Which caliber for a MARLIN lever rifle?

TNT

TNT

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I was looking at a Marlin in either: 30-30 or 357mag caliber

What is the knock-down power of a .357 cartridge fired from a rifle like Marlin?

Obviously the 30-30 would me more potent, but cost wise and fun wise, which caliber would be your choice?

Thanks
 
If you are going to hunt grab the .30-30, if your going to punch paper grab the .357 you can shoot .38 out of it. It would do for deer under 100M and varmints as well.
 
If you ever plan to use it on bigger game then deer, such as moose or bear, i would pick the .35 Rem. or bigger. For deer and such, i'd take a 30/30 or the .44, .357 Mag. is more for varmints and Cowboy Action.
 
Actually, I would want a Marlin chambered for all those calibers. For a choice though, yeah, I think it would be .30-30 for general hunting. If I was interested only in range fun, the .357 would be what I would choose. You can shoot it on the indoor range then.

My choices:

Hunting: 1. .35 Rem
2. .30-30
3. .44 Mag
4. .444

Range Only or Cowboy Action: 1. .357
 
TNT said:
I was looking at a Marlin in either: 30-30 or 357mag caliber

What is the knock-down power of a .357 cartridge fired from a rifle like Marlin?

Obviously the 30-30 would me more potent, but cost wise and fun wise, which caliber would be your choice?

Thanks
Click to expand...
I've shot the 357 aafew times, and it is a bit disappointing..Ultimately the 3030 is much more potent, but if you want a awesome bush gun, try the .44 mag
 
I have both the 30-30 (XLR) and the .444. After today's range results using 265gr Hornady's, the .444 is quickly becoming an attachement. :D
 
I am a big .45-70 fan but do not sell the .44 mag short unless you have handloaded it and chrony'd it. My load out of a B92 still had 1000 ft lbs of energy at 200 yards. I never killed anything with it but i am sure it would kill better than a .30-.30
 
A long slim, rapid taper hex barreled 38-55 Cowboy would my choice :)

220 Horns loaded up to 1900-2000fps is more than enough even for moose,
ask me how I know ;)
 
Can't argue the .45-70 posts...

But between .357 and .30-30, I'd take the .30-30 and mount a compact 2-7 or straight 4x scope.
 
I have the 30-30, the 35 Rem and the 444.

I think the most versatile is the 35 rem. It is an excellent hunting caliber (Especially compared to a 357).

But guns are for shooting. I load my 35 Rem with 38 pistol bullets (either the copper plated or the jacketed soft points) The copper plated lead bullets are only about 3 cents each, whereas a jacketed rifle bullet is more like 30 cents each.

I can do a lot of cheap shooting with a 500 round box of pistol bullets and a pound of 2400.

I can also load cheap 44 cal pistol bullets in my 444, but seldom shoot it. I prefer the way my 35 Rem handles.

Note: 38 pistol bullets and 35 cal rifle bullets are the same diameter – about .357”
 
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