Recommedation on Whitetail Rifle?
#1
Spike
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: PA
Posts: 22
Recommedation on Whitetail Rifle?
I'm at mid life now and have a Moderate hearing loss and sensitivity to high cailber guns that produce the "crack" and/or concussion and blowback with short 20 inch barrels. I have used a 30-30 lever action for years with a 20 inch barrel and found that tolerable with some ear plugs while hunting. I wanted to buy a 7mm-08 today since it's been my experience that deer hit with a 30-30 through the lungs/heart can run for 50-100 yards unless you break their back and in PA with so many hunteres you risk losing your deer. After shotting a 7mm-08 today with a 20" barrel I was disappointed. I just can't tolerate that "crack" sound and pressure blowback. The 1st shot I had full muffs on and the 2nd shot a pair of custom ear canal inserts. After the 2nd shot that was enough for me.
My question to you seasoned rifle experts is this:
I'm thinking about my only option now for a new gun would be the new Marlin 336 XLR SS with the 24" barrel. It also shoots Leverevolution ammo so I can shoot out to 200 yards. At least I know I can tolerate this gun. I guess bullets traveling 3,000 fps+with crimped brass have high pressure and one of the reasons they produce such loud noise and downrange kinetic energy.
Are there any other Rifle/Caliber options for me besides the Marlin 30-30, 336 XLR with 24" barrel that would produce less noise (crack sound) or decibels yet enable me to shoot 200 yards?
Any info greatly appreciated!
My question to you seasoned rifle experts is this:
I'm thinking about my only option now for a new gun would be the new Marlin 336 XLR SS with the 24" barrel. It also shoots Leverevolution ammo so I can shoot out to 200 yards. At least I know I can tolerate this gun. I guess bullets traveling 3,000 fps+with crimped brass have high pressure and one of the reasons they produce such loud noise and downrange kinetic energy.
Are there any other Rifle/Caliber options for me besides the Marlin 30-30, 336 XLR with 24" barrel that would produce less noise (crack sound) or decibels yet enable me to shoot 200 yards?
Any info greatly appreciated!
#2
I own a few rifles including a 30-30, my favorite is my 7mm rem mag but this will not do for your situation the crack and concussion is quite substantial but I also own a 243 in my opinion it's concusion and crack is considerably less then my 30-30 it also has enough power and speed and distance for anw whitetail just a sugestion hopefully this helps.
#4
Giant Nontypical
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 5,425
That 20 inch barrel is part of the problem...
I had my .243 rebarreled a few years back and went with a 24 inch barrel to try and help my hearing as well...
Something else you can do, go with a muzzleloader...I do more hunting with a .54 caliber flintlock and 38 inch barrel than any other rifle...If you don't want to go with a flinter, go with an inline, with 80-90grs of powder the crack isn't as noticable...
I had my .243 rebarreled a few years back and went with a 24 inch barrel to try and help my hearing as well...
Something else you can do, go with a muzzleloader...I do more hunting with a .54 caliber flintlock and 38 inch barrel than any other rifle...If you don't want to go with a flinter, go with an inline, with 80-90grs of powder the crack isn't as noticable...
#5
Spike
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 70
One thing to consider is a used Savage 99 in an old/light caliber. They use a rotary magazine, so you can use whatever pointed bullets you want without special ammo. It might be a bit pricy, but if you can find one in .300 Savage it's a wonderful combo that will still outperform the 30-30. They did make them with quite long barrels, but finding one with all those qualities could be tough.
#10
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Rivesville, WV
Posts: 3,192
I would go the other way. I would go big bore with low velocity, in a long barreled single shot rifle. Even a 27 or 28 inch Encore if you want a modern firearm. Anything from 44 magnum to light 45-70 loads. 200 yards is not a problem with these cartridges if you know your rifle. The extra barrel length will help a lot also. And the lower pressure cartridges are just the ticket. There is not much difference between a 243 and a 7-08, they are pretty close. You hardly even notice the shot with a long barreled 44 magnum or even better yet a 45 Colt. MGM could make you one heck of a 26 or 28 inch 45 Colt barrel for an Encore. And the overall length would be the same as a regular bolt action, or very close. Tom.