I would go with the classic .35 Rem. It is a thumper on deer and the cartridge is just plain sexy. ;D

 

You know what my answer will be...the 35 Remington. It's just a really good gun on deer, and does much better than you would imply from reading the ballistic tables. There is always something to be said for a larger, heavier bullet. Just check all the info 35remington has written on this forum.

 

I'd pick up an MX if you reload. You'll always be able to get a 30/30 or 35. But if you dont I'd steer clear of it & probably pick a 30/30.

 

I'd get a 336SS

 

There is only 1 solution that I see the 308 mx now and a 30-30 &35 later. I have the 308 in the longer bbl stainless it's a fine shooting rifle and good for shot's out around 300 yds or a little more. The 30-30 & 35 are shorter range guns but good enough for most 200 yd shots. I prefer the 30-30 over the 35 personally. I own 4 30-30's and only have 1 of the 308's. Probably a 35 will be my next 336 just to say I have 1. I own quite a few big mag rifles but when it comes down to it bullet placement is the key to clean kill's. Where I have started hunting now the ave shot is 75 to 150 yds and the 30-30 is a lot easier to handle than the big guns and plenty powerful for my needs. My son shoots a 35 and is crazy about it and hyas killed several deer with his using peep sights at over 100 yds. I use scopes on my rifles but am going to try a 5d peep on one of my 30-30's. My old eyes aren't nearly as good as his but I will give it a try. I will probably remove the appature and use it as a gostring type sight. If I don't like it I will go with a scope like the rest.

 

I'd get a 336SS

x2 or a 336XLR in 30-30. I very much like the 35 Remington, but if you're not a handloader, the 30-30 is the best of the bunch re: affordability and availability. Given what you said about your hunting conditions and how you already have a 44 for the shorter range hunting and a 444 for the bigger game and 200-250 yd ranges and scoped 30 cals for the longer range opportunities, the decision is not really about what you "need" to fill in your hunting gaps (they're already covered), but what you "want" in a hunting rifle. For me, "want" would break down to:

- feel... what do you like to carry with you in the woods? You've already got that nailed down by thinking of a lever action rifle (and Marlin in particular). In my opinion, there's no better carrying rifle than a lever action
- nostalgia... is there something in your heart that trips when you hear some name a particular cartridge?
- convenience... is the rifle going to be a burden to find ammunition for?
- utility... is the rifle a one trick pony or a general purpose tool?

I probably biased my "wants" to the 30-30... it just seems like it fills the void nicely between the 44 and 444 without any undue stress. And if you can get a rifle that shoots the LeverEvolution ammunition well, then you've got a very versatile cartridge for medium+ ranges. While I know some 336ss shoot the LeverEv well, if I were to outright purchase a rifle that I wanted to work from the get-go, it would definitely be the 336XLR.

Ah, it's always fun to pine about the next rifle purchase

 

IMHO...Since you've noted that you've got longer range covered in 30 cal, that takes the .308 off the table...for now ;D You'll eventually get the itch. Probably a week or two after you scratch this one.

That leaves us with 30-30 and 35. On paper, these two are nearly ballistic equivalents...but in the field, the 35 is way more than the paper ballistics say. And if you reload, the gap widens even more.

I don't reload and I still went with the 35. I was in a shop, they had several 336s and the 35 had beautiful wood and just "spoke" to me.

If I were in your shoes, I'd weigh the importance of ammo availability and then make a selection. Do you reload? Do you already have a very common caliber in another rifle (30-06, 270, etc.) that you can swing by any mom and pop shop to replenish for?

I'd go with the 35 just 'cause it's "unique" in my parts and it leaves a bigger hole...if ammo availability is a big concern, the 30-30 gets the nod.

There is another way to approach this dilemma as well. It sounds like you've got stable of long rifles going so you may be at the point where you can take a more esoteric and less practical approach. Do you have a really good used gun shop near you? I used to but unfortunately the guy retired and closed the shop and I haven't found any of his inventory around town at the other shops. If you've got a good one, drop in and just walk around and see who speaks to you off the shelf. I do the same thing with guitars...I've walked into a music shop dead set on a Martin D18 three times and walked out with something else entirely just because it was "meant for me". That's how it was with the 35 I picked up. I was staring at 5 used 30-30s, 3 35s, a half dozen 45-70s and 2 triple 4s...I walked out with the one that I just had to have and caliber sort went out the window while I was standing there gawking.

My $0.02,
Brian

 

I do reload, so ammo really isn't that much of an issue. Tons of data available for the 30-30 and the 35, but how about for the 308MX? Do handloads in the 308 MX deliver ballistics anywhere close to those advertised by hornady? I know that homerolled ammo in the 444 can only approximate, but not equal hornady LE and Lite mag loads, because of the progressive burn powders they have developed. If the 308 MX is the same way, and can only approach factory ammo, then where does it really fall compared to the other two?

