Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => Guns and Ammo => Topic started by: TheGreenHunter on March 11, 2019, 06:15:35 PM

Title: Hunting with a lever action rifle
Post by: TheGreenHunter on March 11, 2019, 06:15:35 PM: I’ve been watching a lot of westerns lately and now have a fascination with lever action rifles. I was curious if anyone still hunts with them and what cartridge and range did you successfully take your shot.

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Title: Re: Hunting with a lever action rifle
Post by: meathunter 4x4 on March 11, 2019, 06:18:53 PM: I use a model 94 32. Special open sights every once in a while. So fun to hunt with anything under 200 yards usually drops in there tracks!
Title: Re: Hunting with a lever action rifle
Post by: Griiz on March 11, 2019, 07:06:34 PM: Savage model 99 300savage that my grandpa gave me. Sweet gun. Bear and deer all shot under 100feet but accurate well beyond that
Title: Re: Hunting with a lever action rifle
Post by: yorketransport on March 11, 2019, 07:28:34 PM: I've hunted with a lot of lever guns, but only taken one deer with one. My favorite is the Win 88. I had one in 308 but I really wanted to find a good deal on a shooter grade 358 Win. I used a Guide Gun in 450 Marlin on a deer with great results at about 70 yards using a 440gr hard cast handload. I had a 444 and 45-70 too that I never got anything with. I did get a coyote with a Savage 99 in 300 Savage at 125 yards.

For a classic lever gun like a model 94 or any of the Marlins, I think you'd be good to 150 yards with any of the available chamberings. In something like a Savage 99 or Win 88 I'd say 400 is doable as long as your gun shoots well.
Title: Re: Hunting with a lever action rifle
Post by: Bango skank on March 11, 2019, 07:30:51 PM: Quote from: yorketransport on March 11, 2019, 07:28:34 PM

In something like a Savage 99 or Win 88 I'd say 400 is doable as long as your gun shoots well.

I killed a bear at 350 yards with a win 88. Killed another bear at 10 yards same gun.
Title: Re: Hunting with a lever action rifle
Post by: Bullkllr on March 11, 2019, 07:34:36 PM: Levers are about all I use anymore.

Mod 94 in 30/30

Mod 99 in 308. I wouldn't call it a tack-driver, but it's all I need for my abilities out to 250yds or so.
Title: Re: Hunting with a lever action rifle
Post by: TheGreenHunter on March 11, 2019, 08:00:10 PM: Cool to know they are still being used. I was thinking about getting a modern version of the classic ones. No optics, iron sights, 30-30

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Title: Re: Hunting with a lever action rifle
Post by: JimmyHoffa on March 11, 2019, 08:12:19 PM: Quote from: yorketransport on March 11, 2019, 07:28:34 PM
I've hunted with a lot of lever guns, but only taken one deer with one. My favorite is the Win 88. I had one in 308 but I really wanted to find a good deal on a shooter grade 358 Win. I used a Guide Gun in 450 Marlin on a deer with great results at about 70 yards using a 440gr hard cast handload. I had a 444 and 45-70 too that I never got anything with. I did get a coyote with a Savage 99 in 300 Savage at 125 yards.

For a classic lever gun like a model 94 or any of the Marlins, I think you'd be good to 150 yards with any of the available chamberings. In something like a Savage 99 or Win 88 I'd say 400 is doable as long as your gun shoots well.
Working on a mod 71 in 348 Ackley Imp. Should get pretty close to 35 Whelen performance which might be good for 600 (chip shot for your cannons).
Title: Re: Hunting with a lever action rifle
Post by: yorketransport on March 11, 2019, 08:24:54 PM: Quote from: JimmyHoffa on March 11, 2019, 08:12:19 PM

Working on a mod 71 in 348 Ackley Imp. Should get pretty close to 35 Whelen performance which might be good for 600 (chip shot for your cannons).

I'd love to get my hands on a model 71! It's just so hard to find a good deal on one. Most of the ones I see are too nice for what I'd use it for.
Title: Re: Hunting with a lever action rifle
Post by: Dirtracer on March 11, 2019, 08:26:32 PM: An old Savage 99 in 303 Savage that my grandpa gave me has dropped plenty of deer. It's only a safe queen anymore but I'm confident it could still do the job.
Title: Re: Hunting with a lever action rifle
Post by: grundy53 on March 11, 2019, 08:32:31 PM: I have a Marlin 336 in .338 Marlin Express. Haven't killed anything with it yet but I occasionally take it for a walk in the woods.

