30-30 vs. 44 mag lever rifles

[Three-One]

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.

[popplecop]

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.

[hofts]

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.

[Deerman]

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

[CanWoodsman]

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

Good Luck

[Three-One]

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.

[8X56MS]

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

[GoodOlBoy]

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

[buckhunter]

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.

[FIJI]

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.