What's a good complement caliber?

James1873

James1873

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So I've been debating with myself what my next rifle/caliber purchase will be. I have a Marlin 45-70, which I love the rifle/caliber. And I could probably get by with just that for all my big game. But I've kind of been getting a long range fever. I only really hunt by spot and stalk, or I sit and wait at high traffic areas. And for that the 45-70 does me well. But for maybe popping yotes or longer range deer and elk I'd want something else.

So anyway for the rifle I'm pretty sure I want a model 70, or maybe a weatherby. Not sure I just want somthing nicer under 2k. For the caliber I've been thinking 270 win would be a good complement with a 45-70. Or maybe 300 win mag. Recoil I don't think is a problem. I can handle 430 grain +p 45-70 no problem.
 
I am not a .45-70 fan, but I appreciate that you use it within its limitations.....

Otvsure if you reload, but I have recently acquired a huge appreciation for the .257 Roberts......... if you do not reload, I suggest a 7-08....... but yes, the 270 would certainly scratch your itch as well...
 
Superbrad said:
I am not a .45-70 fan, but I appreciate that you use it within its limitations.....

Otvsure if you reload, but I have recently acquired a huge appreciation for the .257 Roberts......... if you do not reload, I suggest a 7-08....... but yes, the 270 would certainly scratch your itch as well...
Click to expand...

Well I reload for 45-70 but that's it. 257 Roberts good for elk?
 
Go with the old standard .30/06... a .45/70 and .30/06 has you covered for anything.

You can shoot reduced 110 grain loads for coyotes and 150's for deer and 180's for elk and moose. Done & done.
 
Love my 45/70 went with a 308 to do long range work with. Despite internet ignorance 308 is a great long range caliber out to 800-1000 yards. Believe me I went through the I love my 45/70 and anything lower is not enough withdrawal, 300wsm and 338 Ran along my list, tried them wasn't my thing compared the the 45/70 the only other one I loved with the 375 but felt it was over kill for my longer range needs and had more draw back as the longer ranges.

Best of luck.
 
An M70 in .338 Win Mag would be my choice as it shoots as well as an '06 but delivers better terminal performance on big game.The .338 ain't a big kicker either for many folks. Reloaders can easily work this chambering from mild pest buster loads on up to the largest critters that walk.
 
I gotta say, a man with a 45-70 an a 45-70 only is a man to keep an eye on for he may know how to use that well.

a 3006 will compliment the bushbasher well imo! 150gr projectile most likely

WL
 
x2 for me. the 7-08 and 7x57 are among the most versatile choices out to typical ranges. I prefer them to the 270 win. If you want a little more, one of the short mags would be a good choice, though I've never used one.

Superbrad said:
I am not a .45-70 fan, but I appreciate that you use it within its limitations.....

Otvsure if you reload, but I have recently acquired a huge appreciation for the .257 Roberts......... if you do not reload, I suggest a 7-08....... but yes, the 270 would certainly scratch your itch as well...
Click to expand...
 
Foxer2373 said:
Love my 45/70 went with a 308 to do long range work with. Despite internet ignorance 308 is a great long range caliber out to 800-1000 yards. Believe me I went through the I love my 45/70 and anything lower is not enough withdrawal, 300wsm and 338 Ran along my list, tried them wasn't my thing compared the the 45/70 the only other one I loved with the 375 but felt it was over kill for my longer range needs and had more draw back as the longer ranges.

Best of luck.
Click to expand...

Agree.... .308 is becoming very underrated these days. Kinda silly to me. It's a great round and lots of new guys are believing the .308 internet bashing going on.
 
Not sure about your area but where I live there is a law that says small game max rifle caliber is .275 which puts .270(.277) just out of reach as well as 7mm08(.284).
As always is open to MNR/police interpretation so even though .270 win is a smaller caliber than .275-I wouldn't risk word problems with a judge.

.223 is a good choice but 6.5 creedmoor/260 rem can cover a much wider list of game small or larger.
 
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Pick one of the 6.5's. Good choice of bullets with high bc for longer range shooting. I personally like the 6.5 x 55 but know guys with some of the others and they are fine.Can't argue with the '06 though if that is what you are set on for the reasons already mentioned.
 
I often tell people to buy a caliber that you can easily buy ammo for. 30-06 and 308 are good examples.

Then we have to ask, what are the distances you are planning on shooting? 100 yds to 500 yds or even longer and are you in an area of caliber restriction.
 
I'm going to go out on a limb and say 300 win mag.

165 grain ttsx at 3120 fps has a +/- 3" mpbr of a cool 300 yards. Point and click.

Plus, you are still packing around a generous dollop of "Screw off, bear!" A consideration where 45/70s often travel.

You're no stranger to recoil with the 45/70, and you've got "close range no meat damage" covered with that round. You can get 300 win everywhere (that is a huge plus, as others have said).

So yeah, 300 win mag.
 
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