308 Marlin Expres

Rattle'em up · 03-02-2008, 10:20 AM

Just wondering how everyone feels about the 308MX as a big game round?

SwedeSteve · 03-02-2008, 12:31 PM

I just saw a lever chambered for this cartridge yesterday! From what I've been able to find, it sounds as if it is a good cartridge. But like any newly introduced cartridge, you are taking a risk!

turner · 03-12-2008, 09:07 PM

Here's my take...no better for anyone than a .308 in a BLR! If you NEED to have a Marlin, have at it. I thought the ammo might be cost prohibitive, but first indications is..Nope! Of course, the .308 has about 60 more loadings, but who's counting? A grat concept, but in my mind, they should have re-introduced the .307 and .356 Winchesters with the bullets rather than wasting time to re-invent!

vikingpreacher · 03-21-2008, 08:36 AM

I think this cartridge will last a good time and be somewhat popular just because of the fact that, yes it has no advantages over a BLR in .308 but, the BLR is a modern feeding Lever-action while the Marlin is a Traditional loading rifle. This doesn't effect me but it does some people. I think the cartridge is suitable for Deer, Black Bear, or Elk and such sized game.

ArkansasHunter · 03-21-2008, 08:46 AM

I've seen Marlin to many times introduce a new caliber lever action rifle and then discountinue it 2 - 3 years later.
With that said I desperately would like to have an XLR in 35 Remington which Marlin introduced last year.
We'll use this marlin as an example...How long do you think they'll continue to build and sell a stainless steel lever action in 35 Remington.
I'd almost bet in 2 years it will be dropped for lack of sales and maybe some other models.
May be the 308 will endure.
A.H

TRUE GRIT · 03-22-2008, 12:43 PM

On paper it sounds real good, and my eyes were glued to the first article I saw about it. I am a big fan of Marlin lever actions and the 308 is one of my favs, so a
trad. style lever gun that can take down deer at 300 yards really appeals to me.
That said, I dont see my self running out and getting one just yet, too many other guns out there that I need (RE: want) more.

two-70 · 03-23-2008, 06:12 PM

I'd opt for a 308 win over the 308 ME

turner · 03-23-2008, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vikingpreacher

I think this cartridge will last a good time and be somewhat popular just because of the fact that, yes it has no advantages over a BLR in .308 but, the BLR is a modern feeding Lever-action while the Marlin is a Traditional loading rifle. This doesn't effect me but it does some people. I think the cartridge is suitable for Deer, Black Bear, or Elk and such sized game.

Make any difference to you that the number of loadings available for the .308ME is ONE, and the number of loadings for a .308 Win is about 75? Or that a handloader CANNOT duplicate the performance of the .308ME because of the proprietary powder used... I love my two Marlin lever guns, but not THAT MUCH! Anyone wanting true bolt gun performance from a lever gun has only one choice, the same one they've had for the last 35 years...the BLR.

vikingpreacher · 03-25-2008, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by turner

Make any difference to you that the number of loadings available for the .308ME is ONE, and the number of loadings for a .308 Win is about 75? Or that a handloader CANNOT duplicate the performance of the .308ME because of the proprietary powder used... I love my two Marlin lever guns, but not THAT MUCH! Anyone wanting true bolt gun performance from a lever gun has only one choice, the same one they've had for the last 35 years...the BLR.

Look at the fact though that Marlin seems to keep chambering cartridges that never have been very popular such as the .444 Marlin, also look who is loading it for them HORNADY, 1 of the most respected names in the shooting industry. Marlin lever rifles are loved by many fans also and this cartridges has created quite a buzz in the media so I think it will do well.

forestgleaner · 04-03-2008, 10:39 PM

Marlin are made in the USA. Browning are japanese. The can't reload cause of the powder hornady hoards, is no fun, the only one tip to use right now is also a bummer, but, what I wouldn't give to see one set up with a 7mm tip, or even a 25. I miss my 7x30 waters. I wish my 25-20 would have just a bit more reach.

nathangdad · 04-04-2008, 04:07 AM

The history of firearms is paved with good cartridges that just did not make it in the marketplace.

The current market is, in my opinion, completely saturated with cartridges many of which overlap one another in performance and often offer no real advantage to the hunter over the classic cartridges such as the .30-06, .270 Winchester, and so on.

Expect a big shakeout as the economy continues in trouble with many people unable to afford the newer cartridge/rifle offerings. This is also equally true with the newer handgun/cartridge offerings.