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Title: Re: Hunting with a lever action rifle
Post by: JimmyHoffa on March 11, 2019, 08:38:35 PM: Quote from: yorketransport on March 11, 2019, 08:24:54 PM
Quote from: JimmyHoffa on March 11, 2019, 08:12:19 PM

Working on a mod 71 in 348 Ackley Imp. Should get pretty close to 35 Whelen performance which might be good for 600 (chip shot for your cannons).

I'd love to get my hands on a model 71! It's just so hard to find a good deal on one. Most of the ones I see are too nice for what I'd use it for.
I wouldn't have messed with a nice one or even a not so nice one with any kind of value. Found a late model stripped receiver and have been piecing it together with parts to make a frankenstein rifle. So few were made the parts search is a real scavenger hunt.
Title: Re: Hunting with a lever action rifle
Post by: Bango skank on March 11, 2019, 08:50:02 PM: Quote from: grundy53 on March 11, 2019, 08:32:31 PM
I have a Marlin 336 in .338 Marlin Express. Haven't killed anything with it yet but I occasionally take it for a walk in the woods.

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Got this 1949 336sc .30-30 from the classifieds on here this year. If i draw spring bear this year (doubt it will happen) ill use this gun.
Title: Re: Hunting with a lever action rifle
Post by: BLR 243 on March 11, 2019, 09:01:12 PM: My first deer was killed with my Winchester model 94 30-30 pre 64. the last 27 or so with my Browning BLR 243, being left handed lever actions were a natural.
Title: Re: Hunting with a lever action rifle
Post by: Stein on March 11, 2019, 09:13:32 PM: Do gophers count?
Title: Re: Hunting with a lever action rifle
Post by: BigGoonTuna on March 11, 2019, 09:29:29 PM: About 90% of my big game hunting is with a savage 99 or marlin 1895. If i take a bolt action it's usually because it's pouring(stainless 30-06) or I'm sitting on a clearcut or on the east side where there's a possibility of needing to take a long shot. (270 win).

Since i mostly hunt blacktails in the thick stuff, most deer i see are somewhere between 5 and 30 yards. A well balanced lever action is a real joy to carry around in that stuff.
Title: Re: Hunting with a lever action rifle
Post by: Dan-o on March 11, 2019, 11:24:57 PM: I bought a Marlin Guide Gun in 45-70 2 years ago.

I had to put a scope on due to my old eyes.

I've carried it but haven't fired it at game....... yet.
Title: Re: Hunting with a lever action rifle
Post by: HawkCreek on March 12, 2019, 12:10:52 AM: I keep messing around with finding a load for each of these but I haven't sat down to go about it seriously. Here in the desert it's tough for me to put aside the scope but I hope to take some mule deer with these, possibly some elk in the future.

(https://i.imgur.com/QLypAgP.jpg?4)
Title: Re: Hunting with a lever action rifle
Post by: HawkCreek on March 12, 2019, 12:15:44 AM: Quote from: yorketransport on March 11, 2019, 08:24:54 PM
Quote from: JimmyHoffa on March 11, 2019, 08:12:19 PM

Working on a mod 71 in 348 Ackley Imp. Should get pretty close to 35 Whelen performance which might be good for 600 (chip shot for your cannons).

I'd love to get my hands on a model 71! It's just so hard to find a good deal on one. Most of the ones I see are too nice for what I'd use it for.

