Top .360 Buckhammer Hunting Rifles

A look at rifles chambered for the newly crowned king of straight-walled cartridges.

August 06, 2024 By Greg Duncan

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As some states have relaxed its hunting regulations to include the use of rifles chambered for a straight-walled cartridge, manufacturers have been quick to take advantage a new demand for products. Before this change, a handful of Midwest states only allowed taking deer with a slug shotgun or handgun to limit the distance and minimize the danger from stray rounds.

Developed for lever-action rifles by Remington and debuting in early 2023, the 180-grain .360 Buckhammer offers better terminal performance and a flatter trajectory than other established straight-walled cartridges. The cartridge features Remington’s proven Core-Lokt bullet and is easy on the shoulder.

Here's a look at hunting rifles chambered in .360 Buckhammer.

Henry Steel Lever Action

The Henry Steel Lever Action features walnut furniture and a blued steel receiver and barrel to create a timeless look of the lever-action. While many kill shots on deer in the Midwest are within 100 yards, the .360 BHMR is still effective at 200 yards. Although the rifle sports iron sights, the receiver has been drilled and tapped to accept a Weaver 63B scope base to attach a rifle scope.

The rifle features a 20-inch barrel with a 1-in-12-twist rate while the tube magazine holds up to five rounds. The magazine is removable, so making the rifle safe is simple and easy. Other features include sling swivel studs, a soft rubber butt pad and laser-engraved checkering for a great aesthetic. henryusa.com

Henry Side Gate Lever Action

gaf-henry-side-gate — (Photo courtesy of Henry)

The Henry Side Gate Lever Action is the modern interpretation of a traditional lever-action rifle with its tube magazine, brass receiver and brass barrel band. A brass buttplate and laser-engraved stock and forend round out the good looks.

The eponymous Side Gate ejects spent rounds out the right side and allows for quick reloading and top-offs while on the move. This Henry also features a 20-inch blued barrel for accurate shots on target. If you are looking for a lever action with a classic look, the Side Gate is an easy pick for a brush gun. henryusa.com

Traditions Performance Firearms G3 Outfitter

gaf-traditions-outfitter-g3 — (Photo courtesy of Traditions Performance Firearms)

While Henry was the first brand to offer rifles in the new cartridge, Traditions Firearms followed with the G3 Outfitter in conjunction with Remington. The break-action, single-shot rifle features a 22-inch Chromoly, steel fluted barrel makes the gun easy to tote all day while its muzzle brake mitigates recoil.

The receiver has been drilled and tapped for mounting optics while the QD forend delivers quick takedown for transport or storage. The Elite XT trigger system combines with an 11-degree target crown for great accuracy for ethical shots. The single shot boasts black furniture and a Cerakoted receiver, barrel and muzzle brake. traditionsfirearms.com

Henry Lever Action X Model

gaf-henry-x-model — (Photo courtesy of Henry)

Combining modern performance with classic lever-action heritage, the Henry Lever Action X Model features a synthetic stock and forend to make a light and durable rifle. The forend also features a mounting rail for bipods for steady shooting along with M-Lok accessory slots. The blued steel barrel sports a 1-in-12 twist, and its 5/8x24-threaded barrel tip allows for mounting muzzle devices.

After the success of the Outfitter G3 in .360 BHMR, Traditions extended its Pro Series line to include the new chambering. As is with the Outfitter G3, the Pro Series is a single shot but with a few more extras. The provided spacers allow for adjustable length of pull for a customized fit to the shooter. An adjustable cheekpiece can be lowered or raised with the adjusting screw to get the perfect cheekweld and a more comfortable fit.

The rifle’s threaded barrel allows for the addition of a muzzle brake for reduced recoil and better control. As the Outfitter G3, the Pro Series shares the Elite XT trigger system with its rebounding hammer and manual cross-block trigger safety. The trigger system allows the action to break open with the safety engaged. The patented QD forend gives quick takedown with the push of a button. traditionsfirearms.com

Henry Single Shot

The KISS principle sets the stage for the Henry Single Shot for dependable simplicity at an economic price. The rifle is available with a matte blued finish on a steel frame or with a highly polished finish on a hardened brass frame. Both rifles have walnut furniture and feature round, 22-inch barrels and a fully adjustable folding leaf rear sight and brass bead front site. The rifles are also drilled and tapped for optics.

The rifles use the familiar locking lever on top of the frame to quickly break the barrel with the lever being able to pivot right or left. The non-ejecting extractor makes policing up brass a breeze. While there is no external manual safety, a rebounding hammer can’t touch the firing pin unless the trigger is deliberately pulled. An interlock system will not allow the barrel to break open and be unable to close if the hammer is cocked back. While the performance is great, the price point makes this a great rifle to start a young hunter on their journeys afield.

While the ubiquitous round-nose bullets of the .30-30 and .30-06 still rule the straight-wall cartridge world for taking deer, the .360 Buckhammer has been proven to wring out the most performance and accuracy available for the round. Whether you live in a restricted state or not, these rifles will deliver performance and ultimately provide meat for your freezer. henryusa.com