The .338 Marlin Express is the ’427 big block’ of lever gun cartridges according to Hornady. Hornady states the .338 Marlin is the first “long range, big game, levergun specific cartridge.” Introduced by Marlin in October, the firearm has not yet been posted on the Marlin site, but should be listed in the upcoming 2009 catalog.
Using a 200 grain FTX bullet common to the LEVEREvolution line, the Hornady loading of the .338 Marlin Express shows a muzzle velocity of 2565 fps (2921 ft/lb) that maintains 1991 fps (1760 ft/lb) at 300 yards with only a 7.8″ drop. Hornady says the .338 Marlin is “based loosely on the 376 Steyr.”
More information about the .338 Marlin Express ammunition from Hornady is here.
Other articles that will amaze you:
- Hornady LeverEvolution Line Expands to Include the .357 Magnum and .44 Magnum
- Hornady FTX Bullets Available to Reloaders
- Buy a Box of Hornady Ammo and Hornady Will Buy You a Guns and Ammo Subscription
- DPMS LR-338: An AR-Style Rifle Chambered in .338 Federal For Serious Hunting
- Hornady Introduces New .22 WMR Ammo Using VMAX Bullet
And of course there is the Browning BLR long-action chambered in the venerable .30-06, which more or less performs the same ballistic tricks out of a lever gun in a far more well established caliber.
Though I well know there are those dyed-in-the-wool Marlin fans out there. And I wish them the best of luck on their hunt for Elk, Moose, large Black Bear and an ammo source.
The only probablem with that is the 30-06 is shooting 180 grain and the 338 is shooting 200. Dont get me wrong I cut my teeth on 30-06 but it isnt the 338 and alot of people cant afford a BROWNING. So each to there own.
Dear Hornady.
I’m currently in the process of purchasing a 338 Marlin Express Lever
action rifle for great hunting in Alaska.I know this rifle is new for
Marlin in 2009 and manufactured as well as all Marlin Firearms. I have no comment to the 338 Marlin Express LEVEREvolution ammo,except
how long will it be available and were to purchase it in quantities..
(Is this a new cartridge that might fade away) Thanks for time
Terry.
I own a 338MX and am an ardent of the gun / caliber.
Buy the BLR? Sure, everyone wants to spend 50% more for a browning BLR to get the same ballistics. And most people ignore the 338ME has the same trajectory shooting a heavier bullet. Plus the BLR kicks a lot harder than the 338 as the 338 comes in at about 70% of the recoil of a 180 gr bullet shot out of a 30-06.
The 338 Marlin Express shoots subMOA groups, costs less, kicks less, and actually hits harder than the 30-06. In my mind the BLR comes up short by comparison.
It’s easier to break down for cleaning, and Marlin’s warranty program is top notch. So it’s the better buy in many ways.