I didn't realize the newer 71's had climbed in value so much. Back around 2005 I found a NIB Browning 71 for a bit over $700 and they were all over Gunbroker and other auction sites. In need to get some more brass and get mine shooting again.
Title: Re: Hunting with a lever action rifle
Post by: Pete112288 on March 12, 2019, 01:06:15 AM: My dad has this gun and I have wanted to get it in the woods for years. Marlin 336 octagon 30-30. It does have the checkered stock and fore end though unlike this pic. But I hunt 99% of the time in firearm restricted areas so have not had a chance. He hasn't used in in years either cause a gunsmith told him once that he would never fire another shot in it, told him it was worth big money since Marlin didnt make many in the octagon barrel like that. But it has been reblued (was worn to bare steel when my dad picked it up), and has a couple parts that are not original. I did more research and checked the serial number with a collector. Said if it was 100% original it may be worth more. But as is it is only $400-$500 at most as a collector. I want to put a peep on it and use it so badly.
Title: Re: Hunting with a lever action rifle
Post by: Skyvalhunter on March 12, 2019, 05:11:46 AM: That's a beauty a bit heavy I imagine
Title: Re: Hunting with a lever action rifle
Post by: T-Bone on March 12, 2019, 07:11:49 AM: I'm not much of a modern rifle deer hunter, but when I do, I use one of two Marlin Cowboy Models one in 30-30 the other in 45/70. Both have (to some) long octagonal barrels of 24" and 26"(?), but they are not heavy. I outfitted both with Williams peep sights and even with 66 year old eyes, they are both very accurate.

The peep sights from Skinner look very nice:

http://www.skinnersights.com/
Title: Re: Hunting with a lever action rifle
Post by: Tracker0721 on March 12, 2019, 07:25:36 AM: I’ve taken both of my “first” deer with a 30-30. First one I shot at about 40 yards and ran downhill towards a road where a road hunter politely finished it off, threw it in the back and hauled ass downhill. That was when I was 10 or so. Then when I was 13 I took the marlin 30-30 my dad bought me for my birthday and shot a really nice whitetail a couple hills away from my parents house. So we dubbed that one my first. Hence I took both my first deer with one. My brother sold that rifle to a buddy while I was in the army, who sold it to a friend, who traded it to a guy who last week traded with me and now I have my trusty 30-30 back and am buying some leverlution to go hunt bear with this year and some skinner sights.
Title: Re: Hunting with a lever action rifle
Post by: Karl Blanchard on March 12, 2019, 08:00:48 AM: Killed a dump truck load worth of deer with my browning blr. After my grandpa died I made a point of taking his win 94 in 32 win special for a walk about now and again. If shot a few deer and a bear with it. Love old lover guns
Title: Re: Hunting with a lever action rifle
Post by: fly-by on March 12, 2019, 08:06:07 AM: Go-to west side predator rifle is a Rossi 92 stainless 16" 44 mag with 2x scout scope. Extremely handy, almost SBR-like.

Recently bought a 1958 Winchester 88 and put a Skinner rear and fiber optic front on it. Have yet to shoot anything with it.
Title: Re: Hunting with a lever action rifle
Post by: DOUBLELUNG on March 12, 2019, 01:57:22 PM: I shot my very first deer, a NH whitetail, with my grandfather's 1945 M94 .30/30. I also killed 8 or 10 whitetails in Wyoming with it, great gun for stillhunting the riparian woodlands. My uncle also killed his first deer with it. My grandfather had mounted a 2x Redfield extended eye relief scope on the barrel, I took it off and only used the original buckhorn sights. Have not hunted with it in WA, but hope to again some day.
Title: Re: Hunting with a lever action rifle
Post by: pianoman9701 on March 12, 2019, 02:08:22 PM: Quote from: DOUBLELUNG on March 12, 2019, 01:57:22 PM
I shot my very first deer, a NH whitetail, with my grandfather's 1945 M94 .30/30. I also killed 8 or 10 whitetails in Wyoming with it, great gun for stillhunting the riparian woodlands. My uncle also killed his first deer with it. My grandfather had mounted a 2x Redfield extended eye relief scope on the barrel, I took it off and only used the original buckhorn sights. Have not hunted with it in WA, but hope to again some day.

I shot my first NH buck with a model 94 Sears Winchester with just the standard iron sights.
Title: Re: Hunting with a lever action rifle
Post by: WSU on March 12, 2019, 02:17:26 PM: I have a 30-30 that I've wanted to use but can't shoot it worth a damn. I'm assuming it is not being familiar with the iron sights it has on it. I'll probably throw a peep sight on and give it a try. I'd love to have a lever gun that I'm confident with.
Title: Re: Hunting with a lever action rifle
Post by: jstone on March 12, 2019, 02:17:57 PM: I shot at my first mule deer buck on Tyee With my lever action 30 30. Great memories
Title: Re: Hunting with a lever action rifle
Post by: jrebel on March 12, 2019, 02:22:45 PM: I have hunted with 45-70 xlr and killed 2 deer and a bear. One deer was 290 ish yards and the other at about 30.....both died. The bear was about 50 yards. I also own a 450 marlin that is a hoot to shoot but have yet to hunt with it.

