1st Levergun

[groo]

Groo here
From ohio...
First check what the cartridge specs in the hunting manual.
I know it is 35cal or bigger,no bottle neck cases, and there was a min case length.
To be safe stick with the pistol cases. Ps we did get a verbel ok on a tc contender 45-70.
Do not under rate a 357 from a rifle to 100yds.
44 mag will work fine , I want to try my 41mag.......

[groo]

Groo here
PS. The 357 max in a tc pistol is one of the best-- that in a single shot rifle will sing...

[Bile]

I think the 44 Magnum is a solid choice. I've owned three of them. But you might consider the Marlin 1894 short rifle (20" barrel) chambered in 357 Magnum. I've also owned many of these, but unlike the 44 Magnum, I've kept my 357 Magnums (that's not to say I won't buy another 44 Magnum). Here's why. Although most handgun cartridges gain velocity in a rifle barrel, as compared to a revolver, none gain more velocity than a 357 Magnum. A full power 158 grain bullet can be fired close to 1,800 fps from a 20" barrel. This velocity is approaching authentic rifle cartridge bullet speeds. And when you hit a deer at 100 yards with a good 158 grain bullet at speeds that are better than a handgun with its muzzle pressed against its hide, it will be effective. The 357 Magnum fired from a rifle is a completely different cartridge than when it's fired from a handgun. So, it may not be as effective as a 44 Magnum, but it is effective.

This effectiveness is achieved with a lot less recoil than a 44 Magnum. The recoil of the 357 Magnum out of a carbine is negligible, but same cannot be said of the 44 Magnum. And although the 44 Magnum's recoil is not what I'd consider heavy, you know when you've touched off a round. To some folks, the 44 Magnum's recoil is very uncomfortable.

357 Magnum ammo is about two-thirds the cost of 44 Magnum ammo, and reloading costs are about half. Also, just about every hardware/drugstore that sells ammo carries 357 Magnum - fewer carry 44 Magnum.

357 Magnum cartridges also take up a lot less space in your pocket. This means you can either carry more ammo for the same weight, or the same ammo at a lighter weight. Does this matter? At the end of a long day of hunting it can, or if for some odd reason you need to really pour on the lead at some target - it does. This also translates into more ammo capacity in your tube magazine.

And finally, I'd be a tad hesitant to use a 44 Magnum carbine in a self-defense situation - in my house - in my neighborhood, I wouldn't hesitate to use my 357 Magnum. It can be loaded with a whole host of rapid expansion self-defense loads tailor made for just about any self-defense situation that could occur.

So, again, the 44 Magnum is a solid choice. But you might want to at least consider the 357 Magnum carbine.

[stevemb]

I have seen where as the .44's average a 300fps gain when going from 6 1/2"-71/2" to 18"-20" barrels, that .357's with the right powders can gain quite a bit more. This alone not enough to sway me. I load for both bores now anyway, but due to hunting considerations, and the slight chance of bear/boar being adding to the menu at some time in the future, I'm sticking the the .44's. I can load 160-180 in .44spec cases for light loads, cowboy loads. I can load my 265gr/275gr/300gr bullets in mag cases over 296/110 or IMR4227 which is clearly another class of game rifle then, than the .357 can muster. The 180gr XTP's will turn themselves inside out and limit penetration if wanted for HD.. Truly, the more tactically minded, looking into leverguns for a more PC option have chosen the .357 but they are not hunters and have not the "investment" in the .44 that I have. There are a .38 and two .357's here, just never developed the fondness for them. Thanks for all the replies. So far... ODOW hasn't given their blessing to the pistol caliber carbine/rifles. Still hoping. stevemb

[Frank V]

Steve hope your job situation resolves for the better!
I'm a big fan of 2400, I know it's old school, but so am I & 2400 can be loaded down like some of the other higher performance powders can't.
It also runs through a measure pretty well. I use others Titegroup, Unique, WW231/HP38, Trailboss, HS6/WW540, mostly in handguns, & mostly 2400 in the rifle.
Let us know about the job, & rifle selection.

[stevemb]

Thanks Frank. Am old school too. On my loading table you'll find Unique and 2400. Haven't used the newer, slower, ball powders or IMR4227 in a couple decades or so. Yeah, have throttled down 2400, this something you best not do with 110/296 and such. Gotta admit Power-Pistol keeps catching my attention...haven't tried it..yet. At work, the unions asked the company to consider a federal mediator. The company waited 3 days to respond with a sweetened proposal. Another vote by the members on the 3rd. This is slowly strangling the summer for us. But seems to be good news, maybe. stevemb

[stevemb]

Availability issue ? Dropped into the Gndr Mtn in Erie today. All the long gun racks were full, but only 2 Marlin 336's, the only 2 leverguns, odd in Penn.. Young man said, "well, we aren't really taking orders now...can't give a time...then quoted me a "ballpark" figure of $ 849 for a gun he couldn't seem to find. WHAT ? HUH ? stevemb

[stevemb]

Yup, availability issues. Neither Gander or Cabelas has squat. Other avenues to pursue now. Who'd a thunk, you couldn't go into a gun store and buy a Marlin levergun ? What happened to America ? Geez... stevemb

[stevemb]

Yup, might as well say Marlin is no longer in business. The website doesn't have e-mail contact. I hate phones more'n 'puters. I don't go online unless I'm packin', in case this thing tries to bite me..Guy at the LGS says to try something called gunbroken..I don't want a broken gun. Just a bit, tongue in cheek here, and frustrated too. stevemb

[bobl44]

Talk to your LGS let them know what you are looking for. They might turn up something. One of my many youthful mistakes was trading away my 1894 44mag
Bob L.

[Frank V]

Steve, if you haven't check out www.marlinowners.com it's a good forum for Marlin owners & want to be owners.
The folks are friendly & helpful, pretty much like this forum.
I don't think you'll have to put out near what Gander mtn suggested, There is a shop 1-1/2hr drive from me that usually has several NIB Marlins in the high 5 to mid 600 range.
Mods. if it's against the rules to suggest another forum feel free to delete & accept my apology.

[stevemb]

Ballard vs Micro-Groove rifling. School me. I've been put onto a Marlin 1894 in .44 LN. Had been warned to stick to Ballard type rifling, especially if planning a diet of cast bullets, which I am. Am looking for opinions from people with hands on experience. I'd like to make a move on the rifle within a few days if...if. Its a Micro-Groove. My plans for it are as told above in earlier posts. stevemb

[Frank V]

Steve I'm kind of old school, I like 2400 in the .44 Mag or Unique.

[stevemb]

Well, the rifle that found me, is 4hrs away. The seller just quoted me a decent price but in the next sentence says they're not really yet sure they want to sell it. Gun was in a classified online thingy in central Penn for a while now, sooo, maybe ploy not to dicker ? I'm NOT an ole horse trader kinda guy. We've all had remorse over something sold, guess I'll give'em space. stevemb

[Frank V]

Steve I really hope your job situation improves.
Let us know about both the job & the Marlin.
I kind of like Marlins & I'm hearing the micro-groove will shoot lead you just have to find what it likes.
Did you go to www.marlinowners.com & see what they are saying?
A pretty knowlegable bunch over there.
Good luck.