Quiet CF rifle loads -- which action(s)/caliber(s)?

[Thirties]

Shooting on 18 acres. Looking to load for very quiet and short range (within 150 yds) centerfire in a handy rifle (no 8mm Mausers).

Which caliber(s) and action(s) are most appropriate?

Obviously not looking for semi auto, but thinking of used military surplus bolt action. Not opposed to single shot or lever either, but these seem to sell for more $$$ used than the milsurp bolt actions. How about handgun cartridge lever rifles (already own .38/.357 revolvers)?

Any opinions or thoughts would be welcome and appreciated.

 

[cratz2]

22 hornets are pretty quiet.

Most any of the handgun cartridge carbines should pretty quite with factory ammo. Something like a 44 Magnum lever gun shooting cowboy load 44 Specials should be pretty quiet.

 

[Art Eatman]

I reckon it's obvious to all that more powder = more noise. This is where a reloader has an advantage, since you can use reduced loads in even the monster magnums.

Factory pistol loads in a lever-gun are quieter than something like a .30-30 or a .223, but they aren't as quiet as one might think.

I dunno. For the money, a milsurp you like and some good used reloading stuff would be one solution--and reloading keeps ya outta the beer-joints at night.

Art

 

[Thirties]

Thanks for the replies, folks. Over the weekend I bought a Marlin 1894C (18.5" barrel, .357mag) lever rifle.

Here is a related thread I started over at the reloading area here at THR...

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=62176