All,
I really have a hankering to get my wife a lever action for hunting. I prefer the 308 cartridge for it's 30 cal bullets to match my 300WSM for reloading supplies. But then again, I really like the looks of the Marlin guns best, and they do not offer a 308 in their selections to my knowledge. I know I can find a Savage 99 in 308, but I recall it being a heavy rifle carrying it as a kid and this won't fly with my wife.
What caliber, if any, will fit the shoes of the 308 for hunting in the PNW. It must be a lever action for the sake of this post. We have a lot of rain forests and rugged terrain which usually means well under 150 yard shots. On the other hand, we have the opportunity for mule deer in Eastern Oregon, which could realistically be upwards of 300 yards. I don't think my wife and I would take shots that far being newbies to hunting, but I know a 308 cartridge could handle this task with proper holdover. I guess it's a Browning to fit the bill then, but just curious as to what other cartridges offered in lever guns comes close to this. Like I said, the Marlin guns are the preference, but so is the 308 round, there in lies the issue.
All thoughts welcome, all experience greatly appreciated.
jeepmor
I really have a hankering to get my wife a lever action for hunting. I prefer the 308 cartridge for it's 30 cal bullets to match my 300WSM for reloading supplies. But then again, I really like the looks of the Marlin guns best, and they do not offer a 308 in their selections to my knowledge. I know I can find a Savage 99 in 308, but I recall it being a heavy rifle carrying it as a kid and this won't fly with my wife.
What caliber, if any, will fit the shoes of the 308 for hunting in the PNW. It must be a lever action for the sake of this post. We have a lot of rain forests and rugged terrain which usually means well under 150 yard shots. On the other hand, we have the opportunity for mule deer in Eastern Oregon, which could realistically be upwards of 300 yards. I don't think my wife and I would take shots that far being newbies to hunting, but I know a 308 cartridge could handle this task with proper holdover. I guess it's a Browning to fit the bill then, but just curious as to what other cartridges offered in lever guns comes close to this. Like I said, the Marlin guns are the preference, but so is the 308 round, there in lies the issue.
All thoughts welcome, all experience greatly appreciated.
jeepmor