rolandedwinjohnson
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I'm surprised that no ones come up with the obvious answer. You need both. Since you already have a 308 get the 357 first. Then when it becomes appropriate get the 30-30
I need help with decision. 357 mag or 30-30 lever gun
- Thread starter TheRyno865
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TheRyno865
Member
rolandedwinjohnson i like your way of thinking
jimniowa
Member
I have a marlin 1894P, this is a .44sp/.44mag lever action rifle which is a great rifle for your P/U. They no longer make this short barrel ported rifle but the 1894 in .44 is a consideration and would seem to me to fill the void between the .38/.357 and a 30-30. I reload so I am not up on ammo prices or availability. I consider the .44 good for game up from Hogs to Deer at ranges under 75 yds. I have a recreiver site on mine and it works fine for my old eyes.
Jim
Jim
Badlander
Member
If I'm going to carry A rifle I want A rifle cartridge in it. Go with the 30-30.
Let me just add something very obvious. 38/357 is very easy to reload and very cheap. Since so many people are shooting 38 snub noses at the range these days, you should be able to find once fired brass for free. Good hardcast lead bullets cost around $30-$35 per 500. It costs me around 10 cents to reload 38 Spl. 357 brass is a little harder to find so it costs a little more per round but not much.
Even if you pay more upfront for the rifle, you will eventually save money with the 38/357.
I have a Marlin 1894 in 357 and love it.
Even if you pay more upfront for the rifle, you will eventually save money with the 38/357.
I have a Marlin 1894 in 357 and love it.
The 30-30 has killed more White-tail than any other cartridge in history ! There is a good argument for which one to get , if you are looking for fun cheap azz shooting get the .357 , .38`s are a dime a dozen , so there you go , now take your pick !
I have a Henry .357 and really like it. The action is very smooth and the gun seems to be very accurate. My uses are similar to what you describe. Went with .357 because already had the ammo in stock with revolver and it had the minimum ballistics I needed and ammo is cheaper and lighter than .30-30. Like you I already had a high-powered deer rifle.
Mauser lover
Member
.30-30!!! I don't believe in overkill.
BCRider
Member
Shooting .357Mag rounds at the 200 yard gong at my club's rifle range I was surprised at how small an amount of hold over I needed even for my CAS rifle set up to shoot to POA at 25'ish yards. But even so I would not want to trust iron sights with my old guy eyes for clean and humane kill shots out to that distance for pests or smaller game animals.
Yet out to 100 yards I think you'd find that it's a great option with the ability to use slower .38spl for small game without vaporizing them.
So as already pointed out so often in this thread it comes down to how much importance you put on the 200 yard issue vs being happy with out to but not past 100 yards.
Yet out to 100 yards I think you'd find that it's a great option with the ability to use slower .38spl for small game without vaporizing them.
So as already pointed out so often in this thread it comes down to how much importance you put on the 200 yard issue vs being happy with out to but not past 100 yards.
Trumpetman
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- Jul 13, 2005
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- 34
My choice was the Rossi 1892 replica in .357 magnum. I've had mine about three years now. My reasons range from the juvenile to the practical.
First of all, I chose the Rossi, as opposed to the other excellent brands, because I like the way it looks and feels. It fits my hands well, and reminds me of what I see as the ideal cowboy rifle. I have read a lot of reviews, and I thought the Rossi would be a good value. My brother and I have Rossi revolvers, and we love them. (I also love my Ruger sp101).
As far as the caliber goes, the .357 magnum fits my 21st century interpretation of the old cowboy ideal of one cartridge for both guns: a revolver and a rifle. (I know the old-time cowboys carried 44-40's, but I prefer .357 magnum.) I talked to a guy who wanted his lever gun to be a .45 LC, just like the cowboys carried. I didn't want to embarass him, so I didn't tell him the .45 caliber lever gun came much later. The point is, I like to know that I can pull out any cartridge and it will fit in my revolver as well as my rifle, that includes .38 specials and .357 magnums, as well.
