308 Marlin Express (308MX)

[pts4u]

hi all,

i have an ongoing fettish for all things lever at the moment... however ive heard mixed results in regards to the 308MX.

first things first the word is ammo can be hard to come by but one of my local gun shops has a few hundred rounds sitting on the shelf for a good price - im considering making him an offer on all of it so i wont run out if it is hard to get.

can anyone confirm if the ammo is scarce?

secondly in regards to the accuracy ive done some reading and found most of the available ammo is quite accurate out to around 400m, this is plenty of range because i mainly intend to use it on pigs (stalking)

i know the 30-30 is the most popular round for pigs but i think i'd like to try something with a big more range...

is there a round/projectile in 30-30 that is going to give similar results?

cheers

Jeremy

[bobnob]

The 308MX will extend your point blank range a good 50 to 100m if you are a good enough shot. 400m would be a stretch.

In all honesty I think you'd be better off with a 30-30 loaded with the 160FTX bullet. This will give you usable trajectory and range out to 250m or so, with enough power for pigs and deer.

If you're keen on 400m shots I would recommend a bolt gun in 308, or even a BLR in 308 if you want a lever action.

The 338MX might be worth the extra hassle if you're wanting something more powerful, but that ammo could be harder still to come by.

[pts4u]

Thanks for the reply Bob - im really not planning to reload the 308MX... providing i can get a decent supply of factory ammo that shoots well. (might be lucky)

ive always liked the 30-30, ive shot one a few times but it was only an old winchester - are some of the other brands better or worse?

Shooting at 400m ill make sure im prepared and use my 270 so i dont think ill be going for shots that far out (especially with no scope on the lever)

have you shot a 338MX? i would like to know some real world results with that gun....

[bobnob]

A more modern Winchester M94 with the angle eject or the Marlin 336 side eject will both allow you to mount a scope low and centre. You can load the 160g FTX in those rifles, or buy the Hornady Leverevolution ammo, and you've got a decent 200-250m pig and deer rifle.

I've used those projectiles loaded to moderate speed - around 2650fps - in my 308 Win. They are very accurate bullets and kill pigs exceptionally well.

The MX ammo and components are too expensive in my view to justify themselves.

[Khan]

i have an ongoing fettish for all things lever at the moment...

You say that like it's a bad thing

[Press]

...or buy the Hornady Leverevolution ammo, and you've got a decent 200-250m pig and deer rifle.

That's what I was going to say.

Hornady LEVERevolution.

160gr FTX loads available in both the 30-30 and .308MX.

[bobnob]

Yep Press, but as I reload I'd be loading the FTX over a good charge of AR2206H or 2208 and calling it good.

They are good bullets. Really accurate and even at the faster (albeit mild) 308 Win speeds they held together and did the business really well.

I once had the dubious pleasure of shooting 25 mature pigs in a trap, I had my 308 with that FTX load. Even at that close range and with the fast and furious shooting as pigs try to climb over each other to get out of the trap, there was no blowups or failure to penetrate or perform.

[pts4u]

i have an ongoing fettish for all things lever at the moment...

You say that like it's a bad thing

its only a bad thing because now ive run out of room in my gun safe!

just means its time to build a gun safe i can walk in to...

[pts4u]

...or buy the Hornady Leverevolution ammo, and you've got a decent 200-250m pig and deer rifle.

That's what I was going to say.

Hornady LEVERevolution.

160gr FTX loads available in both the 30-30 and .308MX.

my uncle has a marlin 30-30 and a mate has an old winchester, i reckon i might buy a packet or 2 of this FTX ammo and check the results, probably the best way to work out what i want by shooting one!

i also have access to 3030 dies so i might get keen and load some...

thanks for the info guys!

cheers

[Usurper]

just means its time to build a gun safe i can walk in to...

Silly people and their walk in closets.

This is what it's about

[Press]

Happy shooting buddy.