre-64s”, and why, but mine is a 1980 and it doesn’t lack much from what I can see.
Mine is very accurate from the bench especially in terms of hunting accuracy.
I will say go with a 94 in 30-30 and I believe you’ll be very happy.
I shoot with Williams receiver peep sights and I’m able to see pretty well with my aging eyes.

My rifle on the bench with my chrono showing fps.



This is a target set at 200 yards which I shot last fall with my hand loads.
The bottom shot was with the bead covering the target, and the top two the bead was resting on the top of the target.
I’m not a great shot, and this is mostly luck (98%), especially with a 3 shot group. But, it does show what is capable out to 200 yards.



Best wishes with your journey into the levergun fun!
Let us know what you decide!