I am thinking about getting an H&R single shot as a backup elk rifle. Should I go for a 35 whelan, 45/70 gov or 450 marlin caliber if I had the choice. I want a big caliber to toy around with and want to shoot out to 250 yds max. My regular rifle is a 300 wiin mag. Hope this is the right forum. Cheers.
Which caliber to get?
- Thread starter car94401
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Republic of Alberta
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- ,location, location
I would go with the 35 whelen for 250 yard shots and still have sane recoil levels.
But if you must have a big one...
A 450 Marlin is a better choice for a non hand loader over the 45-70 as the factory ammo is much more powerful... if all out power is what you want and you said 250 yards which means you need all out power from the 450 or 45-70 to reach out to that range. The 45-70 could be used but only if hand loaded to match the 450. The recoil will be extremely hard on your body and a 250 yard shot with 350g bullets sighted 3" high at 100 yards will require you to hold on the back line to hit an elk in the lungs. If the elk is actually 300 yards away you will miss low. A range finder is needed.
450, 45-70 lots of fun and recoil but better suited to 200 yards.
But if you must have a big one...
A 450 Marlin is a better choice for a non hand loader over the 45-70 as the factory ammo is much more powerful... if all out power is what you want and you said 250 yards which means you need all out power from the 450 or 45-70 to reach out to that range. The 45-70 could be used but only if hand loaded to match the 450. The recoil will be extremely hard on your body and a 250 yard shot with 350g bullets sighted 3" high at 100 yards will require you to hold on the back line to hit an elk in the lungs. If the elk is actually 300 yards away you will miss low. A range finder is needed.
450, 45-70 lots of fun and recoil but better suited to 200 yards.
Last edited:
Homesteader
CGN Regular
- Location
- In a Wallow West of Edmonton.
I like my Whelen, it poked a nice hole thru a 5 X 5 bull at right about 250yds with 250 g speer hot-cor, trailing wasn't an issue.
Thanks everyone! Man these rifles are on backorder everywhere. I have an order for a 35 whelan put in at Wholesale - waiting list. If a couple of months go by I'll try to get a 45-70. Big guns are expensive these days and I won't shoot it much so an H&R or NEF works. My 300 win mag is an armful even with the pachmeyer pad. Everytime I'm at the range and I see those 45s fire I want one though.
