What is 308 marlin express vs 308 winchester?

308 Marlin Express and 308 Winchester are two popular cartridges used by hunters and shooters. Here are some key differences and similarities between them:

1. Origin: The 308 Winchester was developed by Winchester in 1952 while the 308 Marlin Express was developed by Marlin Firearms in 2007.

2. Ballistics: The 308 Winchester has a higher velocity and flatter trajectory than the 308 Marlin Express. The 308 Winchester can achieve a velocity of 2,800 feet per second (fps) while the 308 Marlin Express can achieve a maximum velocity of 2,645 fps. However, the 308 Marlin Express has a heavier bullet and thus a higher energy transfer at closer range.

3. Bullet Weight: The 308 Winchester can accommodate bullet weights ranging from 110 to 200 grains, while the 308 Marlin Express is optimized for bullet weights between 150 and 180 grains.

4. Availability: The 308 Winchester is much more widely available and is chambered in many rifles including AR-10, M1A/M14, and bolt-action rifles. The 308 Marlin Express is only chambered in a few Marlin lever-action rifles.

5. Price: The 308 Winchester is generally less expensive and easier to find than the 308 Marlin Express due to its popularity and widespread use.

Overall, the 308 Winchester is a versatile cartridge that can be used for a variety of applications, while the 308 Marlin Express is more specialized for close-range hunting and can be a good choice for those who prefer lever-action rifles.