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  1. #11
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    Witbank
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    Default Re: Lever action for hunting?

    I have a Miroku 308 same as Browning BLR, the advantage is the box magazine as against the tube, allows you to shoot sharp point ammunition. The 308 is a good allround calibre better performance compared to 30-30.

  2. #12
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    Aug 2012
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    Pretoria, South Africa
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    Default Re: Lever action for hunting?

    Quote Originally Posted by Wesley View Post
    What bullet do you use when hunting with your .357?
    Currently I have Hornady 158gr XTP's (factory ammo), but I'm looking at better options. I haven't really played with loads for the .357 Magnum yet, but I really want some proper bonded bullets, and I don't think hollow points are really the best. The XTP's do penetrate properly and they expand brilliantly, but I'm afraid it might over-expand and break up in the wrong conditions.

  3. #13
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    Nov 2011
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    Kempton Park
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    Default Re: Lever action for hunting?

    Would you discourage using a cmj or semi wadcutter?

  4. #14
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    Default Re: Lever action for hunting?

    CMJ probably, yes, but that same rifle (before I bought it) was hunting using a softnose SWC. It's like a normal cast SWC, but the bottom half of the bullet is jacketed. It stuck together nicely and performed well enough in warthog and impala. I should still have a round or two of that at home, I think?

    EDIT: To clarify, I'd discourage CMJ use.

  5. #15

    Default Re: Lever action for hunting?


  6. #16

    Default Re: Lever action for hunting?

    Marlin 444 works well for me, anything from pigs to Kudu bulls, I don't like to shoot further than 150 mt, I load 300gn SWC running at just under 2,000 fps, little meat damage, it's a pleasure.

  7. #17
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    Apr 2020
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    kowteng
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    59
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    79

    Default Re: Lever action for hunting?

    I have some interesting loads i used many moons back in a T\C Contender

    200 GR cast bullet with gas check - 14 GR S265 - no problem on silhouette rams at 200m
    How strong are lever guns ? Can they safely handly warm 357 Magnum loads?


    I would seriously consider one as a pig / warthog gun with the right load

  8. #18
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    Apr 2011
    Location
    Republic of Texas
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    2,070

    Default Re: Lever action for hunting?

    I have my father's Marlin 36 30-30. He bought it in the 1950's. He hunted everything from elk to deer to russian boars with it.
    He used Winchester Super X 170grain flat points for everything.

    The good thing about 30-30 you can find it anywhere and it also very easy cartridge to reload. If you reload, make sure you use a full length resizing die.

  9. #19
    Banned
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    Aug 2010
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    Port Elizabeth
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    55
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    Default Re: Lever action for hunting?

    Quote Originally Posted by Toxxyc View Post
    Currently I have Hornady 158gr XTP's (factory ammo), but I'm looking at better options. I haven't really played with loads for the .357 Magnum yet, but I really want some proper bonded bullets, and I don't think hollow points are really the best. The XTP's do penetrate properly and they expand brilliantly, but I'm afraid it might over-expand and break up in the wrong conditions.
    ************************
    Correct - they do sometimes over expand on warthog, and some time behave funny in regard to penetration, especially on shoulder area. They also seem to then parachute to a stop prematurely.

  10. #20
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    Default Re: Lever action for hunting?

    Quote Originally Posted by Wesley View Post
    Would you discourage using a cmj or semi wadcutter?
    ***********************
    I found that the S/W/Cutters penetrated much better and more predictably. (I shot a lot of W/Hog carcass's out of interest). expanding bullets in 357 and 44 magnum do not behave like rifle bullets and it appears the window of desirable or hoped for performance is very narrow. They either flatten, smear or behave like round nose bullets.

    I never got around to trying the Impala bullets for hunting in hand gun calibers, but from their use in rifles and what I have experienced from lead or copper jacketed bullets, I think the Impala bullet may just be the ultimate design for a hand gun hunting application - better than its use in a conventional rifle caliber.

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