Love lever guns....still looking for a .444 marlin and 30-30 to add to my collection.
Title: Re: Hunting with a lever action rifle
Post by: gaddy on March 12, 2019, 02:32:40 PM: First deer was with a 30-30 when I was a kid. Second was with a 32 with a heavy octagon barrel. Then I inherited my dad's 06 and have used it since. The 06 is worn out and I have taken my 30-30 as a back up but have to put a rubber band on the lever to keep it from rattling. Last time I shot it it is shooting rt pretty bad. Thought about scoping it but it is a top eject. I loved my in-laws marlin 30-30 that I shot a few times and told him I wanted it if he ever got rid of it. Sold it with out telling me, cheep, Figured out then what he thought of me :chuckle:
Title: Re: Hunting with a lever action rifle
Post by: Fl0und3rz on March 12, 2019, 04:14:31 PM: Quote from: pianoman9701 on March 12, 2019, 02:08:22 PM
Quote from: DOUBLELUNG on March 12, 2019, 01:57:22 PM
I shot my very first deer, a NH whitetail, with my grandfather's 1945 M94 .30/30. I also killed 8 or 10 whitetails in Wyoming with it, great gun for stillhunting the riparian woodlands. My uncle also killed his first deer with it. My grandfather had mounted a 2x Redfield extended eye relief scope on the barrel, I took it off and only used the original buckhorn sights. Have not hunted with it in WA, but hope to again some day.

I shot my first NH buck with a model 94 Sears Winchester with just the standard iron sights.

That was the first rifle I hunted with here in WA. Now I have a 1895 GS, which I like for the thick stuff. Good out to about 150-175 yards.
Title: Re: Hunting with a lever action rifle
Post by: jdb on March 12, 2019, 04:43:31 PM: Quote from: JimmyHoffa on March 11, 2019, 08:12:19 PM
Quote from: yorketransport on March 11, 2019, 07:28:34 PM
I've hunted with a lot of lever guns, but only taken one deer with one. My favorite is the Win 88. I had one in 308 but I really wanted to find a good deal on a shooter grade 358 Win. I used a Guide Gun in 450 Marlin on a deer with great results at about 70 yards using a 440gr hard cast handload. I had a 444 and 45-70 too that I never got anything with. I did get a coyote with a Savage 99 in 300 Savage at 125 yards.

For a classic lever gun like a model 94 or any of the Marlins, I think you'd be good to 150 yards with any of the available chamberings. In something like a Savage 99 or Win 88 I'd say 400 is doable as long as your gun shoots well.
Working on a mod 71 in 348 Ackley Imp. Should get pretty close to 35 Whelen performance which might be good for 600 (chip shot for your cannons).
color me jealous!
Title: Re: Hunting with a lever action rifle
Post by: jdb on March 12, 2019, 04:46:29 PM: Quote from: BLR 243 on March 11, 2019, 09:01:12 PM
My first deer was killed with my Winchester model 94 30-30 pre 64. the last 27 or so with my Browning BLR 243, being left handed lever actions were a natural.
you look very familiar. I’m pretty sure or paths inhale crossed at some point. Also great rifle and buck!
Title: Re: Hunting with a lever action rifle
Post by: Old Man Yager on March 12, 2019, 05:09:49 PM: Shot my first 2 deer witness a Marlin 30/30. Held 7 rounds in it, RAPID FIRE !!!
Title: Re: Hunting with a lever action rifle
Post by: PolarBear on March 12, 2019, 06:27:36 PM: I hunted for years with an old Marlin 30-30 that my Uncle gave me. My favorite lever gun now is my antique Savage .250-3000. I have killed probably 100+ coyotes with it but just recently decided to use it for deer. It was passed down to me from and older cousin. It belonged to her grandfather and was his favorite deer rifle. It was a little rough when I got it so I stripped it down, re-blued it, refinished the stock and ditched the ancient Bausch & Lomb scope. Now it is one of my favorite rifles. Last year's blacktail didn't like it so much. :chuckle:

