30-30 vs. 44 mag lever rifles
 

I don't have much experience with rifles but where I hunt was just changed over from shotgun only. I know I could continue to hunt with a slug gun but I have an excuse to buy a new gun so I'm going to use it. I was just wondering how they compare balistically, range, kick, etc. Marlin is the brand I'm looking at but that could change too. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

I have both Marlins a 44 and 30-30. Like them both, but the 44 is a lot easier to carry and handier to get around with. I like hunting jack pine thickets and will grab the 44 everytime. Also have one in 357 and 45-70, so I like Marlins, I also have a couple of Wins. too.

some 44 mag rifle insight
 

read this website.
http://www.chuckhawks.com/handgun_rifle_cartridges.htm



eventually i want a browning blr in 450 marlin.

and a marlin 44 mag rifle.

why,,,,,because the 44 mag rifle brings back teenage memories, and i think the 450 marlin cartridge and the browning blr look

coooooool...........ha .ha.

I shoot a Winchester 30-30 lever rifle.Range 100 yards easy.Are you hunting close in or what?

I have a Ruger 96/44 mag. and its deadly out to 100 yards.
Excellent gun to carry in the thick bush.

Good Luck

I'd be hunting forested areas. Most shots would be less than 100 yds. with a rare long shot of 150 yds. possible. Thanks for the info so far. Hofts, thanks for the link, very informative.

I use both. I am going to hunt the son's girlfriend's farm again this week, and will take the little Marlin 336Y, with 16 inch barrel. I will be back in the swamp this trip. I have no real preference, but I like the Redfield 1 X 4 scope on the 30-30 better than I like the Weaver V4.5 on the 1894S in .44 Mag

Both are great guns, I would actually lean towards the 30-30 myself. And of course I absolutely HATE to see a scope on a lever gun. Its bad enough they have infected every bolt action rifle made. . . .

My 2 Cents.

GoodOlBoy

I use a 96/44 Ruger a lot. Mostly as a drive gun, nasty weather gun and if I gonna walk a lot. It will put down just about anything if its under 100yds. Like GOB I hate to see a scope on any lever however when you get on the wrong side of 50 and the eyes start ot go(the second thing)a scope is pretty much a must.

I have a old style weaver 2 1/2 powe on mine and it works just fine.

I handload 240 gr speer bullets and have never had one fail.

Marlin 336CS in .35Rem gets my vote
 

have taken about 7-8 whitetails with mine.....NONE has ever taken a step once hit (more a testament to the round than to my shooting ! LOL)

I have it mounted with a 3-9 scope on an elevated ring set that lets me use the iron sights for close shots - best of both worlds.
(although I agree with GOB on the aesthetics comment)

I added the side thumb hammer extension for sure handling with gloves on.

Not a lot of kick and more than enough OOMPH for MI hunting.