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30/30 Marlin Lever Action

17476 Views 13 Replies 12 Participants Last post by  Hunting Man
If not 12 gauge, I take my 30/30 Marlin Lever Action Rifle into the woods with me. Anyone have thoughts about this rifle as a deer slayer?
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Back in the day, that was THE deer killing gun around here. Not much for long shots, depends on how much you shoot it. I know some guys that can reach out there with that caliber. And there are better calibers for that, but still a good woods gun. I own one also. Winchester lever tho...
no problem here, I have several in 30-30 and would not hesitate to use them for deer. I do prefer 150 gr bullet weight.
The Marlin 30-30 is a good gun. My personal favorite for 100-125 yards is my Marlin 35 caliber.
When I'm hunting property on the natural gas mainline I use a 7mm Remington. Anytime I'm inside the woodline I will always have my Marlin 336 30/30 with me. :biggrin:
30/30 marlin

I am glad I came across this site,I am getting ready to go hunting for the first time at 48, my son is very eager thanks to my father inlaw (avid hunter) I am looking for a 30/30 marlin so I can start shooting and get to know the rifle. If things go right next year I can be in the woods with my father in law and my son, hopefully this will be something that lasts for many years.
I love mine and the newer hornady ammo is much safer unless you use blunt nose bullets.
I am glad I came across this site,I am getting ready to go hunting for the first time at 48, my son is very eager thanks to my father inlaw (avid hunter) I am looking for a 30/30 marlin so I can start shooting and get to know the rifle. If things go right next year I can be in the woods with my father in law and my son, hopefully this will be something that lasts for many years.
I applaud your willingness to enter into the world of hunting and be able to share those times with friends & family especially your son, those times will soon become priceless, just you wait and see...

Good luck to you and Welcome to the Club.
I have a Marlin 30/30. It's all I have ever used. I use a 3x9x40 scope, and have shot up to 125 yds. I love my Marlin.
It doesn't get any more classic than a 30-30. I support your decision to use a 30-30. This caliber is responsible for the demise of more deer than any other caliber with the exception of a 30-06. The whole marketing blitz on magnums for deer hunting over the last decade has taken the 30-30 out of the spotlight.
I sold one almost 30 years ago and wish I didn't. It did buy a .35 rem in 1990 which is why I haven't bought another 30-30. With the on slought of the Hornady LE the 30-30 is a bonifide killing machine at 200-250 yards.
If you feel shots for deer will go beyond that range then I would recomend a good bolt action in a .243-.280 range caliber.
Rifle choice for boar hunting

HI guys,

An Englishman in France here new to hunting looking for some advice on rifle choice. Interesting to read your dialog but I am still unclear.

I am well into a Marlin 336 but you suggest it isnt upto much after 100 metres?? The French are of the attitude that only the most modern most powerful gun will do but I am more of a romantic.
Isnt the 336 30.30 upto dropping a boar at 150 paces? Should be. Is it the choice of shell that is limiting? (all flatnose if I have understood)

Any info/thoughts much appreciated

H:coffee:
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Hornady Flex Tip 160gr

Today the Hornady Flex Tip 160gr for the 30-30 Win should be a excellent performer on Deer.
Marlin 336RC

Suggest a good older Marlin a 336 RC in late 1950's vintage with the Fat front forearm......they also were made in 32 SPC and 35 Rem.
I would have no problem shooting a 30-30 on boar at the range you state. If I were buying a new rifle I wouldn't look at a 30-30 for my primary rifle but mostly relegate it for thick close in shooting for deer/boar. I wouldn't suggest it for elk/stag size game.
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