Best lever gun caliber

[snapping turtle]

Being sensitive to ungodly kick like a 45/70 doesn’t make you less of a man.

yes it does.

45-70 does not have to kick like Bruce Lee on steroids.
Start with cowboy loads and work up till you find one that works for you.

 

[garni]

So been wanting a lever gun for along time and finally ready to pull the trigger but not sure what caliber. This is a fun gun.

.357
.44mag
30-30
45-70

Which one if you had to choose one?

I do own a ruger in .357 so that’s slightly tempting to stay same caliber.

Why didn't you put the 45 LC in the choices?

 

[Leadeye]

It really depends on what you want to do with it...aside from plinking...

• 357 - Hunting at closer ranges
• 44 Mag - Wild Hog killer, but can reach out when loaded properly
• 30-30 - Hunting at further distances
• 45-70 - Wild Hog killer/Hunting at long distances (405gr has same trajectory as the 200gr 44-40 through 200 yards)
• 44-40 - Hunting at closer and longer distances but learning how to load and aim is important. Loading with proper powder and bullets is key to success. The better all-around cartridge. Can shoot 140 thru 240gr bullets plus shot-shells

View attachment 220426

Nice 1873.

 

[Bryan Austin]

Nice 1873.

Thanks!

Never underestimate the 73' chambered in 44-40 when loaded correctly (no, no modern factory junk)!
Targets at 265 yards, retained 950fps at impact! Yes, that is myself so stuff the ugly remarks...LOL!!!
1. Black/Red - My Results (265 yards)
2. White - 1866 Switzerland Trials, Aura Switzerland, October 1866 (250 yards) (44 Henry cartridge, Winchester Model 1866)
3. Blue - John Kort's black powder shots at 300 meters (250 yards) (44 Henry replicated ballistics loads)

Target Details Here: https://sites.google.com/view/44win...targets/targets-load-development/2022-targets

 

[peloe16]

I too have been watching too much Chris costa and am starting my lever gun search. .357 for me because cheaper ammo, can hunt deer, and plink.

 

[Dog1]

Well I'm partial to 45 Colt and 45-70..

 

[Fixer]

I could't decide.
I have levers in:
45 LC
44 Mag
357 Mag
30-30
45-70

I have been tempted a few times by an original Henry in 44-40 as well but haven't run into one in the wild. I probably wouldn't be able to walk away from unless it was priced outrageously.

 

[PRasko]

Just to reiterate what I said earlier. I'm glad I went with 357 on mine now that my stamp came back. There's just something oddly satisfying about plunking 38 specials out of it with a suppressor attached. It's quieter than my pellet rifle

With that being said I believe I'm going to end up picking up a 45/70 if henry ever comes out with a threaded all weather.

 

[Robert L]

I really liked the 357 I had. Gave it to my son as a birthday gift. Great choice for me.

 

[cp1149]

I enjoy 45-70.

 

[NoSaintJoe]

357 mag
44 mag
45/70

the 357 is an absolute blast to shoot.

 

[warren5421]

You guys are missing a great round- .38-55 Winchester, the Gentle Medium Bore By Chuck Hawks

.38-55, the Gentle Medium Bore

 

[Judamonster]

This comment should end the thread. Crushed it.

Like he said, 44mag for deer works like a charm.

45-70 is just a honey of a round to shoot.

I have one on order, been like 8months still waiting.

I know where there is 1 in a store for $1600. It is a marlin, stainless, scope
mount, grey stock. Really nice gun. About an hour north of indy.

 

[model1994]

12ga, baby

 

[Beowulf]

.56-50 or nothing.

 

[red_zr24x4]

Has anyone mentioned 45colt??
That's what I'm holding out for

 

[Leadeye]

Has anyone mentioned 45colt??
That's what I'm holding out for

In 45 Colt I would get a Marlin or Henry. As much as I like Uberti rifles the toggle action in the 1866/1873 copies limits what you can do with 45 Colt.

 

[red_zr24x4]

Really looking hard at an 1860 Henry in 45colt

 

[drillsgt]

It really depends on what you want to do with it...aside from plinking...

• 357 - Hunting at closer ranges
• 44 Mag - Wild Hog killer, but can reach out when loaded properly
• 30-30 - Hunting at further distances
• 45-70 - Wild Hog killer/Hunting at long distances (405gr has same trajectory as the 200gr 44-40 through 200 yards)
• 44-40 - Hunting at closer and longer distances but learning how to load and aim is important. Loading with proper powder and bullets is key to success. The better all-around cartridge. Can shoot 140 thru 240gr bullets plus shot-shells

View attachment 220426

Great looking rifle and nice photo!

 

[GSPBirdDog]

My VOTE is for the 45-70!
Reason= Fun to load for.......Good for Deer and very bad for squirrels! LOL