close range big bore

[ongaro]

i guess because i bring my animals in close/ last years moose 10 yards and my deer 8 yards im not a hunter.

 

[MiG25]

how dead is dead enough?

 

[Demonical]

I would take a .375H&H (or .375R) any day over the .45-70. It's no contest IMHO.

I have 2 .45-70's, I'm not biased...

 

[machinistbutler]

I would take my 375H&H over my 45-70 as well.

 

[rar]

x3 on the 375hh .

 

[ben hunchak]

I think that there is more at play here then the caliber only, most modern 45/70s(and some old ones) come in short, light, fast handling carbines, that are much easier to get into action in case of close range fun. You can advance on a perceived wounded animal and reload without removing a shell from the chamber, and my mag. holds 9 shells.
On the other hand, most .375s are longer, heavier, slower, and require unloading chamber to reload. The .375 has it's place and for me that is a place where I can take advantage of it's range, esp. if scoped, and may actually be a better all round cartridge, but I'll take the 45/70 for "up close and personal".

 

[machinistbutler]

I think that if this question would have been inside 30 yards I would have picked my 45-70,100-150 is not what I consider close.A large bear at 150 yards is nice to see,any bear inside 30 yards is worth worrying about.

 

[Gatehouse]

There is no question the .375 Ruger is a better cartridge, but I still think that no animal will know the difference at 100 yards....

 

[Johnn Peterson]

I think that there is more at play here then the caliber only, most modern 45/70s(and some old ones) come in short, light, fast handling carbines, that are much easier to get into action in case of close range fun. You can advance on a perceived wounded animal and reload without removing a shell from the chamber, and my mag. holds 9 shells.
On the other hand, most .375s are longer, heavier, slower, and require unloading chamber to reload. The .375 has it's place and for me that is a place where I can take advantage of it's range, esp. if scoped, and may actually be a better all round cartridge, but I'll take the 45/70 for "up close and personal".

On most bolt actions it can be done without removing the loaded round. Turn the gun over and hit the button for the floorplate release. Somewhat slower and definately more awkward than with a lever gun. Like yourself, I'd also choose to go with the 45-70 for "up close and personal".

 

[Toomanyguns]

I think that if this question would have been inside 30 yards I would have picked my 45-70,100-150 is not what I consider close.A large bear at 150 yards is nice to see,any bear inside 30 yards is worth worrying about.

You would be shocked at the time in which a large, determined bear can cover 150 yards - especially a griz. Wounded ones with one lung move just as fast as healthy ones.

If you have a bead on the bear you have a better chance for a followup.

Gun up against a tree? Fuggetaboutit.
If you short stroke the bolt it could be a bad day.

A lever does have its place.

 

[peter338]

everyone knows a 470 NE double is the ticket.....

serious though, 100 to 150 yds is getting into 375 country, if the question was 10 to 50 yds I would definately go with the 45-70.

 

[Kevan]

There is no question the .375 Ruger is a better cartridge, but I still think that no animal will know the difference at 100 yards....

I for one totally agree with this statement.
Having used both, we could argue the pros and cons of each till Hell freezes over, but it boils down to a matter of personal choice.....

 

[machinistbutler]

I have had my trusty marlin jam,my cz 550 has not jammed ever.I have shot many bears I know how fast they move.I do not need to shoot any more of them,so I do not worry about lung shots at 100 yards.I carry my 45-70 at work for close encounters when I may have to shoot something,I carry my 375 when I hunt,and plan on shooting something!