The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - I REALLY like lever guns, but should I like this one?

jmr40 · January 30, 2014, 08:58 AM

Winchester tried the 307 win and 356 win, which were basically a rimmed 308 and 358 loaded with round nose bullets back in the 1970's. Both flopped. The 308 and 338 Marlin are almost identical. I don't see them having any more success 40 years later.

Most guys who want a lever action are completely satisfied with 30-30 and similar rounds. The rubber tipped pointed Hornady bullets offer some ballistic advantage on paper, but not that much in the real world.

Most of those rifles had 24" barrels to get a little more speed. The end result is a rifle longer and heavier than a typical magnum chambered bolt rifle, with far less performance.

January 30, 2014, 08:58 AM	#6
jmr40 Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 10,805	Winchester tried the 307 win and 356 win, which were basically a rimmed 308 and 358 loaded with round nose bullets back in the 1970's. Both flopped. The 308 and 338 Marlin are almost identical. I don't see them having any more success 40 years later. Most guys who want a lever action are completely satisfied with 30-30 and similar rounds. The rubber tipped pointed Hornady bullets offer some ballistic advantage on paper, but not that much in the real world. Most of those rifles had 24" barrels to get a little more speed. The end result is a rifle longer and heavier than a typical magnum chambered bolt rifle, with far less performance.