What can I expect with a 16" 30-30 Marlin

[kemosabi45]

I was wondering if anyone here has experience with a 16" 30-30?
What is the ballistics and what is the drop?
Will the Hornady Leverevolution work in the 16" or is it made for the longer barrels?

[Nath]

I have owned two Win 94 trappers and one 336 20" (trappers 16"). I never noticed any diference. To about 150yds the critters will never tell!

Nath.

[J Miller]

The shorter barrel will be somewhat louder as well. The velocity loss is minor but there. OS did a chronograph test of the three major barrel lengths some time back. I can't find it now.

For normal hunting ranges the trajectory difference is negligible.

Joe

[Idiot]

You will lose a little over 50fps compared to a 20" barrel. I did some chronograph tests a while back using 150 grain factory loads and that was the result.

In summary, there is nearly no real difference in range, power, trajectory, or anything else, between a 20" and 16" barrelled 30-30 Winchester. The real difference is handling; the shorter barrel is more handy, and the longer barrel rests on the target a bit better. Which one do I use? The 20" barreled version gets the nod simply because it sits outside the safe and the Trapper sits in it. Besides, my carbine is a pre-64 and is more pleasurable to use. Ballistics has nothing to do with.

Now, if I spent more time in the saddle, like I used to, the Trapper would get the nod. Have fun.

[Noah Zark]

I bought a 16" Marauder from TNBigBore last year, and I have absolutely no problem hitting a bowling pin at 100 yds using 150 gr factory Remington ammo or my 150 gr handloads that are loaded to factory velocity. The rear sight is set in elevator notch 3 from the shallow end. I put a dab of almond appliance touch-up enamel on the gold bead and visibility is good to go.

Smooth little carbine that my heirs will have to deal with.

Noah

[kemosabi45]

Thanks that is great info and exactly what I wanted to know. I did fire 2 test shots and you're right it is definitely louder.

[KSFlatheadhunter]

The deer I shot with my old 16" youth model Marlin 30-30 didn't know the difference. Sorry, I don't have any ballistic data but it worked fine at relatively close range.

Darin

[Griff]

I have a 16" Winchester 94 and have found that the only difference is the precision of aiming due to sight differences. I think the sights, being a littler more straight & square than the standard Winchester carbine sights are responsible for how well I can shoot this little carbine.

The Trapper has some great sights... and I've been able to bang steel out to 200yards with it, no problem. 300 yards was a bit "spotty"... and well, 500 was a hope & prayer only anyway!