Building on another thread ....

[rjohns94]

30-30, 32 special, 35 rem, or 38-55? And what configuration? The rifle will be a WWG customized Marlin. Primary hunting targets will be eastern whitetail, black bear, hogs. I'm kinda between two. 30-30 or 35 Remington. I'm currently without a lever in my inventory as I'm shifting stock around. I have a heavy caliber hunting rifle. I have a long range bolt gun. But I'm thinking of a general duty lever. I have a config in mind but would love to hear your comments.

[86er]

One look at "1000 Tags Filled" would easily sway you to the 35 Remington. There is no logical reason for it but the standard 200 grain @ 2100 fps has been 100% one shot kill on every bear it's ever been fired at in my ME bear camps, and likewise with WTD when I was present (either as a guide or as the shooter). Not too many other cartridges have anywhere near the statistical accomplishment of the 35 Rem over the course of my 24 years as a licensed outfitter. You do lose the long range (we've never pushed it past 150 yds) and you may be a wee bit light for giant northern or coastal bears, elk and such if the range isn't kept tight. It has a mild report and recoil and has proven to be very accurate for me in 4 different rifles that include a pump, auto and lever. I think you've been there done that with 30 WCF and know the potential. As far as the others, I've not seen the 32 ever out-do the 30 and likewise I have never seen it live up to the 35. Now the 38-55 could be ran stoutly in a modern rifle and would stretch your range or size of game a small notch with the right load, but with classic loads these are kind of peas in a pod. Think of it like the Nitro Express cartridges - 450, 470, 475 etc. Loads vary 40 grains or so bullets and velocity is +/- 125 fps but for the most part there is no difference between them. The one standout is the 450 NE 3.25" that was essentially the original. It just has a better record over history than the others. There is no scientific reason why, it just happens to be that way. So it is with the 35 Remington.

[C. Cash]

30-30, 32 special, 35 rem, or 38-55? And what configuration? The rifle will be a WWG customized Marlin. Primary hunting targets will be eastern whitetail, black bear, hogs. I'm kinda between two. 30-30 or 35 Remington. I'm currently without a lever in my inventory as I'm shifting stock around. I have a heavy caliber hunting rifle. I have a long range bolt gun. But I'm thinking of a general duty lever. I have a config in mind but would love to hear your comments.

Playing around with the 44 mag. 336 Marlin Texan, I'm reminded how much fun it is to make a big hole with mild/medium recoil. The extra rounds are a comforting thought if one was to get into trouble. What can't you do with the 44 Mag/special? Brian Pearce's DRC custom 44 Marlin 1894 is nice. The 35's Sure are fun too and you can't argue with the fact that they were/are highly regarded here in terms of killing deer dead.

[Blaine]

Whatever it is, I'll bet it's going to be interesting. 38-55 would have the cool factor down pat. BBore makes a hell for stout loading for that, and so could you.

[Ji in Hawaii]

For some reason I am more partial to rimmed cartridges in leverguns, and single shots. I am also partial to big holes in big game.
For a custom I would personally go with the 38/55, and probably opt for a straight grip butt stock and tang mounted peep sight, slimmed down forestock too but that's just me.

[ollogger]

Id go with the 38-55, in the Marlin you can load it stout & one of those 800lb. PA bear
wouldnt stand a chance, I have one in the CB & its a great gun,
Ive had the 35 Rem in the past but like the 38-55 better, thats my opine

ollogger

[JerryB]

I have a Jes rebore 38-55 in a 1973 Winchester 94 carbine and it is a joy to load for and shoot.

[Rusty]

Paco wrote about the .35 and it's potential. He is quite fond of it. I would think there is a larger bullet selection in the .35 range as well, but I haven't checked for sure.
I know one of our store managers shoots a .35 Remington. He says he has quit using his .270 Win, .270 WSM, and 7mm Mag. in favor of the .35.

[BigSky56]

You didnt comment on whether your putting glass on the gun, marlin or a rossi, you could chamber it to 33 wcf with a 200 gr bullet at 2400 fps as loaded by Snooky Williamson you are only 100 fps behind the 348 and the 338 has better SD&BC the 33 will out perform the other cartridges. Buffalo Arms manufactures the old hornady 200 gr interlock and theres a number of cast bullets for 338. Teddy R thought well of the 45-90 for big bear a hot loaded 300 gr 45 colt in a 92 action is a 45-90 +P and would knock the stuffing out of any hog, deer or bear that walks. danny

[rjohns94]

I will have glass on it in qd mount.

[Blaine]

If I ever need a T-Rex killer supreme, I've got some of the last Nosler Partition .458 300gr bullets. A healthy dose of H4198, R-7, or the like will punch those out about 2,200. Heaven help my shoulder, but that is one kick butt load! Thankfully, I don't think I'll be needing that load anytime soon, but, it's nice to know I can do it if I have to

[El Chivo]

Another vote for 35 Rem, when I was picking I was thinking about defense, and for the same amount of recoil the 35 Rem had more energy than a 44 mag.

In my experience it only shoots the jacketed 200 grain bullets well, and notice they are made to barely sit in the short neck, with a lot of bullet out the nose. Unlike 30-30 or pistol bullets. If you want to use a wide variety of bullets, look elsewhere, but if you are going for the regular 200 grain round nose, it's great.

I've tried the Remington and Sierra, and have a box of Hornady to try out soon.

If you look at charts, you'll see the 30-30 170 holds downrange energy best, but who wants that little hole?

[rjohns94]

I just secured the purchase of a 35 Remington, a straight stocked Marlin with flutes. No safety. A closet queen. Beautiful as new metaln with no wear. This will be the basis of the custom rifle. More to come.

[Griff]

I just secured the purchase of a 35 Remington, a straight stocked Marlin with flutes. No safety. A closet queen. Beautiful as new metaln with no wear. This will be the basis of the custom rifle. More to come.

While I love my .30-30s, I have a 375 Marlin when I think glass and a little more umph might be needed! Either I didn't read far enough, or you posted just moments before me... but anyway:

[2ndovc]

I just secured the purchase of a 35 Remington, a straight stocked Marlin with flutes. No safety. A closet queen. Beautiful as new metaln with no wear. This will be the basis of the custom rifle. More to come.

Sweet! I've only been shooting the .35R for just a few years but all three rifles I have in that caliber (Marlins) have been tack drivers! With multiple loads.
I have a Win 94 in .38-55 That shoots well with one loading around 1600 FPS. That's what is was made for and all I can ask of a 100 year +
rifle. One of my Grandfather's rifles and will always be with me.

I can't wait to see the finished rifle. I'm saving my pennies to send them my 94P/ .44Mag for a take down conversion. I've delt
with those guys before, first rate!

jb

[Marlin32]

Clearly the obvious choice has eluded all of you. The 32 Special is what you should be looking at. Using the Federal ammo (or speer bullet)

[rjohns94]

Griff, i will post pics when it arrives. Got it off gunbroker