Deer Hunting 2014--which levergun caliber will you be using?

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Deer Hunting 2014--which levergun caliber will you be using?

Poll ended at Tue Sep 30, 2014 3:38 pm

25/20 WCF
0
No votes
30/30 WCF
25
19%
.32 Win. Special
13
10%
32/20 WCF
1
1%
.357 Magnum
8
6%
.35 Remington
6
5%
38/40 WCF
2
2%
38/55 WCF
4
3%
.44 Magnum
9
7%
44/40 WCF
3
2%
444 Marlin
7
5%
.45 Colt
9
7%
45/60 WCF
1
1%
45/70 Govt.
13
10%
Other (i.e. 303, 300 Sav; .41Mag; .308, 06')
30
23%
 
Total votes: 131
1894c

Deer Hunting 2014--which levergun caliber will you be using?

Post by 1894c »

This year I will be Mule Deer hunting in the Pacific Northwest with a Rossi M-92 in .357 Magnum. I have been shooting 100+ reloads at 100-125 yards for last 6 weeks (limiting myself to this distance). Reloads consist of Remington 158gr. JSP bullets and using H-110 and Winchester small-pistol primers...starting to really like the Rossi, go figure... :)
Last edited by 1894c on Mon Nov 03, 2014 12:37 pm, edited 4 times in total.
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Re: Deer Hunting 2014--which levergun caliber will you be us

Post by AJMD429 »

Still pondering the 500 S&W since the Spike Driver is such a neat levergun, but the good old 44 Mag 240 gr JSP has ALWAYS done the job, so I kind of want to stick with it...

...besides, since we don't live in bear or elk or moose country, there isn't much else to use it for when it comes to hunting.

And next year, 'everything' is legal for deer in Indiana, so I might be tempted to give the old 35 Remington (Marlin) a run. Not sure I could kill a deer with a bolt action or semiauto and feel 'right' about it, but a levergun or breakopen just seems right. (Then again it would be cool to use a 50 Beowulf, and that's already legal here...)

Not a 'levergun' cartridge either, but 357 Maximum from a Contender Pistol really seems to be perfect for deer.
Last edited by AJMD429 on Mon Sep 29, 2014 4:44 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Deer Hunting 2014--which levergun caliber will you be us

Post by wolfdog »

300 Savage not on the list? That plus 444,45/70, 41 mag.
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Re: Deer Hunting 2014--which levergun caliber will you be us

Post by BigSky56 »

it kinda depends on the terrain if I hunt dark timber I use a open sight 30-30 or 348, open terrain I use a 300 savage 99 with glass mostly hunt elk but have shot deer to. all these carry nice on a horse. danny
Last edited by BigSky56 on Wed Oct 01, 2014 5:11 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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Re: Deer Hunting 2014--which levergun caliber will you be us

Post by Old No7 »

wolfdog wrote:300 Savage not on the list?
Yup! That's the one I wanted too!
Savage 99F Takedown.JPG
You have great taste wolfdog! :wink:

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Re: Deer Hunting 2014--which levergun caliber will you be us

Post by 6pt-sika »

Only levers I have for hunting are in 444 so I suppose it's safe to say the 444 is the cartridge of choice !

Matter of fact I've already plowed three damage control deer with the 444 shooting home cast bullets .

Lyman 429214 , 210 grain SWC GC
Lyman 429434 , 220 grain RFN GC
RCBS 44-225 , 225 grain SWC GC

Have my 1967 refinished gun set up with the Saeco #431 259 gr RFN , the RCBS 44-240 SWC GC and the Pyman 429244 all pushed with H322 and all shooting the same POI at 100 yards .

Have my circa 1966 Retro 444P shooting the Saeco #433 300 gr RFN , Lyman 429650 SWC GC and the RCBS 44-300 SWC GC all pushed with 50 grains of H322 and all three shooting the same POI at 100 yards .

1967 refinished rifle and the 1966 Retro 444P .

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Lastly I have my circa 2001 Marlin 444 ballard gun setup with three or four 400 grain or larger bullets all pushed with RL-7 . They do not all hit same POI at 100 yards so some adjustments will be needed as I change bullets .

2001 restocked ballard rifle .

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Re: Deer Hunting 2014--which levergun caliber will you be us

Post by 1894c »

I apologize about the .300, .303 Savage, and the .41 Magnum (my best-friend's back-east lever of choice) they only gave me 15 spaces... :)
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Re: Deer Hunting 2014--which levergun caliber will you be us

Post by 6pt-sika »

1892 wrote:I apologize about the .300, .303 Savage, and the .41 Magnum (my best-friend's back-east lever of choice) they only gave me 15 spaces... :)
OMG , no 25-35 WIN , 25-36 Marlin or 32-40 WCF . :lol:

Or or 308 Marlin Express , 338 Marlin Express or 450 Marlin :o

Or 33 WIN , 38-56 WCF , 40-65 WCF , 40-82 WCF or 45-90 WIN !!!!!!!

