The Choice.... Lever in .444 Marlin or .45-70 Gov't

[Jarlath]

As stated in the title.

What would be your perferred calibre in a lever action?
Lets say a 18.5" or 22" Barrel.

 

[tbrwlf]

I think there is more choice in projectiles for the 45/70. Both my C sharps and Marlin GS are a blast to shoot.

 

[Camp Cook]

A 45-70 can do everything a 444 can and everything it can't plus it is really cool to be shooting a cartridge that has history written all over it and was originally released the same year as the 45 Colt 1873.

cc

 

[geologist]

The 45-70 because of the wide range of jacketed and cast bullets and power ranges possible.

There's everything from small game plinking loads up to "shoot through a T-Rex" loads that will loosen your fillings (I'm referring to some of Camp Cooks 525 gr loads ).

 

[Camp Cook]

I also have 550gr @ 1580fps loads...

 

[enoch]

I think if you reload the 45-70 has more ''flexibility''.

The 444 marlin is already at the top as is, so that what you get.
You reload the 444 for better bullets selection (same as 45-70) , but not much for improving ballistics , but you can download it a bit I guess.

 

[ben hunchak]

The .444 requires bullets with a much shorter nose to function in the Marlin and because of factory bullet weights of only 240-265grs. they gave the barrels a slow twist. This limits the use heavy bullets, while the 45/70 can use much longer and heavier bullets.

 

[bigborefan]

The .444 requires bullets with a much shorter nose to function in the Marlin and because of factory bullet weights of only 240-265grs. they gave the barrels a slow twist. This limits the use heavy bullets, while the 45/70 can use much longer and heavier bullets.

Hi Ben,

Hope you're doing well... haven't heard for a while.

I'm still promoting your good stuff! Thanks for the contacts.

Best to you friend.


Bob (in Lindsay, ON.)


.45-70? Tops for ANYTHING!!

 

[Pathfinder]

tried both....I only own the 45-70 now. There's ony one.

 

[homeboy1]

Far greater range of bullet weights for the 45-70. Currently have two 45-70s on order,a Winchester and a Marlin.

 

[unstableryan]

Hey Bob, just got your book in the mailbox yesterday, thanks. I've been shooting Ben's bullets for a bit now and my favorite is the 480gr. Depending on my mood that day, some come out at 1000 fps and some at 1600 fps The 45-70 is pretty versatile.

 

[captonion]

I've had both. No real advantage to either IMO. One is every bit as good as the other!They both kill equally well.Just a matter of preference.

I still have a 94 Timber Carbine in 444 that I really like. Sold my 45-70 to my brother. I still use it from time to time, because it is scoped where the Timber Carbine has aperture sights. Shot bear, and deer with both...No difference!

 

[Johnn Peterson]

By far, I'd say 45-70. Nothing shabby about the 444 but if it was a choice of only one or the other, again, I'd go with the 45-70, in a modern firearm. I took the easy way out, to make sure I have all the bases covered I have one of each. Both are fun and you open another page of fun with the adaptability of shooting cast as well as jacketed bullets.

 

[BCWILL]

45-70...no question about it

 

[480ruger]

45/70 with the longer barrel,extra gain in muzzle energy

 

[BrotherRockeye]

I already shoot 45/70 so I'd go with that...

 

[MacGonnigal]

Also voted for the 45-70. It's a great, flexible, versatile cartridge. Not hard to find reloading parts, and it's easy to roll up ammo.

 

[ben hunchak]

It's great to hear from Bob(Big Bore), for me his name is synonymous with the 45/70 and heavy loads. I actually prefer the .44Mag. in a levergun to the .444 as it can be loaded with heavier and longer bullets.

 

[Papaclaude]

I still have a 94 Timber Carbine in 444 that I really like. Sold my 45-70 to my brother that I use from time, to time, b

You should be ashamed of yourself! Using your brother from time to time....and bragging about it on the Net!!! Shame on you!

 

[yellowtips]

i own both of these and love em both