Pointed bullets and lever guns: your experiences

**bux-n-dux** · 08-11-2009, 11:39 AM

I have read many warnings about accidental ignition and firing of pointed bullets in tube-fed lever guns. I myself use round nose bullets in my Marlin 336 .35 Remington. However, I would really like to switch to the 150 grain core-lokt, but they are pointed somewhat. Reviews I have read on some sites have people saying they have used them for years in Marlins and never had a problem with tube firings. I would be interested to know opinions and expeiences of some folks from JHO before I go and purchase several boxes of this ammo. I know I could always have one round chambered (where and when legal) and one in the tube but that would limit me to 2 shots, which might actually be OK. Curious as to what you all have to say on this topic. thanks in advance,

bux-n-dux

**BelchFire** · 08-11-2009, 12:06 PM

I have no experience here because I was always taught that it was a no-no. So I've never done it. It might be OK, but I wouldn't take the chance.

Reviews I have read on some sites have people saying they have used them for years in Marlins and never had a problem with tube firings.

I had a friend who was alcoholic. He drove drunk MANY times and "never had a problem with it"; no tickets, nor DUIs. Does that make it a safe thing to do?

**Rotorhead** · 08-11-2009, 01:04 PM

I don't have any experience with the core-lokt bullets, but remember that Hornady now has a safe option in the FTX bullets (or factory LEVERevolution loads). These are pointed but have a "flex-tip" that makes them safe for tubular magazines and depending on your ability could easily turn your .35 Rem into a 200 yd gun. The higher BC of the pointed 200 gr bullet brings the performance closer to the 150 gr without the safety concerns.

They come in a 200 gr for the .35 Rem. Factory rounds in my Marlin 336 with the micro-groove barrel gave me muzzle velocity of 2225fps with a good groups (approx 2" @ 100 yds). Based on the BC of .300 I compute 3" high @ 100 yds and only -1.3" @ 200 yds BUT.....

Here's where they really shine: I hand loaded some and the accuracy was amazing for a lever rifle (1" @ 100yds) with a Nikon Pro-Staff scope. I used a fairly low charge to appease a recoil sensitive teen and chrono'd them out at 1871 fps. This puts them +0.70" @ 50 yds, 0.00" @ 100yds, -3.9" @ 150 yds, and -11.5" @ 200 yds. In this case probably not a great idea to shoot beyond 150 yds but that's just my opinion.

I have not killed anything with them so I have no idea of terminal performance on game but I'm waiting for an opportunity......

**hunterintn** · 08-12-2009, 06:36 AM

I tend to agree with Rotorhead on this, especially since checking ballistics charts shows no advantage using 150s over the more traditional 200s. I had previously thought that the 150s were made so shooters of the Remington 14, 141 and later 760 could use a pointed bullet (14 and 141 have a spiral tube, keeping bullet tips off primer ahead and the 760 a removable magazine). Even this seeming advantage looks to be for naught, as the info I've seen shows no worthwhile improvement either ballistic or trajectory-wise. The SD of the .358/150gr is a sorry .168. The new LE ammo is, however, head and shoulders above the older 200gr loads(and 150s). It shows marked improvement in accuracy as well in my 760/.35. The LE ammo prints under 1.5" from my 1953 rifle.

**bobbyrum** · 08-14-2009, 06:11 PM

I have a Win. 94. I would never consider using a pointed hard point in this gun. If someone has been doing this on a regular basis, he's been very fortunate to this point but it's only a matter of time. Some companys load up a little more than others. I had one brand go almost 250 ft./sec. faster through the chronograph than another with same weight bullet. The one that I have had great success with was the Hornady Leverevolution 160 gr. PSP with its new soft point. My 94 will put 3 into 1" consistantly at 100 yds. with peep sights. Sure opened my eyes

**rodneyshishido** · 08-27-2009, 02:49 PM

I tried loading pointed bullets in my 30-30. I got around the tubular magazine problem by only carrying one in the chamber and one in the magazine.

The problem I ran into was with the overall cartridge length. The speer spitzer that I loaded had to be seated fairly deep in order for the action to properly chamber the round. The handloads shot fine, they just looked sort of funny.

**gundogs** · 08-29-2009, 04:00 PM

Hi Rodney ....when are we hunting again?

My experience as a HEI tells me NO pointed bullets in a tube fed gun. Now the Hornaday Lever Revolution seems to have addressed that with their soft pointed (Rubber Tipped bullets). You may want to check out their offerings and keep things on the safe side.

Bryce