Marlin XLR Caliber?

Which caliber would you choose for a Marlin XLR?

  • Total voters
    51
NorthernPF

NorthernPF

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Hey Everyone,

I was reading my new issue of Guns & Ammo magazine and saw the Marlin XLR and found it to be a very nice rifle. I hunt mostly Deer and Moose up to a max of 200yrds.

Which caliber would you choose and why?

A) 444 Marlin
B) 45-70
C) 450 Marlin
 
slicknick said:
I have a totally unwarranted hard-on for the .444 Marlin, I have no idea why as I haven't so much as held one
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As did I last year, now I own one. And I'm glad I got the urge when I did, they've gone up $200 it seems. mine fitted with a Leup FXII 4x33 has rattled of numerous 5" groups at 200 yds. Minute of moose for sure!!
 
Sorry, another hijacker. I'd go .308 Marlin. I think it offers a traditional exposed-hammer lever, which I like, with identical performance to the .300 Savage, which is excellent. Plus everyone who shows the confidence to buy one will help this excellent new round catch on and stick around.
 
I like the .444 Marlin but as I do not prefer shooting "Thin-Skinned" bullets designed for the .44 Mag I would probably go with the .450 Marlin. However there are a few good bullets made for the 444 now so its a trade-off.

photo_308mxlr.jpg


velocity (fps) / energy (ft. lbs.):
.30-30, 160 grain - 2400/2046 @ muzzle, 2150/1643 @ 100 yds, 1916/1304 @ 200 yds, 1699/1025 @ 300 yds.
.35 Rem, 200 grain - 2225/2198 @ muzzle, 1963/1711 @ 100 yds, 1721/1315 @ 200 yds, 1503/1003 @ 300 yds.
.444 Mar, 265 grain - 2325/3180 @ muzzle, 1971/2285 @ 100 yds, 1625/1606 @ 200 yds, 1380/1120 @ 300 yds.
.45-70, 325 grain - 2050/3032 @ muzzle, 1729/2158 @ 100 yds, 1450/1516 @ 200 yds, 1225/1083 @ 300 yds.
.450 Mar, 325 grain - 2225/3572 @ muzzle, 1887/2569 @ 100 yds, 1585/1813 @ 200 yds, 1331/1278 @ 300 yds.

Trajectory figures
.30-30, 160 grain - +3" @ 100 yds, +0.2" @ 200 yds, -12.1" @ 300 yds.
.35 Rem, 200 grain - +3" @ 100 yds, -1.3" @ 200 yds, -17.5" @ 300 yds.
.444 Mar, 265 grain - +3" @ 100 yds, -1.4" @ 200 yds, -18.6" @ 300 yds.
.45-70, 325 grain - +3" @ 100 yds, -4.1" @ 200 yds, -27.8" @ 300 yds.
.450 Mar, 325 grain - +3" @ 100 yds, -2.2" @ 200 yds, -21.3" @ 300 yds.
 
sgt.rock said:
I friggin love my new .444 (made in 1965). I'd say that to have the best of both worlds regarding power and trajectory that seems to be the ticket.
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+1 on this line of thinking.

.75" @100 out of mine with 300 gr xtps. i've been told that accuracy is generally quite good with the 444s. oh, recoil seems to be less (far less if shooting heavy bullets) offensive than 45-70with full loads.

cheers
 
35 rem would be a good choice too, like Will mentioned. I voted for 45/70 because it's just as capable as the 450, and easier to find components and ammo.
 
45/70 recoil....yup, I'd say you could handle it. I have a Marlin 1895 45/70, which I am very happy with, and VERY glad I purchased last Sept. because the prices have jumped up $150. I find the 45/70 gives more of a big push on your shoulder as apposed to a hard hit on your shoulder if that makes any sense. I have shot both the 45/70, and the 300WM, and my shoulder would not like to shoot all day with either of them lol but a 45/70 with a factory load will not kill ya. Now, I have heard some of those re-loads can give ya a wallop, but I have no experience with them to really judge.
 
NorthernPF said:
If I can shoot a 300WM and a 12ga w/ 3" Sabot slugs would I be able to handle the recoil of 45-70/450?
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45-70 factory stuff is pussycat stuff. handloads can get downright brutal. worst recoil i've ever felt outside of a light .58 thompson center with 120 grains of powder (5-570 gr bullets).

300 grain bullets are actually not bad, 350s were pretty stiff and 400 grain bullets moving at 1750-1800 fps were quite painful, for me at least.

mind you, these new marlins come with decelerators i believe so that would help. even my 444 kicked a bit, but is now quite pleasant with a decelerator on it. the 45-70 i had had the useless red rubber thing by marlin on it.

honestly, if you want the 45-70 i guess you should buy it, and if it kicks too much you can sell it, otherwise it will probably be on the back of your mind.

cheers
 
I will go 45-70 in reload for the big thing like moose or elk and brown, but for deer, black bear the factory stuff is good enough.
How about that new .338 Marlin, look good on paper??
 
My vote would really be "Any of the above". Like others have said, if you reload go for the 45/70, if not the 450 Marlin. The 444 and the 35 Rem. will do the trick on Moose and Deer under 200 yards no problem. My 35 Rem. kicks only slightly harder than a 30-30, it could be comparable to a .308 win.

The .308 Marlin Express would give you a better reach than all of the other calibers mentioned.
 
XLR, 45-70, DRC XS Ghost Ring Sights

Bought my XLR in 45-70. Was going to get the guide gun, but didn't care for the straight stock. When I seen the XLR with the laminate stock and pistol grip, I had to have one. I went with 45-70 as a friend of mine has a guide gun, he's put over 1200 rounds though his and has some wild loads for all occasions worked up for it. The first thing I did with the XLR is get rid of the factory sights and install DRC XS Ghost Ring sights! Nothing like shooting 405gr SP at 1800fps! And factory loads ARE pussycat loads ;) Lots of good info on CGN in regards to caliber choices, that's why I love this place :D
 
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