With Marlin making the 338 Marlin Express why not make a 338-450 Marlin?
or better yet a 338 RCM with 338 ME bullets?

Of course I am guessing here but,

I think they went with a rimmed version of the styer case over the 450 marlin case because they gain a small amount of barrel thickness. I know its not much but every little bit helps. It is probably also cheaper and easier to make a rimmed case compared to a belted case.

Now as to why not use the 45-70 case, again it allows a small amount more metal in the barrel. They can also get rid of the wider loading gate and ejection port cut out that the 45-70 requires by going with a smaller rim (again this is just a guess becuase I havent seen the rifle or seen the case drawing). They also dont have to worry so much about handloaders using thin brass.

As to why not the 338 RCM, size (width and length) and pressure are all to much for the marlin action.

I also wondered why Marlin didn't jump up and make a 375JDJ (375x444) in a lever gun. I really think it would shine out of a lever gun and maybe it would still be around as factory loaded ammo.

sometimes you think too much guys. Just have the gunsmith build a 38-56IMP or a 348WinImp.

Rich
DRSS
Knowledge not shared is knowledge lost...

My understanding is that the 375jdj would require paying a royalty as JD Jones has trademarked the round. My guess is they are using the 308ME case so they can control and profit from ammo sales. They are making lots of cash on the guns and hornady is doing well on the gummy ammo.

He trademarked 375JDJ...the name.
You could mark the side of the barrel 375x444...its the same.
Thats how the custom T/C barrel makers do it.

All they'd need to release a 33 WCF Ackley Improved +P (I'm sorry, the 338 Marlin Superhooter) is a barrel swap... Time for more Cabernet.

What 338 Marlin express????

quote:

What 338 Marlin express???? Confused

Article and ballistics table here:
http://outdoorlife.blogs.com/thegunshots/2008/10/new-from-marlin.html

Bruce