I would like a fast handling and shooting lever for elk in the timber and was planning on getting the 1895 guide in .450 or 45/70 but a deal has come my way on the .308. The gun will have a low power variable or magnified aimpoint for fast shooting up close and to 200 yards max.
Do you think the marlin with the 160g hornady load would be a good choice for close range elk?
Better than a .243 but not as good as the 338 Marlin Express.
Too bad you're not just after deer. Was at the gunshop last week and they had a Marlin 336SDT. Stainless,laminated stock, 30/30 with 16 1/2" barrel and fiber optic front and rear sights. #2 of 500 of a special for Davis. Straight grip too. Sweet!
Qtip
Soli Deo Gloria!
That Davis gun does sound great.
I believe you will be fine with the 308ME especially if the range kept realistic. I agree that the .338ME would be a better choice for elk.
Do you think the marlin with the 160g hornady load would be a good choice for close range elk?
If you wanna break bone or penetrate thick muscle, I would handload some tougher, heavier bullets.
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just keep in mind that the 308 me will probably be a dead cartridge in a few years. Ammo will be pricy and hard to find. Not that it already isnt
I would use the 150-hrain Barnes X bullet.
I have found the 160 Hornady bullets to be quite tough and would not hesitate to use it for close range elk. Several elk have been shot with the cartridge with no complaints.
If you are a handloader have no fear about ammunition availability. You can make the brass if you need to and the Marlin rifle cycles rimless cases fine too � or at least mine handles them reasonably well.
I shoot the 375 Winchester, 307 and 356 Winchester cartridges and ammo availability have never affected my shooting.
I have several low power scopes on lever action rifles and am rather fond of the Weaver V-3, the Burris Timberline 2-7X and the Short Mag straight 4X. All of the light scopes seem to do the job quite well.