Browning BLR Caliber Selection

[kselkhunter]

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

[Magnum_Willys]

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

[kselkhunter]

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. 

[TVHunts]

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!

[jdb]

I haven't much to add but applaud your choice! I just picked up my first blr

[yorketransport]

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.

[jrebel]

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!!!

[MHWASH]

No doubt about it, the 325 would be my pick. It is more of an all around cartridge than the .358 or .450.

[kselkhunter]

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. 

[MHWASH]

In MY opinion, the versatility of the 325 would outway the practicality of the takedown. Not sure where that would be worthwhile personally.

[theleo]

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). 

[fly-by]

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.

[bearpaw]

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.

  Best advice!

[BigGoonTuna]

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.

[MHWASH]

kslkhunter,

Have you made a decision?

[kselkhunter]

No, haven't made a decision.  Have had to delay it a bit.   

[superdown]

My Dad has the BLR in .358 and i have the A-bolt in 325wsm and have a Winchester 1886 in 45-70 which is the ballistic twin to the .450 marlin of the three out to 300 yards i would pick the .358 or .325wsm if i was shooting further. longest shot i have with the blr .358 was just over 200 yards with a a 225gr. Barnes TSX @ 2500 fps and the longest shot with the .325wsm was 309 yards with a 220 gr.power point @ 2840 fps both dropped the deer like a sack of crap.