next purchase? - ammo cost/avail./uses

[gonzo_beyondo]

You folks cover so much ground here, I'd like to ask this forum for some help deciding my direction. I don't know of a more diverse group better suited to pose such a question!

I have, so far, a small collection covering the following:
.223/5.56 | 7.62x39 | .22 | 9mm
All semi auto, cheap/available ammo.


What I don't have is any bolt or lever action rifles. I'd like to go this direction for my next purchases.

For the bolt, I'm thinking Savage. Bang for the buck seems impressive.
For the lever, I'm looking at Henry, Marlin, and old Winchesters (94) but open to others.

What I can't decide, is what calibers I need/want.
I figure a bolt rifle would mainly be used for (more precision) target shooting.
I imagine the lever would be for fun, and it has that historical aspect to it as well... but I feel I'm lacking a brush type gun, therefore:

~ I'd like one/both to be capable of hunting, up to say, large deer.
~ I'd like them both to eat affordable and available ammo.
~ It would be nice if both used the same round. (one case, two rifles)

I'd especially enjoy being able to shoot these often and I feel ammo cost plays the biggest role in that. So what do you folks think I should be looking at for chambers? Theres a hell of alot of choices out there

Note: Not looking at reloading right now.

My buying choices thus far have revolved around how much ammo I can afford to stock/shoot, how many different firearms can use that same caliber ammo, ease of locating more ammo in worst case scenario, etc... I'd like to keep the ammo diversity somewhat low.

 

[220_Swift]

If you want a bolt acton and lever gun in the same caliber, I would take a look at a Savage 99. It is a lever action, and you can get it in 308 win. Ammo is readily available, and not very expensive. Their is also the Winchester 88, and for current production their is the Browning BLR. Good luck

 

[gonzo_beyondo]

.308 is an option, definitely.

If you want a bolt acton and lever gun in the same caliber, I would take a look at a Savage 99. It is a lever action, and you can get it in 308 win.

I got a bit excited for a moment, and then I looked at it
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=43286645
I don't feel these are very good lookin' rifles. Rather spendy also.

The Browning name carries the weight, and price tag, of Browning. The BLR is lightweight, but still $600+ and doesn't have "the look".

Winchester is also hard to get a good deal on right now, the 88 seems mighty rare, priced accordingly, and looks just like a Ruger... I'd prefer a 94, it's more "western".

I'm looking for the cowboy nostalgia in a lever action. But thanks much for the input.

 

[355sigfan]

.308 is an option, definitely.


I got a bit excited for a moment, and then I looked at it
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=43286645
I don't feel these are very good lookin' rifles. Rather spendy also.

The Browning name carries the weight, and price tag, of Browning. The BLR is lightweight, but still $600+ and doesn't have "the look".

Winchester is also hard to get a good deal on right now, the 88 seems mighty rare, priced accordingly, and looks just like a Ruger... I'd prefer a 94, it's more "western".

I'm looking for the cowboy nostalgia in a lever action. But thanks much for the input.

Your not going to find a lever gun in any of the calibers mentioned except 22 that fits your cowboy nostalfia requitement. I agree with you on the Savage. Why own a lever action that looks like hell. But thats my opinon.
Pat

 

[gonzo_beyondo]

Your not going to find a lever gun in any of the calibers mentioned except 22 that fits your cowboy nostalfia requitement. I agree with you on the Savage. Why own a lever action that looks like hell. But thats my opinon.
Pat

Well, 30-30 is a common chambering for Marlin and Winchester lever guns, meeting the looks, and deer hunting requirements, would you agree?

Henry's Big Boy line has 357, 44, etc...

Then theres .45-70, .308, .223, 30-06, etc... in some lever or bolt actions, and lots of others, those are just what stands out.

Because of all the options, and the root of the intended question,
How the heck do I make a decision? I am already pretty sure of the rifles I'd buy... its the chambers I can't decide on.

I could definitely go with .22 in both types of rifles, and indeed I might at some point, but thats good for squirrel hunting, not dinner.

Pistol calibers from Henry don't seem to suit the bill in any case.

.223 in a bolt action Savage? I already have this ammo for another rifle, which is great, but limits my target range, and I don't know this for certain, but maybe limits my hunting use as well.

