Too much?

MCIWS · March 3, 2005, 11:37 PM

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?

MCIWS · March 3, 2005, 11:51 PM

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.

steveno · March 4, 2005, 06:10 AM

the 45-70 is a great round. use it to hunt anything you want

mete · March 4, 2005, 07:37 AM

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 ??

MCIWS · March 4, 2005, 02:22 PM

Awesome! I appreciate the help.

Hogleg · March 4, 2005, 06:09 PM

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.

MCIWS · March 4, 2005, 11:17 PM

Thanks Hogleg, that sounds good!

Jseime · March 8, 2005, 11:57 PM

ive never seen a deer too dead

artsmom · March 9, 2005, 11:14 AM

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.

March 3, 2005, 11:37 PM	#1
MCIWS Senior Member Join Date: December 9, 2004 Location: Colorado Posts: 145	Too much? 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? __________________ Semper Fidelis

March 3, 2005, 11:51 PM	#2
MCIWS Senior Member Join Date: December 9, 2004 Location: Colorado Posts: 145	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. __________________ Semper Fidelis

March 4, 2005, 02:22 PM	#5
MCIWS Senior Member Join Date: December 9, 2004 Location: Colorado Posts: 145	Awesome! I appreciate the help. __________________ Semper Fidelis

March 4, 2005, 11:17 PM	#7
MCIWS Senior Member Join Date: December 9, 2004 Location: Colorado Posts: 145	Thanks Hogleg, that sounds good! __________________ Semper Fidelis

March 8, 2005, 11:57 PM	#8
Jseime Senior Member Join Date: December 31, 2004 Location: Canada Posts: 1,775	no such a thing as too much ive never seen a deer too dead

March 4, 2005, 06:10 AM	#3
steveno Senior Member Join Date: June 18, 2004 Location: Minden , Nebraska Posts: 1,407	the 45-70 is a great round. use it to hunt anything you want

March 4, 2005, 07:37 AM	#4
mete Senior Member Join Date: June 14, 2004 Location: NY State Posts: 6,575	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 ??

March 4, 2005, 06:09 PM	#6
Hogleg Member Join Date: January 6, 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 74	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.

March 9, 2005, 11:14 AM	#9
artsmom Senior Member Join Date: January 24, 2005 Location: Nebraska Posts: 334	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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