 

The answer to me is simple. 35 Rem. It is even a simpler decision since you reload.

All the hallaballo over the availability of 35 Rem ammunition is way, way over stated IMHO. Once you know that it is less available, all you do is take that into account when you buy the ammo and remember to pack it with you when you go on a trip. If you reload, the ammo availability issue is totally moot.

 

Far as the cals you have picked and have none of the above is necessary only want. Between the .44 and 444 you have the area of use them cals are covered.

If your Marlinitus is kicking in, go out and dig high and low and far and wide and find a 336A in .32 special. That 24 inch bbl and a 170 being pushed by 39gns of W748 does a job. Drop back and load some 170gn cast with moderate loads of mag pistol powder you are using for your .44 and you have a lot of areas covered plus a very accurate cal. I have 4 Marlins that cover all my needs, 39A .22, .357, .32, 38-55 these will never be out of my reach.

I also have the .35 and 30-30 you've listed. If I had to pick of that you've listed the best would be the 30-30 and I would go with a new XLR because if I got the itch it could be rechambered to 30-30 AI or .308, it could also be shortened very easily if I so deemed it. With it's vee threaded action a lot of high end loads are within reach. Through a 110gn HP varmit bullet from Sierra and 40 or so grains of BLC#2 or a 200gn round nose with a large dose of IMR4320 it's versatility has went way up. 30-30 components can be had a lot easier than any of the others you listed.

 

I prefer the 35 rem ballistically for my under 100 yard hunting(which is all of it)....but around here .30-30 is half the cost of 35 rem so that has me thinking now if the extra thump is worth it...also no where around here except Gander Mtn 65 miles away carries 308MX. I think if I were to buy a new XLR it would be a .30-30. $11.97/box vs. $23.50/box for 35 rem.....not sure what the 308MX goes for....
Just food for thought.....

 

I do reload, so ammo really isn't that much of an issue. Tons of data available for the 30-30 and the 35, but how about for the 308MX? Do handloads in the 308 MX deliver ballistics anywhere close to those advertised by hornady? I know that homerolled ammo in the 444 can only approximate, but not equal hornady LE and Lite mag loads, because of the progressive burn powders they have developed. If the 308 MX is the same way, and can only approach factory ammo, then where does it really fall compared to the other two?

You cant get published factory velocity but you can push a 150 or 170 well beyond reasonable 30/30 velocities.
Data suggests I can get over 2600 fps with H335. A starting load generated 2500+ & shot well so I just hunted with it like that last year & havent made time to try moving up. I'm quite certain I can get 2600+ & thats enough difference that I feel its a step up from 30/30. Plus its cool. 8)

 

Swany, if I could find a 336A in 32 Special, it would be sitting in my safe. I have scoured the gun shops, gun shows and the flea markets and nary a one to be found. I'm still looking. My dad had a 94 Winchester in 32 Special that he had to sell when I was a kid and he was out of work. He had burnt his initials under the butt plate with a wood burner. Now if I could find that gun...I actually came across a 94 in 32 Special this winter at a gun show, and had the gun remove the butt plate...nope, it wasn't there! And since he wanted $700, the gun stayed there, as well.

 

the 35 remington soulds like a good fit.

 

I'm a fan of the .30-30, but, if I had to choose just one rifle for everything out to 150 yards, it would be my .35 Remington. It packs a bit more punch than the .30-30, and I handload, so ammo is not a problem for me.

 

I've hunted and killed deer with all three rounds; so I know you will find each caliber terminally effective on Whitetail deer. I shot three Whitetail with the 308MX this past season; and although one season's work is not a fair sample to base a hard opinion, I must admit that I was MOST impressed with each animal's reaction to bullet impact (all three dropped in their tracks).

You have certainly raised a fair question, and unfortunately many of the comments you will receive will be from closed-minded guys who are in love with the 30/30 Win or 35 Rem and believe God should have stopped inventing bullets when He made those two rounds. These calibers have certainly earned their degee of respect, having proven very effective over decades of work; but with the new MX stuff, the old lever gun is not longer the somewhat limited tool it once was. Therefore, if I liked rifles chambered for all three rounds; but could afford only one of the three, my choice would be the 308 Marlin. Why, because the 308 Marlin will do anything the 30/30 Win and 35 Rem will do; only it will do it much better and at longer distances. So why limit youself with rounds that were considered obsolete by many shooters until they were updated recently by Hornady? And in spite of what you may have heard, 308 Marlin ammo is not a problem; Remington also makes the stuff, and it'll become more and more available with the growing popularity this round is enjoying.

