More Magnificent Firearm Failures

Some more firearms and/or calibers that were great but flopped! Why? They were out of step with the time and even though exceedingly useful just didn't set the public imagination on fire. I seem drawn to the unsung under-dog and here are some examples that I have used with complete satisfaction.

[@Leverguns50]

348 is all my all-time favorite because it’s good for big and medium size game, and the Winchester model 71 is so ergonomic. if I had to just pick one ☝️, really enjoyed watching this. Keep up the good work

[@north61]

Thanks..you too!

[@jasonsimone3523]

They caught my interest too! Great cartridges.

[@georgiaboy4410]

Great rifles and history. I’ve been eyeing a Browning 71 in 348.

[@north61]

I think they are really good! You won't be sorry.

[@johnnyyukon7887]

Another great video Greg. Retirement seems to be agreeing with you! Cheers

[@sgtmajtrapp3391]

There is something magnificently special about the Winchester 71 .348, one of my personal favorite lever guns. Just sitting with one on your lap and working that action extrudes confidence, a wonderful rifle and good cartridge too.

[@north61]

It is a wonder! I love these firearms!

[@brandonneuman1317]

I love my 358win bolt gun.

[@danielpimentel8238]

Do you know if the barrels are interchangeable between models? Will the ZH101 barrels fit the ZH305 model

[@davidgendron1953]

I wonder if it was at the time where people were starting be go after speed rather than weight... it seams like if your bullet doesn’t get out the muzzle at over 3000fps then it’s no good!?!?

[@stephenkennedy3145]

The 325 wsm easily goes over 3000

[@winstonskafte5505]

Loving my old ross rifle in 303 british .

[@Aaron-mn8gw]

The problem with the mid bore calibers is people view them as a one trick pony. Most hunters hunt medium sized game like deer which the larger mid-bore rifles are considered to be overkill and damage too much meat with moderate to heavy recoil, more suited to larger game such as brown bear, elk, moose, bison. Now most people don't get the oppportunity to hunt these larger animals as populations diminish and tags are less available. So they opt for something more suited for deer but can also take larger game when the time arises such as the .30-06, or any of the .300's etc.

[@north61]

That might be. Funny thing though is that the bigger slower bullets actually do less meat damage than faster , and lighter bullets do, I guess though that it is perception that counts.

[@Colt-tf6xf]

At hunting season Walmart has pallets of 30-30 30-06 308 and 270 in the aisle for 10dollars a box, what calibre would you choose?

[@north61]

30-06 all day long.

[@timeverett7828]

Great video sir! 35 Whelen and 35 Remington very popular in North America. I agree with you that mid- bore cartridges didn't catch on. Although 8 mm Mauser or 8x57 Mauser with a 225 grain bullet blows the snot right out of the 30 odd 6. And don't forget 8 mm Remington Magnum this cartridge enjoys a cult following and is a fantastic cartridge. Winchester just brought out recently 350 legend this cartridge is doing really well. This might change the view of the 0.358 bore cartridges. 338-06 A Square is a phenomenal cartridge and is gaining some traction finally after being around for nearly 70 years. I enjoyed seeing your collection of rifles chambered in cartridges that should have been successful but unfortunately weren't. 35 remington, 350 legend, 348 winchester, 358 winchester, 35 Whelen, 350 Remington magnum, .358 Norma magnum, 358 STA ALL ARE FANTASTIC CARTRIDGES.

[@Landrum45]

With the exception of the 35 Remington, 35 caliber cartridges have never sold well in North America. Think about almost any of the popular deer cartridges from the past. Very few of them would sell if they were introduced today. At least, they would not sell well with barrels with traditional rates of twist. The 270 Winchester would be a resounding failure if introduced tomorrow with a 1-10" rate of twist. I like long range cartridges and am intrigued by 6.5s but the shooting public has been fooled seeing as how very, very few hunting opportunities exist where one can shoot past 500 yards. Hell, most people couldn't hit the broad side of a barn at that range though they must have a cartridge capable of making 1000 yard hits on steel. The 71 Winchester and the 348 cartridge is one of the slickest outfits ever designed. Just some rambling thoughts.

[@north61]

300 yards is actually a pretty long way.