Hunting versatility is important to me. Last deer season I had one of those long days, when I didn't get a shot at a deer. It was getting closer and closer to dusk, and the squirrels were tempting me. I decided to take a squirrel home for supper, rather than getting completely skunked for the day. I used my deer load (158 grain JSP) for a head shot on a squirrel, who was posing for me about 20 - 25 yards out. It took his head plumb off! No wasted meat at all.
It's Rossi .357 magnum for me. Good luck.
First of all, I chose the Rossi, as opposed to the other excellent brands, because I like the way it looks and feels. It fits my hands well, and reminds me of what I see as the ideal cowboy rifle. I have read a lot of reviews, and I thought the Rossi would be a good value. My brother and I have Rossi revolvers, and we love them. (I also love my Ruger sp101).
As far as the caliber goes, the .357 magnum fits my 21st century interpretation of the old cowboy ideal of one cartridge for both guns: a revolver and a rifle. (I know the old-time cowboys carried 44-40's, but I prefer .357 magnum.) I talked to a guy who wanted his lever gun to be a .45 LC, just like the cowboys carried. I didn't want to embarass him, so I didn't tell him the .45 caliber lever gun came much later. The point is, I like to know that I can pull out any cartridge and it will fit in my revolver as well as my rifle, that includes .38 specials and .357 magnums, as well.
Hunting versatility is important to me. Last deer season I had one of those long days, when I didn't get a shot at a deer. It was getting closer and closer to dusk, and the squirrels were tempting me. I decided to take a squirrel home for supper, rather than getting completely skunked for the day. I used my deer load (158 grain JSP) for a head shot on a squirrel, who was posing for me about 20 - 25 yards out. It took his head plumb off! No wasted meat at all.
It's Rossi .357 magnum for me. Good luck.
For what you're needing, I'd probably go with the .357. That said, I personally like my rifles in rifle calibers. I don't hunt, but for general pest control I think I would be able to put as much hurting on a critter with a .357 from my 6.5" Blackhawk as I would be able to with one from a Marlin (the difference would probably be dead as apposed to extremely dead).
If I'm packing the weight of a rifle, I want it to shoot a high powered longish range round for maximum thwacking. My camp rifle is a cheap Marlin 30-30. I don't expect to need it, but it's for defense or emergency game. I like the fact that I have enough caliber to take care of any needs I'll run into in the midwest/south where I do most of my stomping. I'm not frowning at the .357 nor do I doubt it's power, I just get the warm fuzzies about the 30-30.
If I'm packing the weight of a rifle, I want it to shoot a high powered longish range round for maximum thwacking. My camp rifle is a cheap Marlin 30-30. I don't expect to need it, but it's for defense or emergency game. I like the fact that I have enough caliber to take care of any needs I'll run into in the midwest/south where I do most of my stomping. I'm not frowning at the .357 nor do I doubt it's power, I just get the warm fuzzies about the 30-30.
greyling22
Member
the 357 is certainly more fun to shoot, though 200yds is a log long shot for it. 30/30 is going to be a better round for that, and you can seriously download the 30/30 to a plinker/ small game round if you want.
If I had to carry a gun for situations like you describe, I'd probably get a 16" stainless and plastic bolt action 223 with a 2-7 scope on it. I'm not turning loose of my 1894c any time soon though.......
If I had to carry a gun for situations like you describe, I'd probably get a 16" stainless and plastic bolt action 223 with a 2-7 scope on it. I'm not turning loose of my 1894c any time soon though.......
TheRyno865
Member
OK 357 it is and now i just need some help picking the right rifle. i prefer the marlin but due to being left handed sometimes i catch a shell to the face or in my shirt. also the only reason i said 200 yds is because my range at home has that as the max distance for one of the ranges and i want to be able to say i can hit a a decent sized target that far away.
So which 357 is for me any lefties out there got some advice. and also i think i talked the wife into getting me a marlin 30-30 for christmas so by december i will have both options.
