I am curently in the market for a short barelled lever action carbine. I view this weapon as sort of a general "around and about" rifle capable of decisivly hitting animals up to the size of a deer out to 150-175 yards. As I want a short, compact weapon, it will most likely be in a 16 inch barrel configuration. Which of the following would fit the above criterion best?
1. 30/30 - While usually considered the quintisential deer rifle, I am I little worried at the loss of velocity out of such a short barrel. However it is a proven, readilly available caliber that should not have any problem chambering in a lever action mechanism.
2. 44 Mag - This should be a very potent little rifle and has the added benifit of being a "high capicity lever action" I am however a little concerened over the trajectory of bullets with low balistic coefficients as well as the rellibily of a strait walled cartrige in a lever action mechanism.
3. 357 Magnum - The main advantage of this choice is the ability to shoot cheap 38 special ammo for plinking. However it suffers the same liabilities of the 44 Mag (low B.C. and strait walled cartrige) carbine while offering less power.
While I am mainly looking for balistic data for 16 inch barreled versions of these weapons, any input would be welcome.
1. 30/30 - While usually considered the quintisential deer rifle, I am I little worried at the loss of velocity out of such a short barrel. However it is a proven, readilly available caliber that should not have any problem chambering in a lever action mechanism.
2. 44 Mag - This should be a very potent little rifle and has the added benifit of being a "high capicity lever action" I am however a little concerened over the trajectory of bullets with low balistic coefficients as well as the rellibily of a strait walled cartrige in a lever action mechanism.
3. 357 Magnum - The main advantage of this choice is the ability to shoot cheap 38 special ammo for plinking. However it suffers the same liabilities of the 44 Mag (low B.C. and strait walled cartrige) carbine while offering less power.
While I am mainly looking for balistic data for 16 inch barreled versions of these weapons, any input would be welcome.