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Which medium/large bore BLR to choose?

358 Win
325 WSM
450 Marlin

Author Topic: Browning BLR Caliber Selection  (Read 5363 times)

Offline kselkhunter

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Browning BLR Caliber Selection
« on: July 20, 2017, 04:14:03 PM »
Hi folks.  I'm likely selling my Marlin 336, and plan to replace it with a larger caliber in a stainless Browning BLR.  Haven't decided if I want the takedown model or the standard yet.

I'm going between the 358 win, 325 WSM, and 450 Marlin calibers.  Purpose is elk/bear, and likely go along as second gun on Alaska and Canada trips.  Each of these calibers fit that mold.  Haven't decided yet if I'd scope it, or just run a peep on it. 

I have a 35 Whelen already in a bolt gun, so contemplating ruling out the 358 Win...although sharing bullets across in reloading would be a positive.    325WSM would give more range and plenty of power.  450 Marlin would give larger size bullet options, albeit with stout recoil.  All have limited factory ammo, and I'm just getting into reloading. 

Does anybody have one of these calibers in a BLR?    If so any feedback you can share? 

Thanks

Offline Magnum_Willys

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Re: Browning BLR Caliber Selection
« Reply #1 on: July 20, 2017, 05:04:17 PM »
Have 325 wsm in browning xbolt. Very sweet rifle with some 338wm type power. But in the light xbolt it kicks a ton. Much  More than a typical 9.5#  338 wm.  The blr is probably a heavier more comfortable option

Offline kselkhunter

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Re: Browning BLR Caliber Selection
« Reply #2 on: July 20, 2017, 06:14:45 PM »
Thanks for the input.  Good to know.  I've shot many calibers, but never a 325 WSM.  The BLR is only 4 ounces heavier than the X-bolt stalker in that caliber. 

Granted I'm comparing it to the 450 Marlin, so recoil is in the same ballpark anyway. 









Offline TVHunts

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Re: Browning BLR Caliber Selection
« Reply #3 on: July 20, 2017, 06:39:00 PM »
I can't speak for it in a BLR but I know the 325 WSM is a great round and would easily be my choice of the three. Good luck!
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Offline jdb

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Re: Browning BLR Caliber Selection
« Reply #4 on: July 20, 2017, 06:41:53 PM »
I haven't much to add but applaud your choice! I just picked up my first blr
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Offline yorketransport

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Re: Browning BLR Caliber Selection
« Reply #5 on: July 20, 2017, 08:48:36 PM »
Those are all great options! I've played with all of them and they're all great for the right job. I'd go 325 for an all round choice though. The 450 is great for short range but those ballets drop like a rock. The 358 is good for about 300 yards IMO and I really liked mine. The 325 just does everything  a little bit better.

Offline jrebel

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Re: Browning BLR Caliber Selection
« Reply #6 on: July 20, 2017, 08:54:12 PM »
Not a BLR....but I have a 450 marling in a guide gun and I love it.  It has the magna ported barrel and it is a *censored* cat to shoot.  I would rather shoot it over the 45/70.  Great round!!! :tup: :tup:

Offline MHWASH

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Re: Browning BLR Caliber Selection
« Reply #7 on: July 20, 2017, 09:35:38 PM »
No doubt about it, the 325 would be my pick. It is more of an all around cartridge than the .358 or .450.

Offline kselkhunter

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Re: Browning BLR Caliber Selection
« Reply #8 on: July 20, 2017, 09:41:12 PM »
Thanks for the inputs.  I'm probably down to the 325 WSM vs. 450 Marlin.  If I did the 450 Marlin it would be in the takedown model.  325 WSM is only available in the standard model. 

In the 325 WSM I'd probably lean towards the 180g or 200g Barnes TSX.  Although the 220g Swift and Woodleigh bullets look appealing too in the caliber.  Being a BLR with the magazine I can use pointed bullets, as long as it fits in the magazine/COAL (which can't do in a Marlin).  In the 450 Marlin, probably the 325g Hornadys to start, and then various 400g options. 
« Last Edit: July 20, 2017, 09:50:00 PM by kselkhunter »

Offline MHWASH

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Re: Browning BLR Caliber Selection
« Reply #9 on: July 20, 2017, 09:53:58 PM »
In MY opinion, the versatility of the 325 would outway the practicality of the takedown. Not sure where that would be worthwhile personally.

Offline theleo

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Re: Browning BLR Caliber Selection
« Reply #10 on: July 24, 2017, 09:32:17 AM »
I'd go with the 358. Played with one in a 99 and was surprised at how pleasant the round is to shoot. The 450 Marlin really doesn't do anything for me, it's just a more expensive 45-70 (brass being the more expensive part). 

Offline fly-by

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Re: Browning BLR Caliber Selection
« Reply #11 on: July 24, 2017, 09:53:41 PM »
About 5 years ago I owned a matte stainless laminate BLR in .450 Marlin.  It was fun to shoot and accurate enough but decided it was not necessary for western WA. Given your plans I would go with the 325 WSM.  It pulls ahead of the .450 at fairly short range.  At 200 yards factory ammo the 450 is about 1900 lb/ft while the 325 is about 2500.  At 300 yards it's not even close.     

The takedown feature is nice, but these are pretty handy rifles to begin with and pack/balance well.


Offline bearpaw

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Re: Browning BLR Caliber Selection
« Reply #12 on: July 24, 2017, 10:00:06 PM »
Those are all great options! I've played with all of them and they're all great for the right job. I'd go 325 for an all round choice though. The 450 is great for short range but those ballets drop like a rock. The 358 is good for about 300 yards IMO and I really liked mine. The 325 just does everything  a little bit better.

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Offline BigGoonTuna

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Re: Browning BLR Caliber Selection
« Reply #13 on: July 25, 2017, 04:30:18 AM »
i don't think i'd be packing a levergun somewhere i'd plan on making a shot over 300 yards anyway.  something just feels right about the .358 winchester, i'd save the magnums for heavier bolt guns, and i don't think i'd want to try and find brass for a .450 marlin.
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Offline MHWASH

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Re: Browning BLR Caliber Selection
« Reply #14 on: August 18, 2017, 08:53:45 PM »
kslkhunter,

Have you made a decision?

 


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