So which 357 is for me any lefties out there got some advice. and also i think i talked the wife into getting me a marlin 30-30 for christmas so by december i will have both options.
TheRyno865
Member
OK 357 it is and now i just need some help picking the right rifle. i prefer the marlin but due to being left handed sometimes i catch a shell to the face or in my shirt. also the only reason i said 200 yds is because my range at home has that as the max distance for one of the ranges and i want to be able to say i can hit a a decent sized target that far away.
So which 357 is for me any lefties out there got some advice. and also i think i talked the wife into getting me a marlin 30-30 for christmas so by december i will have both options.
So which 357 is for me any lefties out there got some advice. and also i think i talked the wife into getting me a marlin 30-30 for christmas so by december i will have both options.
christcorp
Member
You've already decided on the 357 mag, and I agree with that choice. As for 200 yards; even the 30-30 is pushing it at those distances. At the normal 100-125 yards, both the 30-30 and the 357 will do fine. The 30-30 is obviously better, but for hunting deer size animals, they both will do fine.
I like the 357 magnum, because it can also shoot 38 specials. And for plinking, which isn't going to be as accurate as with 357 magnums, you can buy 38spl ammo for around $14 a box of 50. Much cheaper to shoot. 357 mag can be bought for around $17 a box. (Cheaper if bought in bulk). Plus, the 30-30 is a great large game animal, but you really can't shoot too much small game with it. I can shoot a rabbit with a 38spl. Also better for home defense if needed with the 357 magnum.
As for the model; I really like the Marlin 1894c in 357 magnum. However, I too am left handed. While it's nice to have angle eject, it isn't always kind to a lefty. It's a hit or miss on whether you get hit or not with an empty case. I personally chose the Rossi M92 in 357 magnum. However; I really like the cowboy action style, so I got the 24" stainless steel octagon barrel. Definitely a little heavier, but more accurate and fun. Takes a little breaking in, but once you do, they are some of the sweetest shooting rifles out there. It is top-ejecting, so it's not a big issue for most lefties. Being it's top ejecting, a traditional scope isn't really an option. However, for 357 magnum, and 100 yards, a scope isn't really an option most owners would choose. However, if you really wanted a scope, the rear sight can be replaced with an optics. You can get an 18" round barrel rossi, for just shy of $400. If you buy locally, it will be closer to $450. If you want the stainless steel and 24" octagon barrel, it will cost about $450 online, and around $500-$525 locally. Some of the novelty, like 16" barrel will be close to $600.
As for trying to find one used........ Good Luck. Between the popularity of cowboy action shooting, and the practical advantage of having a 357 magnum rifle; especially if you have a 357 magnum revolver; finding a used one is almost impossible. There always seems to be plenty of 44 magnum versions of lever actions around, but I personally think that it's a waste. 44 magnum / 44 special ammo is way too expensive. The cheapest ammo is around $30, and that's through bulk mailorder. Locally it's more. Yes, the 240 grain bullet and extra power is better on deer than a 357 magnum, but then you might as well just get the 30-30. More common; better made rifle caliber; cheaper ammo; better round. Then again, I've never been a fan of the 44 special or 44 magnum. It's too big for some things and not big enough for others. The 357 magnum might not be as powerful, but it's powerful enough for the coyote, deer, etc... and soft enough for small game and plinking.
I like the 357 magnum, because it can also shoot 38 specials. And for plinking, which isn't going to be as accurate as with 357 magnums, you can buy 38spl ammo for around $14 a box of 50. Much cheaper to shoot. 357 mag can be bought for around $17 a box. (Cheaper if bought in bulk). Plus, the 30-30 is a great large game animal, but you really can't shoot too much small game with it. I can shoot a rabbit with a 38spl. Also better for home defense if needed with the 357 magnum.