OMG whats the world coming to :lol: :lol: :lol:
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Re: Deer Hunting 2014--which levergun caliber will you be us

Post by vancelw »

I didn't see the "other" choice until after I voted. I was looking for .35 Whelen.
Oh well, 2 choices weren't nearly enough.
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Re: Deer Hunting 2014--which levergun caliber will you be us

Post by TedH »

I'm hoping to use my new 444 this year, but I have had it for about 6 weeks and haven't even shot it yet. :oops:
I have several loads of cast and jacketed bullets ready, waiting for a day to make it to the range.
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Re: Deer Hunting 2014--which levergun caliber will you be us

Post by Old Ironsights »

I'm hoping to get out to more than the Shotgun/ML Only area and use my 99 .308, but it's not likely this year. I'll be lucky to get in a day at the river bottom.

1892: as for your 158gr load... sounds good, but if you are reloading, why 158?

IMO as a Deer cartridge, the .357 really hits the sweet spot using 180s. The Buffalo Bore (& handload eq) loads that hit 1800fps have a better BC & sectional density and carry farther with more punch than do the 158s.

Not saying the 158s are bad, but if you are reloading you can sure do better.
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Re: Deer Hunting 2014--which levergun caliber will you be us

Post by JerryB »

My first rifle will be a 45-70, I f get a deer with that then I'll try the 92 Rossi .357 with a 180 grain cast that Tycer sent me several years ago.
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Re: Deer Hunting 2014--which levergun caliber will you be us

Post by Shasta »

I had to go with "Other". I've been out with my 1895 Winchester in .38-72 and a Browning Model 1895 in .30-40 Krag. No luck so far....


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Re: Deer Hunting 2014--which levergun caliber will you be us

Post by 1894c »

Old Ironsights wrote:
if you are reloading, why 158? -- IMO as a Deer cartridge, the .357 really hits the sweet spot using 180s.
Not saying the 158s are bad, but if you are reloading you can sure do better.
I totally agree...I got into the .357 Mag levergun in the middle of August and all I could find for parts was a bunch of 158gr. bullets (JHP's, JSP's, & TMJ). And since hunting season is coming up real fast I don't have the time to order and develop a load for the 180's (that's why I will be limiting my distance). Next year I will get into cast bullets, had real good luck with Beartooth Cast Bullets when I used them in 45/70 and .44Mag. ...thanks for asking... :)

http://www.beartoothbullets.com/
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Re: Deer Hunting 2014--which levergun caliber will you be us

Post by Old Ironsights »

1892 wrote:
Old Ironsights wrote:
if you are reloading, why 158? -- IMO as a Deer cartridge, the .357 really hits the sweet spot using 180s.
Not saying the 158s are bad, but if you are reloading you can sure do better.
I totally agree...I got into the .357 Mag levergun in the middle of August and all I could find for parts was a bunch of 158gr. bullets (JHP's, JSP's, & TMJ). And since hunting season is coming up real fast I don't have the time to order and develop a load for the 180's (that's why I will be limiting my distance). Next year I will get into cast bullets, had real good luck with Beartooth Cast Bullets when I used them in 45/70 and .44Mag. ...thanks for asking... :)

http://www.beartoothbullets.com/
Here's a good starting place: http://castbullet.com/shooting/rossi-s3.htm
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Re: Deer Hunting 2014--which levergun caliber will you be us

Post by jackruff »

I'll mostly use my Marlin 336 .30-30 made in 1969, but if it's raining I'll use my 1894ss in .44 magnum.
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Re: Deer Hunting 2014--which levergun caliber will you be us

Post by 1894c »

Old Ironsights wrote: Here's a good starting place: http://castbullet.com/shooting/rossi-s3.htm
O.I. --thank you, that's great stuff, just down-loaded all of the pages...love technology, again thank you... :)
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Re: Deer Hunting 2014--which levergun caliber will you be us

Post by 2X22 »

24" Marlin Cowboy in .44 for deer around my house, no shots over 150 yards. 260gr cast at about 1760fps.

444 Marlin and a 275gr cast at about 2200fps for elk.

And I'm sure a .30-30, 25-35, 45-70, .348 and .35 Whelen will also get one single chance apiece!
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Re: Deer Hunting 2014--which levergun caliber will you be us

Post by FWiedner »

The deer in Texas are too small, and the money spent on the hunting process is too big.

I don't bother with 'em anymore.

But if I did, and for where I'd most likely hunt, I'd go to my tried and true .356 Win.

