GunsAmerica

Quick Look

The .348 Winchester was introduced by Winchester in 1936 for the Model 71 lever-action rifle. Designed to deliver powerful performance for big game hunting in a traditional lever platform, it remains notable for its unique large-bore rimmed cartridge. While no longer in mainstream production, it retains a niche following among collectors and vintage rifle hunters.

Why It's a Top Choice

Powerful cartridge suited for elk and moose hunting
Classic lever-action reliability and aesthetics
Smooth cycling in tubular-magazine rifles
Moderate recoil for its size and punch
Respected among vintage and classic rifle collectors

Key Variants

While the .348 Winchester is chambered almost exclusively in the Winchester Model 71, there are some special-order or customized versions.

Winchester Model 71 Deluxe

Features checkering, sling swivels, and shotgun-style buttplate; made for serious hunters and collectors.

Winchester Model 71 Standard

The base model with straight-grain walnut and a simple but sturdy design.

Competitor Comparison Table

Feature	.348 Winchester	.45-70 Government	.444 Marlin
MSRP (classic rifle)	$1,500+	$700+	$600+
Capacity	4-5 rounds	4-6 rounds	4 rounds
Weight	~8.5 lbs	~7.5 lbs	~7.8 lbs
Optics-ready	No, side mount possible	Yes (modern models)	Yes (modern models)
Trigger type	Lever-action	Lever-action	Lever-action
Notable pro	Unique power in a classic round	Widely available ammo & rifles	Flatter shooting than .45-70
Notable con	Ammo scarce and expensive	Heavy recoil in some loads	Limited factory support today

Best Use Cases

Big-game hunting (elk, moose)
Vintage lever-action rifle collecting
Backwoods defense in bear country
Historical shooting events
Classic range shooting

FAQs

Can I still buy .348 Winchester ammo?

Yes, but it's limited to specialty manufacturers and small production runs. Expect higher prices.

What is the recoil like on a .348 Winchester?

Moderate to stout recoil, comparable to .45-70 loads. Manageable with proper technique and padding.

How does the .348 Winchester compare to modern hunting rounds?

It delivers solid energy at medium range but is surpassed in ballistics by modern bottleneck cartridges.

348 WINCHESTER for Sale