338 Marlin Express

No experience with it but I think it would be a great choice especially for thicker areas of Zim or Namibia.
 
The one animal I saw shot with mine was a whitetail doe at about 75 feet... That Hornady special tube mag soft tipped bullet exploded on her shoulder and only penetrated to one lung, which was totally blasted out. Deer ran about 30 yards and dropped.

Point being, it messed up a quarter of meat and I don't think it would be a good choice for tough skinned African game.

However it has tons of potential, with the right load and bullet.... just not sure what that is....
 
I used a modified Hornady 185 grain GMX bullet that I cut down to 180 grains and loaded it to 2550 fps.

In addition to the Gemsbok, I took two black wildebeest with one bullet. The round went thru the cow and hit the bull standing behind it.

1C4AF65A-55AD-408E-8818-F876F6A2B583.jpeg
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Retired Sgt said:
Has anyone hunted plains game with the 338 Marlin Express.

Thinking of bringing one along as an additional rifle for my upcoming cull hunt.
Click to expand...
@Retired Sgt
It almost the equivalent of the 338 federal and is claimed to be a 300 yard elk cartridge with flex tip ammo. I would take it and have fun.
Bob
 
It was designed with that Hornady 200 grain flex top load, to mimic the trajectory or a 30-06 factory 180 grain load.

I'm interested in how you modified the GMX bullet? Sounds like a great option!

I think it has fantastic potential but not a fan of that explosive bullet Hornady loads their ammo with.
 
Retired Sgt said:
I used a modified Hornady 185 grain GMX bullet that I cut down to 180 grains and loaded it to 2550 fps.

In addition to the Gemsbok, I took two black wildebeest with one bullet. The round went thru the cow and hit the bull standing behind it.

View attachment 256105
Click to expand...

This is my favourite pic I’ve seen of African hunting in a long time - happy Hunter, beautiful scenery/timing, rifle clearly in photo. It’s perfect and reeks of that happy memory and moment in time.
 
My buddy is looking for a Marlin rifle in this caliber. Nothing on Gunbroker. Seems fairly rare?
 
Retired Sgt said:
They only made around 5000 in the stainless version. Not sure how many were made in blue.
Click to expand...
Yeah, for a “newer” (2009?) cartridge, the available rifles for sale on different sites are non existent and the reloading dies (Redding) are pricey. My buddy stated Marlin doesn’t even have the rifle in that cartridge in their current catalog. He’s a Browning BLR ‘06 guy, so I’m trying to convince him maybe a .338-06 or .35 Whelen would be better, since he has a bunch of ‘06 brass he could use to form the brass for those cartridges. But, he’s stubborn and wants to stick with a lever action. I told him he needs to think outside the “lever”! Ha! Ha!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Members online

... and 1087 more.
Total: 15,211 (members: 1,137, guests: 14,074)

Forum statistics

Threads
53,989
Messages
1,142,532
Members
93,358
Latest member
DenaI60135
 

 

 

Proudly sponsored by

Latest posts

Latest profile posts

C
Cwoody wrote on Woodcarver's profile.
Shot me email if Beretta 28 ga DU is available
Thank you
•••
P
Pancho wrote on Safari Dave's profile.
Enjoyed reading your post again. Believe this is the 3rd time. I am scheduled to hunt w/ Legadema in Sep. Really looking forward to it.
•••
HENRY GRIFFITHS SAFARIS
HENRY GRIFFITHS SAFARIS
check out our Buff hunt deal!

Buffalo Hunt with Henry Griffiths Safaris $10000

Here with is our offer for a hunt of a...
www.africahunting.com www.africahunting.com
•••
HENRY GRIFFITHS SAFARIS
HENRY GRIFFITHS SAFARIS
Because of some clients having to move their dates I have 2 prime time slots open if anyone is interested to do a hunt
5-15 May
or 5-15 June is open!
shoot me a message for a good deal!
•••
D
dogcat1 wrote on skydiver386's profile.
I would be interested in it if you pass. Please send me the info on the gun shop if you do not buy it. I have the needed ammo and brass.
Thanks,
Ross
•••

Share this page

 
Top