(https://beta-static.photobucket.com/images/v103/Polrbear/0/284f026e-1c9d-44d9-bb40-56c76c4dc2f2-original.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds)
Title: Re: Hunting with a lever action rifle
Post by: jdb on March 12, 2019, 06:57:58 PM: Quote from: PolarBear on March 12, 2019, 06:27:36 PM
I hunted for years with an old Marlin 30-30 that my Uncle gave me. My favorite lever gun now is my antique Savage .250-3000. I have killed probably 100+ coyotes with it but just recently decided to use it for deer. It was passed down to me from and older cousin. It belonged to her grandfather and was his favorite deer rifle. It was a little rough when I got it so I stripped it down, re-blued it, refinished the stock and ditched the ancient Bausch & Lomb scope. Now it is one of my favorite rifles. Last year's blacktail didn't like it so much. :chuckle:

(https://beta-static.photobucket.com/images/v103/Polrbear/0/284f026e-1c9d-44d9-bb40-56c76c4dc2f2-original.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds)
thats one classy rifle!!
Title: Re: Hunting with a lever action rifle
Post by: TheGreenHunter on March 12, 2019, 07:20:35 PM: The wood stock on all these lever actions look awesome.

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Title: Re: Hunting with a lever action rifle
Post by: Fl0und3rz on March 12, 2019, 07:25:28 PM: :yeah: and :yeah:
Title: Re: Hunting with a lever action rifle
Post by: yorketransport on March 12, 2019, 08:34:14 PM: Quote from: TheGreenHunter on March 12, 2019, 07:20:35 PM
The wood stock on all these lever actions look awesome.

So you're saying the tactical version isn't your style? :chuckle:
Title: Re: Hunting with a lever action rifle
Post by: grundy53 on March 12, 2019, 08:44:12 PM: Quote from: yorketransport on March 12, 2019, 08:34:14 PM
Quote from: TheGreenHunter on March 12, 2019, 07:20:35 PM
The wood stock on all these lever actions look awesome.

So you're saying the tactical version isn't your style? :chuckle:
That's a California AR lol

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Title: Re: Hunting with a lever action rifle
Post by: DOUBLELUNG on March 13, 2019, 08:39:54 AM: Quote from: pianoman9701 on March 12, 2019, 02:08:22 PM
Quote from: DOUBLELUNG on March 12, 2019, 01:57:22 PM
I shot my very first deer, a NH whitetail, with my grandfather's 1945 M94 .30/30. I also killed 8 or 10 whitetails in Wyoming with it, great gun for stillhunting the riparian woodlands. My uncle also killed his first deer with it. My grandfather had mounted a 2x Redfield extended eye relief scope on the barrel, I took it off and only used the original buckhorn sights. Have not hunted with it in WA, but hope to again some day.

I shot my first NH buck with a model 94 Sears Winchester with just the standard iron sights.
Sweet!
Title: Re: Hunting with a lever action rifle
Post by: birddogdad on March 13, 2019, 09:23:07 AM: yes when its raining and windy, my go-to option 45/70 lever
Title: Re: Hunting with a lever action rifle
Post by: Furee65 on March 13, 2019, 09:44:59 AM: Used my Savage 99 in 358 Winchester for my 2018 elk at about 200 yards and my Browning B-78 single shot lever in 300 H&H at about 50 yards for my 2017 bull. Both elk went less than 10 yards after the shot and were stone dead by the time I got to them which is always a good feeling. Hopefully I will get lucky this year and draw a tag for spring bear,deer or elk and be able to use my newest Model 99 in 300 Savage.
Title: Re: Hunting with a lever action rifle
Post by: Bwana Bob on March 13, 2019, 11:16:37 AM: Shot my first rifle deer in NY with a Marlin 336 in 44 mag. They were originally built on this action until they built the Marlin 94, smaller action. I traded a cut down M93 Mexican Mauser in 7x57 for it. I put a Lyman peep sight on it and could pick off beer cans off a fence post @ 75 yd with it. I used 200 gr Hornady hp in it that were loaded with a Lee loader hand tool. This was my first try at hand loading, I was 17 yrs old then.
I've made one of my best and luckiest shots with it on my friends gut shot buck. We trailed this buck in thick brush and when he ran out toward me, I shot him in the eye as he ran by at 40 yd or so. Big luck for me that day.

