Well, it's looking promising that Marlin has fixed their quality issues and I'm going to risk buying a new Marlin 1895 GBL. Now, I don't reload yet, so until I do I would like some recommendations as to what ammo to look for that will suit my needs. I'm buying this firearm to use as a brush gun...I will be taking it camping and want to have it as protection against bears(hopefully, I will never have to use it for that purpose, but just in case) and I will be doing some target shooting. I know that factory ammo for a 45-70 is not loaded anywhere near it's potential, so what's the best bear defence load I should look for...bullet type, grains, brand, etc? No need to start debating guns for bear protection, etc...I camp in VERY remote grizzly terrain and have had close encounters in the past, but never had to ever actually take a shot at a bear, but I now have a family to protect if necessary. Thanks for any recommendations.