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Marlin Lever Action Calibers

Shmevy
I'm thinking about buying a Marlin Lever Action but not sure what caliber would be best. I'm planning on using this rifle for hunting. So what do you guys think, 30-30 or .44 mag?
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Comments

12 comments

Date Votes
  • He Dog
    Of those two calibers, .30-30. I don't favor pistol cartridges for hunting. Neither would be my first or only choice.
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  • dakotashooter2
    How about the 35 remington.
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  • Sig220_Ruger77
    I'm not real fond of either cartridge, but I would give the edge to the 30-30 as well. Unless your hunting in a thicker area where you know that you aren't going to get long shots. I live and hunt in Wisconsin and the .44 is a very popular caliber in my hunting party for that very reason.
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  • Sig220_Ruger77
    Also another possibilty is the .444. I have always wondered why people hunt with the .44 when this cartridge is available. The recoil may have something to do with it, but it's not that bad at all. Just my line of thinking though.
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  • richbug
    The marlin 1894(44mag) is almost 2 pounds lighter than the 336(30-30). I you have to carry it arround alot that may be a consideration. I personally have a 1894 in 44 and a 336 in 35 rem. For a general purpose hunter I would go with the 35, for plain fun messing arround in the woods I would go with the 1894, as it is much handier.

    .
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  • ern98
    Marlin also has a great offering in 45/70, in 18.5" and 22" barrel lengths. If you are hunting medium range in bear country the 45/70 is just the ticket. Loadings for this caliber range from old time loads, which seemed to work on buffalo, to modern +p loads. Of the two cartridges you mention, I'd go with the 44 mag because of the cost of ammo. Hey is it true you can shoot 44 mag in a 444 chamber like a 38spl in a 357mag?
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  • gotstolefrom
    If you want a lever - Marlin is the way to go, IMHO.
    30-30 is everywhere, and is a popular deer gun under 100 - 150 yards,
    44 mag is right close with 30-30 on balistics, may be better in brush and under 100 yds (240+ grain bullets where 30-30 is usually 150-170gr). I have a 44 mag, suposedly to go with my wheel guns in lowland hunts. I was given a 30-30 before I could drive and I am fond of it. 444 is a good way to go for more thump, 45-70 too.
    You can go with the 450 Marlin if you have a linebacker's shoulder and have never flinched in your life, but one shot was enough for these old bones.

    Pick your favorite and enjoy!


    If we do not hang together,
    We will most certainly hang separately.
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  • gskyhawk
    you need to tell us a little more about your type of hunting ,
    Marlin makes a great gun
    the 1894 comes in 357mag , 41mag, 44mag, 45lc and 44-40
    the 336 can be had in 30-30 , 35 rem, and i believe in 38-55
    the 1895 comes in 444, 45-70 and 450
    lots to choose from and all of them will work , its just some may fit your type of hunting better than others
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  • gskyhawk
    Jon0322 what part of Wi are you from ? I live near Sparta Wi.
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  • charlenco
    the 35 remington is great for shooting through pucker brush.
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  • Atom242
    All those are probably suitable for the kind of hunting you will be doing. Marlin is the definate choice, great guns and super reliable. 30-30 is a good choice for deer.[:D]
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  • Sig220_Ruger77
    gskyhawk I live in Cornell, WI. About 5 miles South of Lake Holcombe, WI.
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