So what would you prefer to hunt with? Lever or bolt?
Which cartridge is cheapest yet suitable?

What do you suggest, since I'm not a hunter yet, I really have no clue in those terms... this is why I seek advice from the collective wisdom here.

 

[355sigfan]

I have, so far, a small collection covering the following:
.223/5.56 | 7.62x39 | .22 | 9mm

END QUOTE

Sorry read your post wrong thought you wanted a lever or bolt in the above calibers.
pat

 

[gonzo_beyondo]

Let me put it another way...

I can go with:
Henry Golden Boy .22lr Lever action (round $325)
plain Henry lever action .22lr (round $250)
and just shoot the levergun for fun...

Then grab:
Savage 10GXP3 Bolt action .30-06 (under $500) for hunting and target.
for example only

Or... Another example: Marlin 336A lever action 30-30 (round $400) Also seems suitable for deer hunting.


:banghead:

 

[355sigfan]

Well, 30-30 is a common chambering for Marlin and Winchester lever guns, meeting the looks, and deer hunting requirements, would you agree?

Henry's Big Boy line has 357, 44, etc...

Then theres .45-70, .308, .223, 30-06, etc... in some lever or bolt actions, and lots of others, those are just what stands out.

Because of all the options, and the root of the intended question,
How the heck do I make a decision? I am already pretty sure of the rifles I'd buy... its the chambers I can't decide on.

I could definitely go with .22 in both types of rifles, and indeed I might at some point, but thats good for squirrel hunting, not dinner.

Pistol calibers from Henry don't seem to suit the bill in any case.

.223 in a bolt action Savage? I already have this ammo for another rifle, which is great, but limits my target range, and I don't know this for certain, but maybe limits my hunting use as well.

So what would you prefer to hunt with? Lever or bolt?
Which cartridge is cheapest yet suitable?

What do you suggest, since I'm not a hunter yet, I really have no clue in those terms... this is why I seek advice from the collective wisdom here.

Bolt actions are by far the most common hunting rilfes due to cost, accuracy and the ability to shoot powerfull rounds. It just depends on what your hunting at what ranges. You would be well served for most big game hunting chores with a 30 06 Remington 700, Winchester model 70, Ruger 77 or Savage 110. For up close bear protection or big game hunting a lever action Marlin guide gun in 45- 70 is a lot of fun.
Pat

 

[gonzo_beyondo]

Sorry read your post wrong thought you wanted a lever or bolt in the above calibers.
pat

No problem! Thanks for taking the time to chime in!

It would be a cinch to pick up a .223 bolt action, but I don't think it would be a wise decision for my needs.
Cheap example: http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=43457019

 

[gonzo_beyondo]

Bolt actions are by far the most common hunting rilfes due to cost, accuracy and the ability to shoot powerfull rounds.

This is something I read often, and exactly why I'm considering the bolt better suited to hunting.

so the 30-06 is your choice I gather.

Of the rifle choices you listed, while I like the Rem. 700, I feel the Savage offers the better deal overall... and I'm pretty sure I'll go that route. In fact, pretty damn positive. Stainless, accu-trigger, laminate, lots of value for little money.

For up close bear protection or big game hunting a lever action Marlin guide gun in 45- 70 is a lot of fun.

More fun and a better choice than 30-30? Cost is going to be a factor there I think.

I'd love to do some bear hunting at some point, but I think I'd like to keep some yardage between him and I


ETA: I just looked at pricing quick?!?! $1 per round for .45-70
uhh yeah, I'll go with a 50 cal instead for that money bro!

Wolf makes 30-30 in the Gold Line for $7.50/20
Matter of fact, they're making most popular calibers so that helps even the field pricewise, .300 Win. Mag is $10/20

 

[355sigfan]

This is something I read often, and exactly why I'm considering the bolt better suited to hunting.

so the 30-06 is your choice I gather.

Of the rifle choices you listed, while I like the Rem. 700, I feel the Savage offers the better deal overall... and I'm pretty sure I'll go that route. In fact, pretty damn positive. Stainless, accu-trigger, laminate, lots of value for little money.



More fun and a better choice than 30-30? Cost is going to be a factor there I think.