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Re: Deer Hunting 2014--which levergun caliber will you be us

Post by carbluesnake »

My vintage 94 in 38/55 will be a fun choice.
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Re: Deer Hunting 2014--which levergun caliber will you be us

Post by Dusty Texian »

Well 1892 ,I did not make the list. I will be using my 1876 Winchester 40-60wcf or my 1876 Winchester 45-75 wcf,I am the odd duck.,,,,,,DT
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Re: Deer Hunting 2014--which levergun caliber will you be us

Post by RIHMFIRE »

bow seasons has been a complete washout......in sept. we have had a 20" to 25" of rain....9" in one day
muzzy season starts the 18th
1st gun hunt will be with 30-30 in fairly thick cover and short range...less than 100 yds
if rain continues ....and floods everything over here....I will have to travel to the middle of the state
for higher ground...and use a 30-06
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Re: Deer Hunting 2014--which levergun caliber will you be us

Post by cas »

I usually bring a few things along, the last few years I've brought three long guns. Something scoped and longer range, something iron sighted and something old, or "primitive" or at the very least single shot.

If I get all my ducks in a row in time, I lrealized last night that I'll be bring a bolt action rifle for the first time every for deer. Same goes for the levergun, assuming I get all the wrinkles worked out in time it will be a Savage 1899 in 250-3000.
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Re: Deer Hunting 2014--which levergun caliber will you be us

Post by 1894 »

If the question was worded different I would just answer Marlin 20" carbine and been done with it. :lol:
But since I use the 1894 in .44 mag , the 1936 in .32 special , and the 336 in .35 rem I just hit the 32 and the 35 on the poll.
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Re: Deer Hunting 2014--which levergun caliber will you be us

Post by Mainehunter »

Most likely I'm bringing these two along.

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Top: Early 50's, Savage 99 in 300 Savage (aka Frankenstein, parts gun)
Bottom: Mid 80's Marlin 336 re-chambered in 35/30-30

I also have in route a CZ 527 7.62x39 that I might just tote round in the woods.

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Re: Deer Hunting 2014--which levergun caliber will you be us

Post by Tommy Reb »

Other. 1876, 45-75.

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Re: Deer Hunting 2014--which levergun caliber will you be us

Post by Bill in Oregon »

My old late 1930s Savage 99 in .300 with Redfield peep will get the nod. This thing sure likes the Nosler 125-grain BT, plenty for our blacktails.

Re: the .357, that bullet and load that Junior discussed looks like a real dandy.
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Re: Deer Hunting 2014--which levergun caliber will you be us

Post by JReed »

1 1/16" Magnus Buzzcut launched at 270fps by a 2014 Mission Riot. :D
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Re: Deer Hunting 2014--which levergun caliber will you be us

Post by yooper2 »

I'll probably shoot another deer for the freezer with my 38/55 rebore (thanks crop damage permit!) but for buck hunting I will be shooting the Model 71. Really looking forward to whacking something wall-worthy with the 71.


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Re: Deer Hunting 2014--which levergun caliber will you be us

Post by hightime »

I don't like the look of the carry handle, but my eyes.
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Re: Deer Hunting 2014--which levergun caliber will you be us

Post by Ragnor »

:D I see you left out the .348. The dilemma I have is to which to choose?
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Re: Deer Hunting 2014--which levergun caliber will you be us

Post by rjohns94 »

I will be using, during regular season either a winchester 94 trapper or a savage 99f takedown, both in 30-30. I will be hunting with a .54 cal flintlock in early and late season muzzle loader. 3 tags to fill this year and a near empty freezer.
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Re: Deer Hunting 2014--which levergun caliber will you be us

Post by veeman »

12 Gauge. Stupid Illinois. :evil:
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Re: Deer Hunting 2014--which levergun caliber will you be us

Post by Mossyoak1957 »

My 1960 Marlin 336 SC 32 Spl.

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Re: Deer Hunting 2014--which levergun caliber will you be us

Post by Gobblerforge »

There are some beauties there. Sadly, though Ohio is allowing strait wall cartridge rifles this year, I won't be using one. I am going to hunt with my 20 ga. 870 with the red dot sight that Pitchy gave me a little over a year ago. I am hoping Ohio changes to allow my 38-40 soon. Then I'll hunt with the rifle.
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Re: Deer Hunting 2014--which levergun caliber will you be us

Post by MacEntyre »

Mossyoak1957 wrote:My 1960 Marlin 336 SC 32 Spl.
That makes two of us, Mossyoak1957!

I'll be using my 1939 Winchester 94 in 32 WS.

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Re: Deer Hunting 2014--which levergun caliber will you be us

Post by 2X22 »

2X22 wrote:24" Marlin Cowboy in .44 for deer around my house
Well.............. you can't imagine how right I was! After putting on about 50-60 miles over the past week and a half on foot in the mountains around my house, this morning while cooking breakfast, I caught movement out the living room window. Looking out, I saw a nice buck standing in my lawn, one of the buggers that have been mowing down my apples this fall.