As for me, I love my old model 336-A's in 30/30, 32/40, and 35 Remington, and thoroughly enjoyed hunting with my 308MX last season; but that gun is now "retired" for the forseeable future, as my plans are to "field test" my new 338MX Marlin, my old 336-A in 32 Special (with the new Leverevolution ammo), and a recently acuired 336T in 44 Mag. Life is too short to limit one's shooting activities to just one Marlin.

 

I like that 308mx boy, I tell you what! ;D

Could someone tell me which Walmart sells ammo for it, and all I can find is that old Lever-E at the higher end stores

A 30-30 is a 308 MX reduced recoil that you can find on any shelf. If you ain't going with a 30-30 or 45/70. Might as well get you a bolt action in .308win or 30.06 so you have some variety.

30-30 is supreme, everyone knows that ;D

 

Thanks for all the input. Haven't really helped me much with my decision though. I think the 308 MX is pretty much similar to some of the bolt guns I have already (the CZ in 30-06 is an absolute sure bet on long ranges with 56 grns of H414 under a 165 grn bullet - that one will shoot 3/4 MOA out to 400 yards). Nothing wrong with the .30 calibers - gotta love the nostalgia of the 30-30. I am having a good time with the larger diameter calibers (it ain't the length, as much as the girth, so to speak ) since I got my 1894 though. I guess I need to sit down tonight and figure things out.

 

My hat's off to the guy who said the real world results of the .35 REM far overshadow the paper similarity of ballistics between it & the .30-30. Forgive me for dragging out the oft-used cliche that...." the .35 Remington kills out of all proportion to its bullet diameter. The 35 gets my vote, & not because I've got two. (grin!) jd45

 

DWB -

I am glad I am not making this decision. These guys are not making it easy for you! Given the information you provided, the decision really comes down between the 30-30 and the 35. Your other bolt guns really diminish the need for the 308mx. I do not reload (yet) but I thought I heard somewhere on here that the 308 ME bullets (gummy tips) are hard to find or not available yet. Not sure . The hand loading potential for the 35 is much greater than the 30-30. If you like to reload, it simply comes down to you want to buy the 30-30 ammo for about 15 dollars a box or reload and customize the load for your 35. You still could reload for the 30-30 but the cost of the ammo makes it really silly to do. (Except for load customizing). Good luck with your decision.

PS I would buy the 35 IMHO.

 

Another vote for my favorite and I feel the best gun I have - - -- -- ---the 3336 in .35 Rem! ;D

If I owned a large rifle like you do (30-06) and I do (.308 Win) I would get something different. If not the .35 Remington then the .30-30. With LE ammo in either the.30-30 or the .35 Rem you have two fine deer rifles that are fun to hunt with and still give you performance at 200-250 yards.

 

Swany here doing my thing. I removed the posts I did not feel was on the subject, blame me or yourself. The only other alternative I have is to lock the thread. This is a good discussion. Keep is civil gents.

 

With the bolt rifle you have, unless you really like carrying a lever rifle, the .308m would be odd man out. Now if you have come to like the feel of a lever gun and want that extra reach, the .308m is probably your ticket. Otherwise it's which of the others catches your attention the most I'd say.You seem to be leaning toward larger bores with the .44 mag. and .444m. I'd say the .35rem. sounds more in line with where your interests seem to be at this time. It would fill that small gap between the other two. More range than the .44 but less recoil than the .444. Just my take on it, 'cause I like the .30-30 a lot but I think the .35 is for you at this point.

 

Here is my thoughts on the 308 MX. If you don't have another 30 caliber, particularly a 30-30, or a 30-06, the 308 makes a lot of sense for a lever gun. It's more powerful than the 30-30, approaches the 30-06, and can be loaded with the 30-30 bullets down to 30-30 velocities.

I, however, have both a 30-30 and 30-06, so in that case, I think the 35 Remington makes more sense, it's a good brush gun, has more knockdown power than the 30-30 (JohnnyLoco notwithstanding) and with the 200 gr. LE ammo is a legitimate 200 yard deer cartridge.

 

These threads always crack me up. On the one hand, advise on a caliber is good, because you may not have knowledge of a caliber you would like to try, but these threads always seem to devolve into: "My caliber RULES!" Even though many posters have no experience with the other calibers.

My advice? Do some research here, on Wikipedia, maybe at Gunblast or at Chuck Hawks' site. Perhaps pick up a copy of one of Craig Boddington's rifle books. Do some historical research if you like the collector's rifles. When you have an idea what YOU want, save up and get one. I have a 35 Remington, and like it very much. I do not have a 308MX or a 30-30. I got the 35 Remington because it interested me more than the 30-30 and the 308MX holds no interest for me - I would rather have a 308 bolt gun that I could actually find ammo for, and I have no desire to reload gummy bullets. Nothing wrong with the 30-30, I just kinda like things that are a little more out of the ordinary.

Have you considered a .375 Win? Now THERE is an interesting caliber! ;D