I'd love to do some bear hunting at some point, but I think I'd like to keep some yardage between him and I


ETA: I just looked at pricing quick?!?! $1 per round for .45-70
uhh yeah, I'll go with a 50 cal instead for that money bro!

Wolf makes 30-30 in the Gold Line for $7.50/20
Matter of fact, they're making most popular calibers so that helps even the field pricewise, .300 Win. Mag is $10/20

Bolt actions are good choices because their simple to make and that keeps costs down and it helps in accuracy because their are very few moving parts. Weight is also lower compared to say a semi auto in the same caliber. A 30006 is a good all around choice but I prefer the 338 because I like in Alaska.

The 45 70 is a very powerfull cartridge if you reload and its not too expensive. Factory ammo can be expensive.
Pat

 

[Sir Aardvark]

Affordable and available ammo for the bolt would include .308 and 30/06.

Affordable and available ammo for the lever would include 30-30.

Same ammo for both? I dunno.... maybe get a Ruger Deerfield instead of the bolt and shoot .44MAG

I really don't think you'll find anything cheaper and more available than the .308.

 

[LAK]

.... What I can't decide, is what calibers I need/want.

I would say .308. The Browning BLR (Lever) is available in .308 or an alternative is the Savage 99.

---------------------------------------

http://ussliberty.org
http://ssunitedstates.org

 

[gonzo_beyondo]

Affordable and available ammo for the bolt would include .308 and 30/06.

Affordable and available ammo for the lever would include 30-30.

Same ammo for both? I dunno.... maybe get a Ruger Deerfield instead of the bolt and shoot .44MAG

I really don't think you'll find anything cheaper and more available than the .308.

We're talking commercial ammo, for now at least. My landlord probably would'nt appreciate me making ammo, but the bigger concern is lack of an adequate work area. Someday I'll get into reloading.

The rifles do not have to share the same cartridge, I just wanted to make sure I was'nt overlooking anything suitable for both.

I've read the 30-30 is acceptable for deer... which would make the levergun viable for hunting.

30-06 seems well suited for a bolt action hunting rifle, but here's an example where I would'nt need or desire more than one rifle chambered for 30-06.

The .308 would be suitable for hunting, plus this cartridge is versatile for use elsewhere... suiting my military interests well. Other uses for my ammo supply could include: FN/FAL, DPMS .308, Springfield M1A, opens up some interesting milsurp like French mle

The consensus of the voices in my head think the .308 sounds like a good idea.

Now I wonder, if I got into .308 would I have a real use for a 30-30 lever, besides a more expensive plinker than necessary? Because if that answer is no, then perhaps I should consider a .22LR levergun.

Thanks again for all the input.

 

[wanderinwalker]

I vote Marlin 336 in .30-30 if you are looking for a dedicated brush gun with 150-200 yard reach. If this is running you $400 OTD, then I think you need to look harder! Around here they go for about $370 for the 336CS model with the nice wood and furniture, about $320-330 for the 336A with the birchwood stock and less-nice furniture.

Another possibility is an 1894 in .44 Magnum. These are also "moderately affordable," typically in the $430-500 range new around here, depending on model. I have one and think it is great. It will suffice for a 125-150 yard brush gun, reasonably powerful but not overly so, plus it's lightweight, reliable and simple. Both the .44 Magnum and .30/30 make fine game rounds up to your larger deer, within their range restrictions. The recoil between the .30/30 and .44 Magnum in rifles of similar weight is for all purposes identical.

For a bolt-gun, something in .308 or .30-06 is your most likely first choice, with a .270 being another good option. Fact is, I can't see adding to your collection without adding calibers if you want to capture what you see as being the best benefits of either rifle design.

Edit: As for uses, I have a .260 bolt-gun which is far more accurate and arguably more potent than the .44 lever-gun, but I can see uses for both. Ditto for a .30/30 AND a .308! Of course, I hunt in heavy brush country that is never level nor open for more than 50-60 yards.

 

[SpookyPistolero]

My vote is to get a .308 bolt gun, of which there are many good choices for you. There isn't a lot for hunting that you won't get done with it.

If you still need a levergun, I might look at the marlin 1894c in .357magnum. It'd be cheap to feed with .38's and you could still use full power .357 for defense or even hunting, in a pinch.