For my next rifle, I'd love to have a lever gun, and I believe I've settled on a Marlin big-lever model, either the Model 336 BL in .30-30, or the Model 1895 BL in .45-70.
The trouble is, I can't settle on either one. I don't care too much about the difference in price of the models (about $140 more for the .45-70, via Cabela's) or the difference in ammo price. (Consider Hornady's Leverevolution at MidwayUSA, $1.67/rd for the big bore and $1.20/rd for .30-30.)
I'm having a little trouble understanding ballistics with the .45-70; particularly the bullet drop at longer ranges and a supposed need for hold-over or sight correction at longer ranges. I get that it's a big, heavy chunk of lead and not exceptional velocities, but is this really a big factor?
This rifle would probably not have a scope or optic, but rather the factory peep sight or perhaps some upgraded irons. I understand the .30-30 is only effective for under 200 yards, but there also seems to be a lot of opinion on the internet that the .30-30 cartridge is kind of limited, generally speaking.
I have yet to get into hunting (the father in law presents the perfect opportunity every year with white tail deer in PA) and so far, I only own a .22lr and a .223 AR. We have a lot of woods and plenty of black bear, so it seems that either caliber would be good for hunting. I've read that the .45-70 bullets typically don't destroy any meat other than what they immediately hit. I am, however, an avid plinker and paper-puncher.
Is the cost of reloading either of these cartridges significantly different?
What have been your experiences with one or both of these rounds?
Though it shouldn't be much of a deciding factor, my wife and I have decided we're moving to Alaska when I retire (I'm a baby at 25, so that's gonna be a while ) and I can't help but think it would pay well to learn how to shoot the .45-70 at longer ranges, or different bullet weights, so when we do move to Alaska, I can harvest moose, elk and caribou, and of course prevent closer-range attacks from pesky bears when I'm salmon fishing!
Recoil is also not an issue. I'm 6' even and 250 lbs.
Any tips, pointers, suggestions or opinions would be appreciated!
The trouble is, I can't settle on either one. I don't care too much about the difference in price of the models (about $140 more for the .45-70, via Cabela's) or the difference in ammo price. (Consider Hornady's Leverevolution at MidwayUSA, $1.67/rd for the big bore and $1.20/rd for .30-30.)
I'm having a little trouble understanding ballistics with the .45-70; particularly the bullet drop at longer ranges and a supposed need for hold-over or sight correction at longer ranges. I get that it's a big, heavy chunk of lead and not exceptional velocities, but is this really a big factor?
This rifle would probably not have a scope or optic, but rather the factory peep sight or perhaps some upgraded irons. I understand the .30-30 is only effective for under 200 yards, but there also seems to be a lot of opinion on the internet that the .30-30 cartridge is kind of limited, generally speaking.
I have yet to get into hunting (the father in law presents the perfect opportunity every year with white tail deer in PA) and so far, I only own a .22lr and a .223 AR. We have a lot of woods and plenty of black bear, so it seems that either caliber would be good for hunting. I've read that the .45-70 bullets typically don't destroy any meat other than what they immediately hit. I am, however, an avid plinker and paper-puncher.
Is the cost of reloading either of these cartridges significantly different?
What have been your experiences with one or both of these rounds?
Though it shouldn't be much of a deciding factor, my wife and I have decided we're moving to Alaska when I retire (I'm a baby at 25, so that's gonna be a while ) and I can't help but think it would pay well to learn how to shoot the .45-70 at longer ranges, or different bullet weights, so when we do move to Alaska, I can harvest moose, elk and caribou, and of course prevent closer-range attacks from pesky bears when I'm salmon fishing!
Recoil is also not an issue. I'm 6' even and 250 lbs.
Any tips, pointers, suggestions or opinions would be appreciated!