Grabbing my Marlin, I eased out the back door and around the side of my cabin and took careful aim off my faucet. One shot, broadside at 50' right behind the shoulders and he ran about 100' before piling up. Had him hung and skinned 30 minutes later! A dandy little 3x3 blacktail.... :mrgreen:
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Re: Deer Hunting 2014--which levergun caliber will you be us

Post by 7.62 Precision »

Well, I might be in Kodiak soon for at least one job if not two. If so, I think I will take my .30-40 Krag 1895 Winchester carbine and maybe my 1876 NWMP carbine clone (.45-75) for deer.

I was in Tununak, where there is nothing but Musk Oxen, so I did not do any hunting yet this year - missed moose season and then was in Nome too early for caribou. So I signed up for the problem moose list - cow or calf in the winter - but it is a slug only hunt, which I am generally opposed to - it is stupidity, but if I have to hunt with slugs, I might grab an 1887 clone and do it in style!
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Re: Deer Hunting 2014--which levergun caliber will you be us

Post by Dan 444 »

My Marlin 444 and I had to go with "Other" to cover for my 356Win (Marlin 336ER).

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Re: Deer Hunting 2014--which levergun caliber will you be us

Post by .45colt »

I'll be taking one of My 45-70's, still hard to believe we are have a rifle season here in Ohio. never thought I'd see the day. :D .
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Re: Deer Hunting 2014--which levergun caliber will you be us

Post by jcw »

What GMU's will you be hunting?
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Re: Deer Hunting 2014--which levergun caliber will you be us

Post by Old Time Hunter »

Pair of .444's for me, one '94 Timber Carbine and the other a '94 Black Shadow...of course will need to bring along my little '94 44 Trapper too.
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Re: Deer Hunting 2014--which levergun caliber will you be us

Post by rafter-7 »

6pt-sika wrote:
1892 wrote:I apologize about the .300, .303 Savage, and the .41 Magnum (my best-friend's back-east lever of choice) they only gave me 15 spaces... :)
OMG , no 25-35 WIN , 25-36 Marlin or 32-40 WCF . :lol:

Or or 308 Marlin Express , 338 Marlin Express or 450 Marlin :o

Or 33 WIN , 38-56 WCF , 40-65 WCF , 40-82 WCF or 45-90 WIN !!!!!!!

OMG whats the world coming to :lol: :lol: :lol:

MMMM i'll pick from his list, there is only 4 calibers I don't have and if I were to go with a lever it would be 25-35 then 35-55 then 33 then 348 then 40-82 then 45-90. I hunt the plains and need to go fast and flat
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Re: Deer Hunting 2014--which levergun caliber will you be us

Post by Griff »

IF I go hunting this year... as usual, it'll be with the .30-30. But, which one will be the usual dilemma!
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Re: Deer Hunting 2014--which levergun caliber will you be us

Post by beekeeper »

I will probably use my 336 Marlin 35 Remington. Usually took my 1894 Marlin 357 mag, but I bought the 35 Rem after looking for years for one at a good price, finally found one, have been practicing all month with Ranchdog 175 gas checked bullet with a nice load of Varget, and it is a real piece of work. But I had to put a scope on it, these 76 year old eyes are not what they used to be, plus I have got some cataract surgery in a few months, so had to put a scope on it. Getting some really tight groups at 100 yards, but have never taken a deer at that range, where I shoot, the forrest is pretty thick so usually 50-60 yards is probably the longest shot. At that range, they usually drop where they are hit.

My Grandson last year was in a tree stand with his old rusty muzzle loader, saw a buck, shot, deer dropped where he stood. Butchered the buck could not find a hole anywhere, went back in the woods, found the slug in a tree about 2 feet above where the deer was, couldn't believe it, according to a Vetinarian, said it was possible, animals have been known to die from fright, wonder if any of you have heard of such a thing. I have seen rabbits do this, but never a deer.

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Re: Deer Hunting 2014--which levergun caliber will you be us

Post by JNG »

This year I will be using my Sharps carbine in 45-70. I am using a 350gr LFP over 35 grains of 5744. The 405 work, but the 350's seem to be dead nuts at the 100yrd range. It's the longest shot to be able to taken at my land, very thick. If it is raining, I would use my Winchester 357 with 180 over 15 grains of little gun. ( Don't want to abuse the Shiloh on it's first hunt.) First season in Ohio I can use a rifle, yee haa!!
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Re: Deer Hunting 2014--which levergun caliber will you be us

Post by Marvin S »

Probably switch back and forth from 32-40 and 33win.
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