“model 88”

What is it about a lever-action rifle that still appeals to us all?

It's time for a history lesson on one of the industry's most commonly used cartridges: .308 Winchester.

Old is not dead, and though the 8x57 has had to endure vast improvements in cartridge design, powder development and bullet performance, it remains a perfectly viable hunting cartridge.

While there are many cartridges that can handle medium-sized game, the .243 Winchester sits at the top of the heap for good reasons: it’s accurate, easy on the shoulder and delivers enough energy for the task at hand.

Deer rifles and the cartridges loaded in them have run the gamut the last 50 years, from the Winchester 94 in .30-30 Win. to the Weatherby Mark V in .30-378 Wby. Mag. and the DPMS ARL in 6.5 Creedmoor.

Between the .243 Winchester and the 6mm Remington, which offers the best performance for the hunter? Contributor Philip Massaro takes a closer look at what makes each cartridge tick.

Which of these short-action .35s makes the better choice for a prospective buyer? Contributor Philip Massaro examines the pros and cons of each.

Hornady has added the classic .348 Winchester to its popular LEVERevolution line, using the 200-grain FTX bullet. With its proprietary Flex-Tip meplat, the FTX bullet is perfectly safe to use in the tubular magazine of the Model 71—and many other lever guns—yet offers the downrange benefit of a spitzer bullet.

The .348 Winchester gives a good balance of striking energy and moderate recoil, and among the rimmed lever-gun cartridges, possesses impressive terminal ballistics.