[moofy07]

I was having a chin wag the other day with a mate of mine about hunting Red Deer. They are in fairly large numbers and not that far from where we live. I have tried the barnes 250gr TSX (expensive) and they were awesome for one shot kills. (will post pics soon). My friend was going on and on and on about his 338 Win Mag and the virtues of his choice of caliber, how it is sooooooo superior to the Marlin 1895 with the Barnes bullet. I asked him what he was loading his stuff with and he said it was a 250gr (bullet undisclosed) and was doing about 2500fps. I said remember we usually shoot at about 50 to 150 meters, and he said that's why I should use the 338. I said that is funny I use a 250gr bullet and it is actually running at just over 2600 fps and I have more downrange clout with the bigger diameter bullet. He said but it is a cowboy gun, I took this with a grain of salt, he said he can put 3 shots into a 1 inch circle at 100 meters, I said so can the Marlin. he thought I was lying, so now we are off to the range to show off, he has already weasled out of this once so far.
It just gets me going when people go on about their choice of caliber and knock mine and when they are challenged they they pull a multitude of excuses.
Has anyone else been in this position?

 

[Seabass]

I usually hunt with my 1895G and friends and fellow hunters I met are usually quite amazed by it, small gun, big boom. "You use that one deer?' is very common, as is "Its probably only good out to 100 yards eh? " ;D I just smile and nod.

 

[hogbear]

About any time I take a lever gun to the public range. With levers and with my bolt guns I use for hunting I shoot three shot groups. Where I hunt that is more shots than you are likely to get at a head of game. My levers will all do one holers from a support on a bench, just like my bolts but you will still hear the "experts" say that a lever won't do that.

 

[rhendrix]

I don't know why people poopoo the lever gun. I think it is that they just don't know any better. Any of the Marlin lever guns, from the 39s to the 1895s will shoot with any bolt action gun. They are very very accurate. I have proven it many times. The lever gun is more reliable than the semi and it is a lot faster to shoot than the bolt gun. I like em all but I really love shooting the lever gun. Challenge him to a 2nd shot and see who can pull that off with accuracy the fastest. You will win everytime.

 

[Ridgerunner665]

In reference to "downrange clout"...

The 250 grain .338 bullet has a MUCH, MUCH better ballistic coefficient and sectional density than the 45-70 bullet...the 338 has a lot more downrange clout than the same weight bullet in 45-70.

That don't mean the 45-70 bullet won't kill...but its losing steam FAST due to its low ballistic qualities.

I'm not bashing your choice of bullets...but facts is facts.

 

[preacher]

I'm just trying to resist "coveting" your position of having enough Red Deer 'close by" that you guys can even "have"a chin wag over your rifles, ha! I have never tried the Barnes XFN in but one rifle of mine, a 30-30 Ackley Improved, it's very accurate, but the wind pushes it around past 150yds or so. No game shot with it, but I have alot of faith in their bullets. I have also shot elk with their 185XLC in a 338, nice round on elk size critters. Glad you are blessed my friend!

 

[moofy07]

Hi Ridgerunner,
Thanks for setting things straight with the coefficient and sectional density, it was one thing I forgot. I won't tell him about it because I will never hear the end of it. But nothing is going to stop me using the 1895 on game. I love shooting my marlin even if science is working against it. I will try my heavier 350gr Hornadys and cast bullets as well.
Graeme.

 

[Ridgerunner665]

Hi Ridgerunner,
Thanks for setting things straight with the coefficient and sectional density, it was one thing I forgot. I won't tell him about it because I will never hear the end of it. But nothing is going to stop me using the 1895 on game. I love shooting my marlin even if science is working against it. I will try my heavier 350gr Hornadys and cast bullets as well.
Graeme.

I hear ya...I'm gonna use my 1895 too but with heavier bullets (350 and 425 grains)...nothing wrong with the lighter bullets if thats what a person wants to use (or has to use)...I just like reminding folks that you don't gain any trajectory with them in a 45-70.

 

[moofy07]

I understand ya, I was given a couple of boxes of the Barnes and they worked out great on the Red Deer. That's why I used them also I was so sick of my friend and his 338. I should have shut him up with my long shot rifle. It is a 358-300Win. Mag. It was built on a whim and is a marvelous caliber. BUT I dearly love to shoot the Marlin the most, it is just the feeling of nostalgia and accomplishment when I use the 45-70.
He may call it a cowboy gun but I call it my ready to gun.
Graeme.