Browning BLR experiences

Googin · Feb-08-2007, 07:30 PM

Well I took my son shooting for the first time and he was really into it. His frame is still a little small for my 870 youth gun but he had a blast with a 22 semi auto. With a little coaching he looks like he could become a great shot.

More to the point, getting out shooting for the first time in years reminded me how much I enjoyed it. I've decided to pick up a new rifle and I think I've settled on a BLR in .308.

Does anyone have any experience with this rifle? I can't find much bad press except some people don't like the trigger.

BTW anyone interested in a Howa 1500 270 Win, or 12 gauge 870 Special Purpose Synthetic 3" chamber. I don't want to post them in classifieds because I'll probably look into using as a trade or consignment when I find a gun shop I like. Figured I'd just offer them here for anyone interested. Both are great shape I just don't need the shotgun and I was never happy with the 270 as a caliber I want to own.

**el Toro** · Feb-08-2007, 09:13 PM

Not happy with the .270? Huh? asphinctersayswhat? Wow, that is a bold call. IMO, it's more versatile than the .308, though either will kill the same critter just as dead out to any reasonable range. It's a fantastic caliber, maybe not the best elk round out there (although it has certainly killed its fair share) but it's perhaps the best deer round ever made. I gotta know, whatchu got against the .270? Jack O'Connor is rolling over in his grave as we speak.

Anyhow, the BLR is a fine rifle. A short action round like the .308 in that gun would make a nice brush buster. Would be a great pig gun. For longer range accuracy's sake, however, you will be better off with a bolt gun. Inherently, they are the most accurate in most cases. And if you really wanted something with a bit more punch, and a tad more verstility, go with the venerable 30-06.

speedgoat · Feb-08-2007, 09:47 PM

So Nate, are you a small-bore guy or what?

I shoot a 7mm, so I guess I'm a small-bore guy too.

I think the .270 is a fine all-purpose cartridge, just as Jack O'Connor espoused. It's hard to do worse than that, but then it also depends on what you're hunting.

My question would be, why a lever action rifle? Bolt guns are far more accurate and tuneable. One well placed shot is far better than having superior firepower IMHO. I've heard BLR's are nice guns, but if I were to buy a lever action brush gun it would be a Marlin Guide Gun in .45-70.

Also like Nate sez, it's hard to beat the old .30-'06 for all around versatility. That cartridge has probably killed more critters than any other.

blowboater · Feb-08-2007, 10:30 PM

What they said! I love my weatherby mark V in 270. . .it's my 1st and only HP rifle.

rdrrm8e · Feb-08-2007, 10:38 PM

I am new to the .270...........but I likey

my first trip to the range:

Googin · Feb-09-2007, 07:46 AM

I like the lever for the looks. This will be a work horse gun for shooting out here in Califorinia and for deer and moose in Maine. Back in Maine I don't need the MOA of a bolt it will be fun to test this gun to it's limits.

Okay maybe it's not the round but with this Howa, it was my first centerfire and I bought it for my first deer hunt. It was an impulse buy, good price, etc. Since the first round I touched off, the gun itself has never been comfortable too me. Also the lever will push the brush better back in Maine.

If I really get back into shooting with the .308 I'll look into a hobby gun/caliber.

Rubberhook2 · Feb-09-2007, 08:42 AM

I have killed a shitload of wild hogs with a .270, some out to 400 yards. A very flat shooting cartridge. I shoot a 150 grain Nosler Partition out of it and most of the time it goes completly through them.

I have a .308 as well, shoot 180 grain Noslers out of it, but I only like it out to about 100 yards. Great knockdown power, but a big heavy bullet with not enough powder behind it for long range shooting...

okie man · Feb-09-2007, 07:06 PM

i like my bolt guns alot but after getting a nice lever gun and taking it elk hunting its hard to not reach for it when picking a gun to have fun with.great to carry, more than accurate enough for most hunting. 308 plenty for any game in north america not including the great bears.buy it and have fun !!!!!

Googin · Feb-09-2007, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rubberhook2

I have killed a shitload of wild hogs with a .270, some out to 400 yards. A very flat shooting cartridge. I shoot a 150 grain Nosler Partition out of it and most of the time it goes completly through them.

I have a .308 as well, shoot 180 grain Noslers out of it, but I only like it out to about 100 yards. Great knockdown power, but a big heavy bullet with not enough powder behind it for long range shooting...

Not to get into a pissin contest about the virtues of each cal, I have to beg to differ over the 100 yard limitation you worry about. I've been thinking about what caliber I wanted and about future hobby guns/reloading and most ballistic charts show the 270 dropping 2" more compared with the .380 at 400 yards with comparative bullet design/weight. But with the .380 I can find the 180gr bullets to shoot. Some factory loads will only drop 2" more then the 270 150gr. The way I see it, if I have to hold over the target, there is not much difference between 26" and 28".

BUT, will the lever action give me the accuracy out to 400 yards is really the question. Time will tell

Both are great cartridges. I'm just thinking of the possibilities if I decide to come up with some custom loads.

speedgoat · Feb-10-2007, 04:29 AM

For whitetails in Maine a .308 should work fine out to longer ranges, shot placement being the key of course. It's a short action round and in a lever action gun in the brush it will probably perform well given that you do your part. But in a lever action rifle, don't expect to be picking the flies off of pine cones at 400 yds. if you know what I mean.

For moose I'd step up to at least a .30-06 unless you're close enough and confident enough to put one right behind their ear. I say that because I know guys in Alaska that kill moose with .223's doing in that way.

If you want a gun that does both, why not just get a .30-06? I believe Browning makes a BLR in that caliber.

chevypickle23 · Feb-10-2007, 11:50 AM

Okay now I have to step in what the hell is rubberhook talking about the 308 not having enough umphh behind it at longer ranges. Really last time I checked almost every country in the world uses that round in its sniper rifles. Man thats a first for me but what would I know about guns, ballistics, terminal ballistics. I don't shoot let alone hunt for a living the 2 legged kind that is. Rant over and by the way the 270 is a killer round buddies dad just bagged another elk this year with it. Thats all he hunts elk with and he shoots one every year.

Fresh One · Feb-10-2007, 12:20 PM

If you are debating lever versus bolt action, then we have something to debate. I've never shot a lever action so I can't join in on the fun.

Debating between a .270, .308 or .30-06 for a gun to shoot deer sized animals is like arguing over the hot red head, hot blond or the hot brunette. They are all hot and have big tits and a small ass. Pick one and you can't go wrong. Rifle nuts like Nate and Speedy

will talk all day about MOA and bullet trajectory, etc... All excellent and interesting discussion topics around the campfire with a short glass of Makers in your hand, but once your rifle is sighted in, its all pretty much the same. If you do your part, the result is a dead animal, a short term mess to clean up, and a freezer full of god's finest meat.

Most animals are killed well inside 200 yards and the difference in bullet drop between any of those calibers is minute. All 3 pack plenty of wallop.

Now, if you are thinking about hunting elk or moose sized critters, the .30-06 will give you more versatility IMO. Almost anyone will tell you that from a versatility standpoint, the ol' .30-06 is tough to beat.