Looking for a flat shooting lever gun that will shoot cast bullets. Power not the primary concern, as I have a 45/70. Looking for a good cougar gun that will shoot flat. Would the 30/30 be a good candidate? I have also been thinking of a 243 or 308 Browning. There would definitely be flat shooting as compared to more traditional models.

My father had EXACTLY what I'd get if I wanted what you're asking for.

He bought it in 1925, a Savage 99 in 250-3000 Savage. (My sis inherited it.)

The price will be high, but they do come to market today. Here's why they

are prized -

http://www.reloadbench.com/cartridges/250s.html

The Browning BLR would be a fine choice or a nice second hand Savage 99 in similar cartridges.

If you want to look at traditional level guns then the new 308 marlin or 338 marlin might be an option?

The Browning BLR's are light, handy, accurate and available in cartridges from the .22-250 to the .325 WSM. A 7mm-08 or .308 would probably fit your needs pretty well. Most folks also mount too large of a scope on these guns. A nice fixed 4X, or at most a 1.5-6X, would be all you might ever need for big game.

If you want to shoot cast bullets too, there is only one choice.

The 358 winchester caliber in either a model 99 Savage or the Browning BLR. You can use any 357 magnum cast bullet in the 358 and the jacketed bullets shoot well too.

if u choose a blr get an old model . they r 10x the quality of the new. even tho price maybe near the same it is well worth it.

I would have to recommend you go the BLR route. I bought one in .308 last year. Handles real nice in the woods, light, shoots 1.5"-2" groups @ 100yards (open sighted). As far as quality goes I have to disagree with the previous post. The one I bought is better quality than my dads steel reciever .30-06. To each his own I guess.

My father had EXACTLY what I'd get if I wanted what you're asking for.

He bought it in 1925, a Savage 99 in 250-3000 Savage. (My sis inherited it.)

The price will be high, but they do come to market today. Here's why they

are prized -

http://www.reloadbench.com/cartridges/250s.html


+1 - On the Savage. They are the forgotten lever actions because they don't resemble their Western styled counterparts.

If yer gonna shoot cast, then the 358 is a great choice. I have a steel BLR 358. Also have a new 338 Marlin MXLR that could shoot cast quite good I believe. But, you are talking about flat shooting so why limit it to cast medium bores? I have a BLR in 7mm-08 that would be a great choice as well. DP

Savage M99 in .308.

Flat shooting, accurate and hits more than hard enough for mountain lion.

The .308 marlin express seems to be a very good performer. I was looking at that, but decided I need a .357 .ever to match my Blackhawk instead.

i like the mod 99 in 300 savage 180g best little brush gun i ever had next to a good 30/30.

Just a question... Is this going to be a "dedicated" cougar rifle? If so I don't connect the need for flat shooting.

I like the Browning/Winchester 1895 lever gun. Used to have one in .30-06 and they are so to be found in .270 Win.

CD