It's currently a hunting barrel and while it does that job alright, even with premium ammunition I have trouble getting any consistent one inch groups. After a fair bit of research, it seems .308 really can't do anything that 6.5CM can't do. I have all the reloading stuff for both. My partner has a Savage model 10 in .308 so my reloading gear won't be wasted. I already have a 6.5CM but it's pretty heavy and I really don't relish the idea of lugging it around in the field. I've already put the marlin in a new stock (though I would need to ream out the barrel channel to put a heavier barrel in it).
Is there any reason not to chamber it in 6.5CM? For one thing, the bullets are cheaper (.264 < .307) though that'll take time to repay. But with a decent quality barrel (and the XS7 can supposedly take a Savage model 10 barrel with minimal gunsmithing), I could get a pretty decent hunting rifle that can also shoot target worthy groups, without weighing nearly as much as my Howa HCR.
I know the marlin is cheap. But so far the action is great, and I actually really like the trigger. Even with the stock and barrel I'm still well below $1000. Gunsmithing might put it around there though.
This is what inspired me to post (same price regardless of chambering), but I would consider other manufacturers and this has been on my mind for a while.
https://www.eabco.net/EABCO-Accuracy...e_p_15624.html
https://www.eabco.net/EABCO-Accuracy...e_p_15630.html
The beautiful beast that probably shouldn't go hunting.
Mine is on top.
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