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Marlin .45/70?

kc said:
Would you use on Bear a .35 Marlin or a .45/70? what would you use?
The 45/70 just about knocked out fillings in my teeth.
Click to expand...

Hand's down……the 45-70! My pretty heavily charged (430 grain cast at 1800 fps) Marlin GG has similar (actually less sharp) to my wife's .338 WM. More of a hard push.

Maybe the good recoil pad, and the additional weight of the scope (though a lightweight scope) help tame the felt recoil!

If I hunted more dense timber, my GG might see much more use! memtb
 
Until I read all of the recent posts…..I didn't realize that this thread had been brought back from the dead!

I do wonder what the OP decided upon! On that note……I wonder if the OP also needs a resurrection, so we can get an answer! 😉 memtb
 
My load wasn't too hot since I ran a Marlin Century Limited III. I read that it's 18" octagonal barrel might not handle the pressures as high as the GG. Plus it's a bit lighter if I remember correctly. My 350 roundnose loads ran around 1880 fps if I remember correctly. The guide said he never seen a caribou go down so hard.
 
I've shot a pile of black bears and normally use the Marlin 45-70 that is pictured in my avatar. My rifle shoots many different bullets under an inch at 100yds. But for soft sided black bears I like the Speer 400 SPFN the best. It's fairly soft and readily expands making a rather large hole in game animals. So far, I haven't caught one in a bear yet. All have exited. I caught one in a big boar hog after it penetrated both shields and got caught in the skin on the off-side. The fat ol slug expanded to 90 caliber and remained completely intact.

I shoot the 400JSP at just over 1,700 ft/sec so the recoil is manageable.
 
Just bought new marlin/Ruger 45-70 " Trapper" W / 16" barrel. Just getting started but first thing I put on it is TW Terminator brake.
Run their brakes on other rifles = all good so tried it. With 430 grain HSM this thing is a ***** cat. Shoots great!
 
350gr Speer FN and 48.0 of IMR 4198 excellent in Marlin .
IMG_0693.jpeg
 
alaska said:
350gr Speer FN and 48.0 of IMR 4198 excellent in Marlin .View attachment 611516
Click to expand...

The 350gr Speer bullet was designed for the 458 WinMag and has a very thick jacket. It is a much tougher bullet than either of the Hornady 350gr .458 bullets. At 45-70 velocities you may get very little expansion. The bullet can work in a 45-70 but isn't designed for it.

Congrats on your big ol' Alaskan bear.
 

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