As for the model; I really like the Marlin 1894c in 357 magnum. However, I too am left handed. While it's nice to have angle eject, it isn't always kind to a lefty. It's a hit or miss on whether you get hit or not with an empty case. I personally chose the Rossi M92 in 357 magnum. However; I really like the cowboy action style, so I got the 24" stainless steel octagon barrel. Definitely a little heavier, but more accurate and fun. Takes a little breaking in, but once you do, they are some of the sweetest shooting rifles out there. It is top-ejecting, so it's not a big issue for most lefties. Being it's top ejecting, a traditional scope isn't really an option. However, for 357 magnum, and 100 yards, a scope isn't really an option most owners would choose. However, if you really wanted a scope, the rear sight can be replaced with an optics. You can get an 18" round barrel rossi, for just shy of $400. If you buy locally, it will be closer to $450. If you want the stainless steel and 24" octagon barrel, it will cost about $450 online, and around $500-$525 locally. Some of the novelty, like 16" barrel will be close to $600.
As for trying to find one used........ Good Luck. Between the popularity of cowboy action shooting, and the practical advantage of having a 357 magnum rifle; especially if you have a 357 magnum revolver; finding a used one is almost impossible. There always seems to be plenty of 44 magnum versions of lever actions around, but I personally think that it's a waste. 44 magnum / 44 special ammo is way too expensive. The cheapest ammo is around $30, and that's through bulk mailorder. Locally it's more. Yes, the 240 grain bullet and extra power is better on deer than a 357 magnum, but then you might as well just get the 30-30. More common; better made rifle caliber; cheaper ammo; better round. Then again, I've never been a fan of the 44 special or 44 magnum. It's too big for some things and not big enough for others. The 357 magnum might not be as powerful, but it's powerful enough for the coyote, deer, etc... and soft enough for small game and plinking.
greyling22
Member
as a lefty myself, marlins are fine. I've never had a case hit my face. Or even come close to it. Maybe because I've tweaked my ejector a bit to help smooth up the cycling. I just took some of the kink out of the bent leg on the spring. (that makes sense if you look at the part, trust me) I actually think we lefties have an advantage because if the case snags on the rim of a semi-wadcutter when chambering, you can look in the chamber easily and see if you need to poke it with your support thumb or just double clutch the lever to get it to feed right.
shiftyer1
Member
I like my win. 94 30-30 I love my marlin 1894c .357. I can't speak for lefties but I know you'll enjoy the .38/.357 option.
shiftyer1
Member
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Legionnaire
Contributing Member
I have had both. My go-to deer rifle is a .308. I still have the .357 (Marlin 1894), and no longer own a .30-30. If you didn't have the .308, I'd vote .30-30, as it is a rifle cartridge. But the .357 will do all you want at the lower end of the scale, and if there is ever a doubt, grab your .308.
Sheepdog1968
Member
I think the 30-30 is a bit more versatile than the 357 lever but then again you already have a 308 bolt. In your particular situation, I'd likely go with the 357 lever since you can always take the 308 bolt action when hunting for bigger game.
christcorp
Member
Versatile is subjective. In my opinion, the 357 magnum is more versatile. The 30-30 might be a better deer/elk rifle, and can reach out an extra 50 yards, but it's not the best for up close small game hunting. The 357mag can touch deer at the 100 yard mark quite effectively. (You can always stalk or other means to get closer). The 357mag also lets you use 38 spls. Better for rabbits, grouse, and other small game. Plus the 357mag is more practical as a self defense round. And for that purpose, the rifle holds a lot more rounds of 357 than 30-30.
I love my 30-30's and I'll never get rid of them. But buying a 357mag is more versatile if you have multiple uses for the rifle. If it's ONLY for deer hunting, then get the 30-30. You can always get a 22LR for small game. But for self defense, cheaper ammo, and multi-use without buying multiple guns, the 357mag is the better choice.
Oh, and with some good hot ammo, like "Buffalo-Bore", you can get ammo for the 357 magnum that will do 1400-1700 fps; with about 800 ft/lbs of energy. Granted, it's only a little over half of the 30-30, but it's definitely not shabby.
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
I have to agree with christcorp. The .30-30 would make a better dedicated deer cartridge but the .357 would have a broader range of uses.
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