[@Landrum45]

@@north61 Yes it is. Where I hunt, 300 yards is an extremely long shot. Most game animals I see are within 100, the majority within 75.

[@mn05zk]

I love the mid bores for the hunting in Yukon. I’m a sucker for the 8mm bore, currently have a Winchester model 70 ultimate shadow model that’s discontinued in 325 wsm, and I have a 8mm Remington magnum in a 700 BDL. Both are loaded with 220 sierras and 200 accubonds, and I’m loading 180 tsx in the wsm tonight to try something new. Both are accomplished bison killers, with the 8 mag being particularly impressive with the 220’s near 3000 FPS. Factory ammo is ok, but pricey. I’ve killed white tails in Alberta with the 220 load as well out of the 8mag and it was great too. Good video of some great calibers!

[@aaronwilcox6417]

Love the content. Its too bad the middlebores arent more popular. They truly are better but i get the feeling that they dont sell well because the market is mostly geared to deer hunting and from there tops out at elk. Fewer people live in moose and grizzly country compared to whitetail country. The middlebores are great and we've had some recent new offerings like 338 Federal, 338RCM, 338 Marlin Xpress. Personally i have the 348 win, 348 Ackley, and 338RCM. Im thinking about having an Savage 99 rebored to 338 Federal. That would be a sweet ride

[@north61]

I am ok with the lack of popularity...cheaper prices for the rest of us!

[@wendellbell6164]

I think alot of hunters from the lower 48 don't take the time to study up on less popular carriages. They think Alaska moose 338 win mag and they can get amo relatively easy and that is what there buddy has. Alot don't hand load either. Most guy's talk 243, 270, 30-06, 300 win, 7mm, 338 win. I would hate being a manufacturer trying to figure the public out. For get logic.

[@north61]

It's a crapshoot for sure. People talked about upgrading the 94 for many years when it finally happened there was no interest in a pretty fine result. Same thing happened to Marlin.

[@bradyelich2745]

480p squad is here. I blame it on the 30-30, .270, .308, and 30-06, that work on anything in NA, for many years, and the desire for magnums for bragging rights. .375 anyone?

[@north61]

Good point!

[@bradyelich2745]

@@north61 What? You agree? Nice!

[@cplaysroblox6456]

They caught your imagination because there awesome. I hope to get at least one of those in my life. It dont take much for white tail. Weatherby also took sales.

[@north61]

If you can get only one look for a model 71. It's hard to explain how great these rifles are. Browning made a run that tends to shoot a bit better than the original Winchesters and are a bit less expensive. I got lucky with my Winchester it shoots really well.

[@simonholdsworth6867]

Pedersoli make a repro 71 Winchester in 348: www.davide-pedersoli.com/en/product/86-71-lever-action-classic No idea where to get the ammo though - or even projectiles and brass to reload.

[@north61]

Hornady loads the cartridge...with 200 Flextips at 2560 ft/sec. Any gun-store can order it in..they also sell that bullet as a component. www.hornady.com/ammunition/rifle/348-win-200-gr-ftx-leverevolution#!/

[@R32R38]

Other failed (or barely hanging on) mid-bores: the 35 Whelen, 338-06, and 338 Federal. It seems as if when it comes to mid-bores in North America, the 338 Win Mag and 338 Lapua are so dominant there's no room for anything else.

[@north61]

I'd consider buying a 338 Federal in a T3 Tikka if I ever find one!

[@R32R38]

You also could add the 9.3x62. Popular in Europe and Africa, but a bust in North America.

[@Aaron-mn8gw]

@@R32R38 I nearly bought one until I realized finding ammunition would be a challenge

[@davidgendron1953]

@@R32R38 if I could find what I’m looking for at a decent price($2000 or less Canadian) I would buy one, I think it would be the ideal fun for up here!

[@timeverett7828]

35 Whelen is everywhere brother. Very popular in Alaska, British Columbia, Ontario, quebec, Newfoundland, Labrador and all down the Eastern seaboard of the United States. Hornady sells some serious amount of superformance 35 Whelen in 200 and 250 grain Bullets.

[@stephenkennedy3145]

335 wsm good for all big game including grizzly