Marlin Lever Caliber Thoughts

[Lerk]

So, been thinking about picking up another lever marlin but can't decide if I want a 30-30 or a .22-250 Already have a .450 in the racks, but ammo pricing doesn't make it a very realistic user due to caliber size as well, but its a blast still

Anywho, always wanted a .30-30 lever since I was little, no idea why, just do. Its a fairly versatile caliber without breaking the bank. But a .22-250 is a versatile round as well. I plan to use mainly for range shooting. I really would like to get into hunting and trapping more, just never had the opportunity until recently. Have my eye on fox, coyote, possibly even deer and the like with it. But as I'm a novice and inexperienced with hunting and trapping conditions, I'm not sure as to what would be necessary or what I should expect as far as use, range, accuracy, etc. out of each caliber. Also haven't decided if I will be mounting sights of any sort on it, or simply run the irons. Recommendations for what I'm considering using it for?

So any thoughts as to which may be better? Locally I have a .30-30 Marlin 336 for sale at a reasonable price that is very tempting and I'm leaning towards, but if I swing for a .22-250 I'd have to track one down.

Or I just pick one up of both

 

[LoonWulf]

The 336 isnt available in .22-250, never was. I cant remember if the blr, 99, or 88 ever came in .22-250. If your sticking with a tube fed lever the .30-30s probably the round you want, ammo for all the others can be pricey

 

[Lerk]

Yea I suppose I should have read through that myself to make sure it made sense, darn late night brain. Didn't necessarily mean I wanted a Marlin in .22-250, in fact I don't even believe they make a lever one, I know they have the X7VH but that's a bolt. Just to clarify if I went with a .30-30 it would definitely be a Marlin 336. If I lean towards a .22-250 I'm thinking a Browning BLR might fit the bill.

 

[Abel]

I love my Marlin 30-30. I mounted a Nikon 2-7x32mm scope on top. Its hard on deer out to 150 yards! I wouldn't buy a new one though. Buy pre-2010.

 

[AEA]

You may want to do some research before buying any new Marlins. Since Remington took over Marlin (Dec 2007) quality has hit rock bottom. If you want a Marlin Lever, PLEASE (save yourself some headaches and buyer's remorse) buy a used older model (Pre 2007) with the "JM" proof mark on the left side of the barrel near the receiver. I tell you this from actual experience. You will thank me for this post.

 

[Lerk]

O don't worry, I'm all about the vintage, love old guns, and whats better than an older marlin.

Actually the 30-30 I have my eyes on appears to be around an 80's production, don't know the exact serial to confirm, but I'd say its definitely around 25+ years old.

 

[AEA]

That's good then. The 30-30 is a good round and killed a lot of deer over the years! Enjoy!

 

[Lerk]

Alright, so for this is a pretty biased party towards the .30-30. Anyone want to throw .22-250 back on the table?

 

[Lerk]

And as I think about ballistic wise, if I'm going for the max range of a .22-250 (this is why I was considering .22-250 for the longer distances), I have my AR with a 1:9 twist in 5.56. If I'm not mistaken, a high quality round (other factors too of course) of 5.56 will mimic or out shoot the .22-250 distance wise. That sound right?

 

[AEA]

Sounds right to me as well. The .223/5.56 rounds will do all you are looking for in that smaller caliber in a much lighter rifle than a bolt. And the ammo is readily available in various configurations of bullet weights.

I haven't checked the price or availability of .22-250 but it sounds like one of those rounds that you cannot just buy at the hardware store........

Might want to check availability of that round before considering the rifle.

Besides all that..........as you already stated, a .22-250 rifle will not satisfy your urge for a Marlin Lever Gun.

 

[NCsmitty]

Here's a link to the BLR site, and you can get a 22-250, and 223 in that action, should you want a Browning. They have several models to choose from, and it is a much stronger action than the Marlin.

http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/firearms/detail.asp?fid=003B&cid=034&tid=006&bg=x

NCsmitty

 

[Saint Dennis]

22-250 is a bit hotter than the poodle shooter. These days it is right up there with the 220 swift. (swift being downloaded a bit from it's origional 4000 fps light pill that was famous for eating barrels). Nothing wrong with the 223 but it isn't the same animal. If you choose a 22-250 get a fast twist to take advantage of heavier bullets. They buck the wind better. Good long range varmint gun, some folks use them on deer but in my humble opinion a bit on the light side at longer ranges. If it cant take game far, why choose it?

 

[D94R]

I agree with the "buy old Marlins" sentiments. Though, you can still find new Remlins that "work" but they don't look near as pretty as an original Marlin.

I bought a 336 the other week before finding out about the QC issues. Luckily, I got one that has no issues thus far other than some wood fitment. Had I to do it again, I'd have waited and found a good used one with the JM stamp.

 

[Risky buisness]

If your looking for lever guns in calibers other than 30-30 45-70 etc. have you considered an older Savage model 99? The newer series C and D were chambered for some very usefull rounds, not to say that the 30-30- 45=70 arn't but 243, 308, 250/3000 and many others may be found on the used market. I really like my old Savage in 250/3000. All the convienent features of a lever gun, compact, flat and optics friendly plus the ability to use spire point projectiles in traditionally flat nose designed cartridges. (and of course Lever Evolution ammo too)

 

[03Shadowbob]

I personally like the Marlin in .35Remington or 32 Winchester. Everyone has a lever action 30-30.

 

[JustinNC]

Marlin 35 or 45-70 will be the next gun in my safe...depending on which one I find for the right price.

 

[Abel]

The key to owning an old Marlin 336 is to actually own three or four. I want a 32 Winchester Special pretty badly. But, at a minimum, one should have at least one in 30-30 and another in 35.

 

[paintballdude902]

ive been looking for one in 35 to add to the collection

 

[Lerk]

Yea had this same discussion with a coworker (I work for Nordic Components so gun talk is encouraged ) and the end result was the same.

Pretty much off to the gun shop in a few days to pick up that 336. I'll just justify it because everyone needs a .30-30

Then I can begin my diabolical plan, and setup both the .30-30 and my AR for coyote hunting, and then get to it with my uncle and cousin who do it weekly if able.

 

[Abel]

and setup both the .30-30 and my AR for coyote hunting,

I have considered this myself. I would think that if you mounted a scope, either a 2-7x32mm or a 3-9x40mm, with some sort of bullet drop reticle, you could be deadly out to maybe 250 yards. How were you thinking of setting your 336 up?

 

[Lerk]

Nothing quite solid in my mind yet, but for the AR I'm thinking a 3-9X scope of sorts (haven't decided on brand or diameter yet). Using some very good 5.56 rounds, set it for 200-300yds, intended for open area hunting.

For the .30-30 (assuming I get it) maybe throw a low magnification red-dot on it, potentially with some night capabilities and set it up for about 150yds. I am very tempted to just leave it stock through and run the iron sites just for a little bit more of a challenge. Though still setup for 150yds and for moderate to heavy brush conditions. Also would keep the cost way down, so far I think I'll be under the $250 mark with the initial purchase, so the wallet would definitely would be thanking me for and would also allow me to invest a little more in the way of gear and calls as I have none as of right now.

That way with both guns I'd have a few conditions satisfied. Short and long distances, terrain, and personaly satisfaction.