I still have this rifle but it has sat in my safe unfired since 1984 when I moved here to WA state. I need to get it out again before I get too old and can't see the open sights anymore.
Title: Re: Hunting with a lever action rifle
Post by: cardinalguns on March 13, 2019, 11:17:27 AM: I never go on a trip without a lever gun!

Marlin 444S in .444 Marlin
Winchester 71 in .348 Win.
Winchester 94 Big Bore in .375 Win
Marlin 336RC in 30-30
Marlin 39 in .22LR
Winchester 9422 in .22LR
Title: Re: Hunting with a lever action rifle
Post by: TheGreenHunter on March 13, 2019, 02:18:45 PM: Was looking at Lever Actions and stumbled across the Marlin 1895 SBL and noticed the game animals icon. Would a 45-70 work on a T-Rex?
Title: Re: Hunting with a lever action rifle
Post by: woodswalker on March 13, 2019, 02:41:02 PM: My First Deer and Elk were taken with a Model 1894 Winchester in .32 Special. Still hunt with one occasionally.
Title: Re: Hunting with a lever action rifle
Post by: huntingfool7 on March 14, 2019, 07:27:54 AM: Quote from: TheGreenHunter on March 13, 2019, 02:18:45 PM
Was looking at Lever Actions and stumbled across the Marlin 1895 SBL and noticed the game animals icon. Would a 45-70 work on a T-Rex?

Hard cast bullets. Same aim points as elephant.
Title: Re: Hunting with a lever action rifle
Post by: boneaddict on March 14, 2019, 07:45:10 AM: Quote from: TheGreenHunter on March 13, 2019, 02:18:45 PM
Was looking at Lever Actions and stumbled across the Marlin 1895 SBL and noticed the game animals icon. Would a 45-70 work on a T-Rex?

Thats the rifle the guy used in Jurassic Park I think.
Title: Re: Hunting with a lever action rifle
Post by: HawkCreek on March 14, 2019, 07:54:16 AM: The dinosaur advertising on Marlin is funny but if power out of a lever gun is what I was after I'd rather have one of the new Winchester 1886's in .45-90, hopefully they bring back the .50-110 offering soon also.
Title: Re: Hunting with a lever action rifle
Post by: mountainman on March 17, 2019, 06:28:57 PM: Leverguns are just the ticket when country gets thick and the game can be mean👍
Title: Re: Hunting with a lever action rifle
Post by: Matth on March 18, 2019, 02:43:54 PM: I have lever envy.
Title: Re: Hunting with a lever action rifle
Post by: JimmyHoffa on March 18, 2019, 03:03:12 PM: Quote from: HawkCreek on March 14, 2019, 07:54:16 AM
The dinosaur advertising on Marlin is funny but if power out of a lever gun is what I was after I'd rather have one of the new Winchester 1886's in .45-90, hopefully they bring back the .50-110 offering soon also.
I wonder how the comparison would be between the .45-90 and .45-70 with the new steel available. In some of the older rifles, there wasn't much the .45-90 could do that the .45-70 couldn't because of pressure. When using the right powders and keeping pressure at the limit, they were about the same with the big heavy bullets. The light bullets (300 gr) is where the 90 really took off from the 70, especially in the 26" or 30" barrel. That new release is a 24".
Title: Re: Hunting with a lever action rifle
Post by: HawkCreek on March 18, 2019, 04:23:50 PM: Quote from: JimmyHoffa on March 18, 2019, 03:03:12 PM
Quote from: HawkCreek on March 14, 2019, 07:54:16 AM
The dinosaur advertising on Marlin is funny but if power out of a lever gun is what I was after I'd rather have one of the new Winchester 1886's in .45-90, hopefully they bring back the .50-110 offering soon also.
I wonder how the comparison would be between the .45-90 and .45-70 with the new steel available. In some of the older rifles, there wasn't much the .45-90 could do that the .45-70 couldn't because of pressure. When using the right powders and keeping pressure at the limit, they were about the same with the big heavy bullets. The light bullets (300 gr) is where the 90 really took off from the 70, especially in the 26" or 30" barrel. That new release is a 24".

