Need help with picking a new Lever Action

[Magnum88C]

First off, I will NEVER BE SHOOTING ANYTHING FURTHER THEN 150 YARDS. This is very important to consider when suggesting a caliber. I need a round that will kill ANYTHING up to 150 yards.

You won't get this with most pistol calibers. A .44 Magnum levergun is at its limit for whitetail at 150 yards. It won't fit the "anything" bill. You can get Pumas in .454, .480, etc, but they cost as much if not more than rifle rounds.

The only calibers that fit your bill would be the .450 Marlin or .45-70. Standard Remington ammo, Hornady LEVERevolution, and some of the less expensive hardcast ammo goes for about $1.20 per round, which isn't that bad. These aren't the Buffalo Bore/Cor-Bon barnburner loads, but you're throwing almost an ounce of lead nearly a half inch wide, you don't need high velocity.

As others have said, reloading is the way to go. That goes for ANY cartridge, nothing is cheap anymore with the price of metals skyrocketing like it is.

 

[Thalinor]

Thanks for the reply's people : )

I think i am just going to have to get 2 different lever action rifles, one to shoot at the range and the other for killing stuff.

I just looked at the $ for both and was shocked. The Model 1894 Cowboy (pistol cal) is about $620 NIB and the Model 1895GS sells for around $520 NIB

Why the does the stainless model in the larger cal go for $100 more?

 

[Hawk]

Seems like you've hit the budget for some of Wild West's offerings.

I took one of their Guide Guns in 457WW and it's been great fun. I wasn't even looking for a lever but am glad I've discovered the things.

It shoots 45/70 and, being a noob metallic reloader, I was delighted to learn that Starline has the brass in the lineup. Call 'em. Who knows?

Whatever they do to that Marlin's trigger borders on magic.

 

[Logan5]

You could try the Winchester 1895, in .405 it makes .45-70 look cheap, but it's a serious dangerous game round. In .30-06 it's hard to find the rifle, even as the repro. .444 Marlin might be worth a hard look; there are probably a few floating around here second hand for reasonable prices.