Which big bore rifle?

[mtnbkr]

I have an accumulation of Cabelas points to spend with them, enough now that I can consider a firearm. I currently have only one rifle, a Winchester Featherweight in 6.5x55. I think I'd like something bigger. I'm not much of a target shooter, nor are my hunting shots taken at long ranges (I hunt the mountains of VA, a long shot is 50-75yds). I've been considering either a Marlin big bore lever gun or an Encore carbine. I want the gun to be short, light, and handy from a treestand or while moving through heavy laurel thickets. I would use this for deer, and possible bear or hog if the opportunity presented itself. Of course, the fun of a short, light big bore rifle is a big factor as well. I think of this as my shoulder fired mortar.

The Encore has the edge in compactness and weight, but is only a single shot. I could also add other calibers later on. The Marlin would add capacity and possibly strength, but will be heavier and longer (2-3"). It also lacks the flexibility.

So, which would you choose and in which caliber? I currently load and cast for 44mag, so a rifle in 44mag would be a seamless fit, but I think I want more power. 444 Marlin seems logical, I could use the same bullets. What about 45/70? If I go with the Encore, I have also considered 500 S&W.

I've also considered Ruger's bolt action carbine in 44mag.

By the time I get around to making this purchase, I should have $700+ in "points" to spend. I don't mind tossing a few extra bucks into the mix, but I want something that my "free money" can purchase outright or with very little addition from me.

Chris

[joej]

All I'll say is - a short, light weight big bore rifle is equal to self-abuse.

That being said, unless you reload, I wouldn't recommend the 500 S&W because of the cost and maybe not the 450 Marlin due to the fact that all commercial ammunition is loaded full-bore and the recoil from that round isn't for everyone shot from a benchrest.

45/70 can be commercially purchased in mouse fart loads that will knock a deer over and keep right on truckin'.

[mtnbkr]

I do reload. Currently, I reload 32/32-20/38/357/44/ and 6.5x55 in rifle.

I expect the recoil on the calibers other than 44mag to be rough, but I can download as necessary.

Chris

[treborsnave]

I shoot a short-barreled Marlin 444; the recoil is there, but it's not what I would call rough. Using the same bullets as your 44 is definitely a plus!

[mtnbkr]

For my use, is the 444 that much "better"? I know it offers more velocity, but will it kill any better than a hot 44mag from the same barrel length at <100yds? Just curious if it's worth the cost of dies, brass, etc for brush hunting.

Chris

[Aggie01]

If you are shooting cast bullets, more velocity stops gaining you anything after a point, you need to go up in caliber.
My preference is for the Encore. The options are endless.
My preferences in the Encore are for rimmed cartridges.

My 16.3" 45-70 is about all you want with heavy loads. (405's @2k fps)



One of the 20" katahdin barrels in 500 S&W could be a very nice and versatile option.

[mtnbkr]

Aggie, your Encore was what I had in mind when I started thinking about this.

Though, I'd stay a bit lower on the power scale.

Chris

[jgt]

I started with a Rossi 44 mag 92 clone and with my hunting load it kicked so hard my eyes watered. I sold it and purchased a Marlin 1894 in 44 mag and it was much better with the same load. I then went to a 444 Marlin and fell in love. I now own six Marlin 444's and a Winchester 444. I shoot 44 revolvers so I kept the 1894 but am tempted to sell it. The 444 works for all North Amarican game as well as those yet to be cloned like Mastadons and Dynosores. It is also good for UFO's, Sasquach, and Black Helicoptors. Very versitile rifles. Good luck in your choice.

[hairy]

As much as I like big bores, the 6.5 X 55 is a heck of a cartridge! That is where I would go.

[mtnbkr]

I'm not replacing it, just adding something else to the stable.

Chris

[warhawk]

One of my 444's



One of my 45-70's

[treborsnave]

Nov 10, 2012 10:56:54 GMT -5 mtnbkr said:

For my use, is the 444 that much "better"? I know it offers more velocity, but will it kill any better than a hot 44mag from the same barrel length at <100yds? Just curious if it's worth the cost of dies, brass, etc for brush hunting.

Chris

Will it kill "better"? No. Dead is dead, whether the bullet came from a 44 mag or 444. The 444 will extend your range out to 200-225 yards, but you say you don't shoot that far anyway. So you might be just as well served with a 44 mag carbine; then you could have all kinds of fun figuring out a load that runs well in both your carbine and pistol.

[Ken O'Neill]

It's hard to beat a 1895 Marlin Guide Gun in .45-70 in my opinion

[subsonic]

Since you're buying from Cabelas, look at the Sabatti doubles. Probably too much$$ if you're like me, but fun to dream!

[robl]

What Ken Said!