Who's hunting a 45-70? Lever guys (and others) respond!

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I have an itch for a thumper in a lever gun - thinking of a Marlin SBL in 45/70.... Do it, or not?

I have hunting rifles in the calibers I like that I am perfectly satisfied with. But they're all bolt actions.
I thought I'd like to add a lever gun to the collection, but I don't like safe queens, so it'll be added to my hunting options.
Likely won't scope it, (except during load development?) but toying with the idea of putting a micro aimpoint on it. Got one kicking around here not being used.
Moose hunting in our neck of the woods is typically accomplished at pretty short ranges - think 50 - to 150 yards.
But sometimes we venture further North, ie big bear territory, where I think a smallish, quick-handling, large bore package would be nice to have while walking the willows.
I will reload for it, and I already know of a source for a "bunch" of 400gr cast bullets.

Opinions, thoughts, pics, experiences, the good and bad, please on this caliber for moose/deer hunting?
I'm not going to ask specific questions just yet, so I don't "lead the witness". I want to hear what you think generally.

Also, thoughts about Marlins these days. They got a lot of bad press not long ago. Still ongoing issues?

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Oh yes...I will be keeping an eye on this thread...I just bought a 1895gs for white tail and moose season this year. I have HSM bear loads to try out. I just have to figure out how to ad a pic from my S5 phone.
 
I would say yes go for it, if you are going to reload you will find the 45-70 can do just about everything except long distances.
Great selection of bullets and you can even drop a .410 shotgun shell in the chamber and bag a grouse.
 
I have taken quite a few deer with a 45/70 and it was always a one shot only needed experience.Currently I have only a Shiloh Sharps in 45/70 but last year managed to bag this buck at 80 yards with one shot with a Uberti 76 carbine in 45/60 a shortened version of the 45/70 with 60grs of bp behind a 300 grain bullet.Loaded properly a 45/70 has plenty of power to take the game you mentioned.

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chasseur said:
I have taken quite a few deer with a 45/70 and it was always a one shot only needed experience.Currently I have only a Shiloh Sharps in 45/70 but last year managed to bag this buck at 80 yards with one shot with a Uberti 76 carbine in 45/60 a shortened version of the 45/70 with 60grs of bp behind a 300 grain bullet.Loaded properly a 45/70 has plenty of power to take the game you mentioned.

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Nice ! The rifle and the buck . That's a great photo .
 
I also have a Marlin 1895 , great rifle . I've also owned two No 3 and one No 1 Rugers in 45/70 ,as well as a Browning B-78 . The browning still hurts , that'll teach me............ probably not , I'm a gun who're lol .
I haven't been without a 45/70 in almost 30 years , it's an extremely useful cartridge . Most of my handloads were built around Hornady 350 gr RN's in the single shots and 400 gr jacketed and cast in the Marlin . They don't shoot that flat , but 95% of the game I've shot is well inside of 150 yards , so I really don't worry about it . Get yourself a 45/70 lever , you'll be amazed how fast they grow on you . The only warning I have is to resist the urge to drive the bullets to max velocities . They aren't necessary and they hurt ! Good luck .
 
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I have bought 2 marlin 1895 wood stocked 22" barreled levers in the past year. Both are flawless and drive tacks. I think the new models quality issues are way overblown. Couldn't be happier and price at 579$ new was a steal.
 
I OWN A new MARLIN 1895, in 45-70; It is made by Remington ande it is flawless.
I just love it, make sure you don't get one with a Micro Groove barrel if you are going to shoot lead.
I also have a New Baikal Double rifle in 45-70, It is a hoot to shoot.
I learned early that if you shoot full loads you won't like it.
I download for practice and they are lots of fun.
Hopefully I will get a bear with one this spring.
 
I've used my Marlin 1895 from gophers to bear and everything in between. I use Hornady Lever Evolution 325 gr FTX and that packs all the punch I've needed thus far.... if you get one make sure you buy it in person as I had to sift through three at Cabela's before i found one that didn't look like it was put together by kindergarten kids.... Pay close attention to the checkering... I saw one that looked like it had been used for 20 years new in the box. But after you find the gem you'll be very pleased with the 'ole buffalo gun...

 
I bought one of the new 1886s from Winchester and love it. Very well built. I shot a nice bear with mine a couple of years ago. I reload 400 grain Speers for mine. Good hammer for everything around here.
 
Based on my own experience with the 45-70 cartridge and the rifles that use it, a short, handy rifle like the Marlin 1895, is an excellent and versatile choice for a short range bush rifle. The Winchester 1886 and its various clones too, though barrel lengths tend to be a bit longer. Still, these rifles are plenty compact, compared to the average bolt rifle.
I have also used a number of these in single shot form. Most usually as vintage-style target rifles, ie: Sharps, Remington Rolling Blocks, 1885 Winchester, etc. But, also as hunting rifles. Ruger chambers its excellent RSI single-shot, in 45-70. In a single-shot this is one of the best. Also, the H & R Buffalo Classic. Not an expensive rifle, but capable of good accuracy and performance.
About the only negative I can think of about the 45-70 is that, in a relatively light rifle like the Marlin 1895, it is not for the recoil shy. Hot reloads can hit pretty hard on both ends. Still, where loads are more moderate...especially with cast lead bullets, it is perfectly manageable.
I have not inspected any of the new Remington-made Marlin rifles, so can't comment. Still, for anyone contemplating buying a new Marlin rifle, or for that matter any new rifle....caveat emptor. It is only common sense that the potential buyer inspect it carefully first, before laying down hard cash.
You mention that you have an aimpoint sight for it? That would make a good choice for the "point and click" shooting often encountered in heavy bush. Another option would be a sturdy "ghost ring", aperture sight. Not as good in low light as the aimpoint, but good enough in most hunting conditions. I wouldn't dismiss a good, low powered scope, though. In a 1-4, 1.5-5, 2 X, or other similar configuration, a low powered scope is often ideal for threading a bullet through dense brush. I'd rate a good low powered scope to be as fast, if not faster in some cases, to use over most any open sight.... where the ability to acquire a good sight picture and shoot accurately is vital. Especially in poor light, or where shots are quick and at close range. Food for thought.
To sum up: A 45-70 would make a good addition to your gun collection.
 
Black powder 45-70 single shot rifle. Mated to two 10 gauge barrels, that are also black powder.
Should be back from the gunsmith really soon. Will be hunted with this fall.

I own another 45-70, but the BCPR is a little on the heavy side for all day carry. lol!
 
I love my T/C Pro Hunter in 45-70. I reload and it cuts the prices down by a bunch. I've never felt lonely with my single shot Pro Hunter.
 
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