Marlin .308MX JM

[rswartsell]

I would like to start a general discussion on the pros and cons of the Marlin .308MX.

Why? Because I have an unplanned opportunity to acquire a good JM marked example at what is lets say a very attractive price. As sometimes happens, the opportunity arose with no previous thought on my part of obtaining one. As I have learned over many a year sometimes when opportunity knocks, you will regret not answering. Other times not so much.

Performance? Ammo availability (could be a strong issue)? Fit for need? And whatever else might pop up in a Marlin MX Rorschach.

My use would be hunting residing in NW Louisiana, hog, deer- but who knows? I'm not nailed down and would value hunts that might require some travel.

I am an old school lever fan, but my ownership is limited to a late '70s 336 in .30-30. Right now my go to or most used rifle would be a Tikka T3 Lite 7mm 08.

Before you suggest it, I have searched old threads and didn't find much. What I did find may be a bit dated.

 

[35Remfan]

Buy the Marlin 308MX

Pro: Performance is similiar to the 308 Win. At least in the loadings available for the Marlin. Hornady's LeverEvolution 160 gr is probably the main loading for this round. Hornady also offers an monoflex 140 gr. Good performance for everything up to Elk and Moose with the 160gr. Great for hogs in either load.

Con: Only just a few factory loadings for this round. Remington offers a load but it is round nose. Hornady is the only factory loads that truly take full advantage of this round (pointed rounds that can be used in a lever action rifle). ((You lose just a little bit of performance with the MX version because of the 22in barrel but you gain in my opinion the look of blued steel and a walnut stock.))

Marlin will probably keep making this rifle for a good while. This suggests that ammo companies will keep making rounds for it (especially Hornady). But... the choices will always be few.

If you reload your choices can include 30-30 bullets but you lose out on long range performance.

All in all I like the round for all that it is. A great way to upgrade to a 300 yard LeverAction with really good performance. I would myself buy this rifle for myself if the price was right especially for a JM version.

 

[Armed 24/7]

My Dad has one that he bought new about 5 years ago. I really like it, it is very accurate with very little recoil. He only uses the 160 gr hornady lever revolution load. No complaints on the performance on deer either. You cannot complain about 1 shot instant kills on deer, how much more dead do you need?

 

[Dr. A]

The main advantage is of course, that you can shoot this cartridge out of a lever gun. It has similar ballistics to a 300 savage. With the Hornady loadings, some will compare it to a 308 winchester. The gun and cartridge were designed for accuracy, (more so than other lever guns), and will outperform them in longer range shooting. A shooter that practices can hit what he is shooting at (and certainly kill deer) up to a bit over 400 yards. It's kick is less than you would think, and when I'm shooting it, I have become very confident in my ability to hit what I'm shooting at. It's light, handles well, and can be exactly reloaded to match the Hornady ammo. My load is 41.5 gr. of Leverevolution powder with the pointed FTX bullet meant for the cartridge. I have picked up a thousand bullets from midway for 20 bucks a hundred when they sell blems. Of course, I use the Hornady case.

Many feel the 160gr. loading has a to soft bullet. Chest shot deer will tip over right away. Same for when you hit other places, but be prepared for bloodshot meat, as you get pretty aggressive expansion on shoulders when shot at short range. With a hog, you would want to aim for behind the ear, as a shoulder shot would ruin a roast for sure. I use my 308 MXLR for when I absolutely, positively want to be comfortable I am doing everything I can to take down my deer.

 

[Deog]

It is a fine round, and i would love a jm 308mxlr

 

[natman]

A quick look at Midway shows no 308MX ammo available and no brass at the moment. Does the rifle come with any?

 

[rswartsell]

2 1/2 boxes Hornady LeverRevolution. 1 1/2 160 gr, 1 140 gr. Entry level scope and leather sling. Just gorgeous condition, 1 tiny scratch. Four Franklins. Hard to beat, I told him I'd take it.

Saw 190 rounds listed on Gunbroker for $ 450.00! ouch! Whatever other consideration, he is throwing in the towel party due to ammunition price /availability. Damn shame about not being able to buy the Hornady bullets for handloading.

P.S. I saw a listing (out of stock of course) that indicated there are Nosler rounds available at times? Or did the website screw up?

 

[rswartsell]

Nosler website doesn't list in in the product listing.

 

[natman]

2 1/2 boxes Hornady LeverRevolution. 1 1/2 160 gr, 1 140 gr. Entry level scope and leather sling. Just gorgeous condition, 1 tiny scratch. Four Franklins. Hard to beat, I told him I'd take it.

P.S. I saw a listing (out of stock of course) that indicated there are Nosler rounds available at times? Or did the website screw up?

It's hard to turn down a nice Marlin for $400. The 50 rounds mean 50 shots and 50 brass, which if you reload carefully should last you until times get better.

I hope.

 

[Dr. A]

Bullets and brass will eventually show. I used the 30-30 bullets in a pinch, and they work fine. Eventually with the good leverevolution powder.