I don't know, I don't have much honest use for the .45-70 I do have, the larger case would just be bragging rights. Here is an interesting video that seems to show the -90 having quite a bit more ooph but he doesn't tell you the loads he used. He DOES show a "factory" .45-70 but doesn't really say what that load is. I'd really like a .50-110 like the guy in the video but again, not much use for one.
Title: Re: Hunting with a lever action rifle
Post by: C-Money on March 18, 2019, 04:33:35 PM: I used an old Marlin 30-30 to tag my first 2 deer.
Title: Re: Hunting with a lever action rifle
Post by: 700xcr on March 18, 2019, 07:00:16 PM: I have a Marlin 1894C 357mag levergun that I carried on damage control deer hunt. I haven't had a chance to use it on game yet. Only thing I have shot with it is ground squirrels and muskrats several years ago. I use a handload 158gr. SP and wouldn't be afraid to use on deer within 150yds. Light,fast, fun little carbine to pack around and shoot.
Title: Re: Hunting with a lever action rifle
Post by: Logan80 on March 20, 2019, 06:55:14 PM: Being a lefty I grew up with lever guns as my only real option in my household.

My Dad had (and now I have) a Remington 700 BDL in 7mm Magnum, left handed bolt action. Other than that, it was all Savage 99s.

I have a .250 Savage, and .284 Winchester which were given to me by my Grandfather as well as a .300 Savage and a .358 Winchester which were given/left to me by my Father.

I love the look, the balance, and the internal magazines on them. They look good with or without a scope and get the job done without any trouble at all.
Title: Re: Hunting with a lever action rifle
Post by: Blacktail135 on March 20, 2019, 09:28:37 PM: My 1st deer was taken with a Savage 99 takedown 250-3000 in 1975 in Georgia. My 1st Washington deer was taken with a Winchester (model forgotten, octagon barrel) in 25-35 in 1980. I felt pretty proud among my buddies during squirrel hunts as a kid when my dad would let me take out his Winchester 9422M (w/4x Weaver scope). Only happened twice. Usually used my Savage 24C. Only took out 10 .22 cartridges and 4 .410 shells at a time. Rarely shot the .410 shells as I only got 1 box per year. First started deer hunting at 9/10 years old with a Marlin 45-70. Heavy sucker. Never shot anything but targets with it. Don't own anymore levers....yet. Jeez guys, y'all got me thinking about spending some money for some summer fun!
Title: Re: Hunting with a lever action rifle
Post by: jeffro on March 20, 2019, 09:43:00 PM: I love my savage 99e in .308 Nikon bdc scope.
Title: Re: Hunting with a lever action rifle
Post by: Ghost Hunter on March 21, 2019, 07:35:52 AM: This has got me pulling out my Winchester Model 94 32 special, the first gun I ever owned. Purchased in 1969, serial number puts it in the 40's. If I can get something within 30 yards, I think I can still get the sights to line up in my left eye. At least it will be a good camp gun.
Title: Re: Hunting with a lever action rifle
Post by: kselkhunter on April 01, 2019, 08:19:27 AM: I'm taking my Marlin 356 Winchester lever action on my spring bear hunt in Oregon later this month. Got my Speer 220grain load all dialed in and am ready.
Title: Re: Hunting with a lever action rifle
Post by: Karl Blanchard on April 01, 2019, 10:54:12 AM: Quote from: Ghost Hunter on March 21, 2019, 07:35:52 AM
This has got me pulling out my Winchester Model 94 32 special, the first gun I ever owned. Purchased in 1969, serial number puts it in the 40's. If I can get something within 30 yards, I think I can still get the sights to line up in my left eye. At least it will be a good camp gun.
the ol 32 will get it done! This was my grandpa's. He bought it brand new after returning from WWII. It was the only rifle he ever owned. He could shoot it better than most guys could shoot a scoped rifle.
Title: Re: Hunting with a lever action rifle
Post by: Rob on April 01, 2019, 10:57:26 AM: Quote from: Furee65 on March 13, 2019, 09:44:59 AM
Used my Savage 99 in 358 Winchester for my 2018 elk at about 200 yards and my Browning B-78 single shot lever in 300 H&H at about 50 yards for my 2017 bull. Both elk went less than 10 yards after the shot and were stone dead by the time I got to them which is always a good feeling. Hopefully I will get lucky this year and draw a tag for spring bear,deer or elk and be able to use my newest Model 99 in 300 Savage.

Those levers of yours must hit hard! Not sure what happened to that elk in the second photo but it appears to have twisted the head around and slapped a leg up in some kind of yoga pose!