30-30 vs. 308 Marlin Trapper

[Flynt]

I've fallen in love with the Marlin SDT, which is a stainless version of the venerable 336, with a 16.25" barrel and a laminated, straight stock. These beauties come in 30-30 and 308 Marlin. I've got a couple of 336's in 30-30, including one in stainless and laminated (pistol stock) and some Marlin 94's in 44 mag -- so you can see that I don't exactly need another lever action Marlin. (But I sure do want one.)

Here's my dilemma, I'll use the rifle as a 100 yds. or less gun for pigs or deer. I like the idea of 30-30 because it's cheap and plentiful. (I'm tired of playing with magnums that require a trip to Cabelas and cost $75 a box.) However, I wonder, given the short barrel, if it would be worth it get the 308 and presumably get a little more velocity and accuracy, especially compared to conventional, i.e., "non-Leverevolultion."

I'd appreciate any thoughts or insights that you might have. Thanks.

 

[Abel]

I'd want the 30-30. Its a fine little cartridge that can be found anywhere & will be around for years to come. At 100 yards and less, the 16.5" barrel will propel the 30-30 plenty to kill a hog or a deer.

 

[cookekdjr]

What Abel said.

 

[BrocLuno]

Well you already have the 30-30 covered in your other guns. Go for the Marlin 308 and find out what that's all about. You might really like it and it is a bit more than 30-30 for sure

 

[Water-Man]

Get the .308 Marlin. I'd be interested in reading a report from you on how you like it.

 

[NCsmitty]

You're going to lose a bunch of velocity in that short barrel chambered for the 308 Marlin, compared to the 30-30. Like other higher intensity rounds, the 308 Marlin thrives on longer barrels, and although it will have more than the 30-30 out of the short barrel, the ballistic advantage will be reduced. If you do not reload, that can get expensive shooting the 308.
A short barreled 35 Rem would be the best choice if the rifle offers that option.



NCsmitty

 

[Water-Man]

I don't know about the .308 Marlin but I do know that the .308 Winchester doesn't "thrive" on a longer barrel. How much of a difference is there between these two calibers?

 

[Sheepdog1968]

The 30-30 round has been around for 130+ years and likely will be around for another 100 years. As for the .308 Marlin, it has the potential to become an obsolete round. As such, I'd stick with the 30-30. If you wan't more oomph out of a lever action, I'd either go with a 45-70 or get the Browing model that uses a detacable magazine for the .308 Winchester round that's shown it will survive the test of time. My two cents.

 

[Abel]

As for the .308 Marlin, it has the potential to become an obsolete round.

+1, x7!

 

[NCsmitty]

Here's an SDT on Gunbroker that has a buy it now of $682.99 after being relisted with no bids. List price is $845, I do believe.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=206238725



NCsmitty