For what it is worth, I have checked the ballistics and feel the .308 Marlin is a good idea. Whether it will or will not be available in 2009 or 2010 is
the risk you take if you buy now.

Magnumsrule · 04-04-2008, 09:31 PM

In the april issue of outdoor life they discuss this new cartridge. They dasi there was a number of reasons y they didnt just resurect the 307. The new 308 marlin probobly has a place with lever action fans but other than that its just a new short fat cartridge duplicating the 308 win.

03-02-2008, 10:20 AM	#1
Rattle'em up Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Austin,Texas Posts: 89	308 Marlin Expres Just wondering how everyone feels about the 308MX as a big game round?

03-02-2008, 12:31 PM	#2
SwedeSteve Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: AnchorTown, Alaska Posts: 6,854	I just saw a lever chambered for this cartridge yesterday! From what I've been able to find, it sounds as if it is a good cartridge. But like any newly introduced cartridge, you are taking a risk! __________________ Thank God we don't get as much Government as we pay for! -Will Rogers

03-21-2008, 08:36 AM	#4
vikingpreacher Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Iowa Posts: 269	I think this cartridge will last a good time and be somewhat popular just because of the fact that, yes it has no advantages over a BLR in .308 but, the BLR is a modern feeding Lever-action while the Marlin is a Traditional loading rifle. This doesn't effect me but it does some people. I think the cartridge is suitable for Deer, Black Bear, or Elk and such sized game. __________________ Join the cartridge comparisons group! http://gunandgame.com/forums/group.php?groupid=3

03-23-2008, 06:12 PM	#7
two-70 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: ponca city, oklahoma Posts: 1,755	I'd opt for a 308 win over the 308 ME __________________ What Would Jesus Do ????? Just Ask Him.

04-04-2008, 04:07 AM	#11
nathangdad Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 1,848	Risk factor The history of firearms is paved with good cartridges that just did not make it in the marketplace. The current market is, in my opinion, completely saturated with cartridges many of which overlap one another in performance and often offer no real advantage to the hunter over the classic cartridges such as the .30-06, .270 Winchester, and so on. Expect a big shakeout as the economy continues in trouble with many people unable to afford the newer cartridge/rifle offerings. This is also equally true with the newer handgun/cartridge offerings. For what it is worth, I have checked the ballistics and feel the .308 Marlin is a good idea. Whether it will or will not be available in 2009 or 2010 is the risk you take if you buy now.

03-12-2008, 09:07 PM	#3
turner Banned Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Tn Posts: 623	Here's my take...no better for anyone than a .308 in a BLR! If you NEED to have a Marlin, have at it. I thought the ammo might be cost prohibitive, but first indications is..Nope! Of course, the .308 has about 60 more loadings, but who's counting? A grat concept, but in my mind, they should have re-introduced the .307 and .356 Winchesters with the bullets rather than wasting time to re-invent!

03-21-2008, 08:46 AM	#5
ArkansasHunter Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: South Arkansas Posts: 10,154	I've seen Marlin to many times introduce a new caliber lever action rifle and then discountinue it 2 - 3 years later. With that said I desperately would like to have an XLR in 35 Remington which Marlin introduced last year. We'll use this marlin as an example...How long do you think they'll continue to build and sell a stainless steel lever action in 35 Remington. I'd almost bet in 2 years it will be dropped for lack of sales and maybe some other models. May be the 308 will endure. A.H

03-22-2008, 12:43 PM	#6
TRUE GRIT Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: California Posts: 87	On paper it sounds real good, and my eyes were glued to the first article I saw about it. I am a big fan of Marlin lever actions and the 308 is one of my favs, so a trad. style lever gun that can take down deer at 300 yards really appeals to me. That said, I dont see my self running out and getting one just yet, too many other guns out there that I need (RE: want) more.

04-03-2008, 10:39 PM	#10
forestgleaner Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 114	Marlin are made in the USA. Browning are japanese. The can't reload cause of the powder hornady hoards, is no fun, the only one tip to use right now is also a bummer, but, what I wouldn't give to see one set up with a 7mm tip, or even a 25. I miss my 7x30 waters. I wish my 25-20 would have just a bit more reach.

04-04-2008, 09:31 PM	#12
Magnumsrule Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Northern Alberta, Canada Posts: 586	In the april issue of outdoor life they discuss this new cartridge. They dasi there was a number of reasons y they didnt just resurect the 307. The new 308 marlin probobly has a place with lever action fans but other than that its just a new short fat cartridge duplicating the 308 win. __________________ Cartridge Group Like to discuss cartridges? Join HERE!

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