Too much?

M

MCIWS

New member
Is a 45-70 too much gun for mule deer? What about elk? I don’t think it would be too much for elk, I just wonder if it is a decent round for them. The reason I ask is because I am interested in a Marlin lever-action and other than the fact that I used to love my father’s 30-30, I would like to be able to actually use it. I really like the looks of the 1895 cowboy. I am not involved with cowboy action shooting; I am just a fan of the style and long range big-bores. Also, who doesn’t need a Marlin lever-action or a 45-70?
 
I should probably add that I really like iron sights. I know there are scope-mounted rifles that are probably a better idea for this type of hunt, but I really like the lever-action. I guess I am too much of a John Wayne fan.
 
Just pick the right load - 300 factory for deer, 350 PMC for elk.Other heavier loads are available , or handload. BTW the 300 @ 1800 fps matches the load Winchester introduced 100 years ago !!! From my own experience the 300s work very well on deer .They won't go far and there is little meat damage. A marlin ought to get at least 1 1/2" groups with factory loads. And when people see the big hole ,they ask - what are you using , a cannon ?? :D
 
I do most of my hunting with a Marlin Guide Gun, and it is great. I have it set up with the scout scope, and with Win 300gr hollow points it will shoot half inch groups. The 45-70 in my opinon is one of the most versatile short range cartridges made. You can hunt anything from deer to elephants. Check out Garret Cartridges and Buffalo Bore's web sites to see what the 45-70 is capable of. You are making a great choice on the Marlin and the 45-70, they are a great combo. :)
 
Of course everyone needs a .45-70 lever action. I am going to show your post to both my wife and my sister-in-law, but could you edit it first to say "Everybody needs a .45-70 lever TO START THEIR LEVER COLLECTION."

Mind you, that "long range" with open sights and the .45-70 trajectory comes with lots of practice of judging distance and practice at calling the holdover of the shot, then shooting it.
 
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