.45/70 Bear gun ? yes or no

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03 February 2002, 01:11

Tanoose

.45/70 Bear gun ? yes or no

Wanted opinions on this caliber for big Bears Grizzly and yes the Brown Bear. Whats needed , first let me say i want to purchase a new rifle with a 26-28 inch barrel in lever action.Now i have a Marlin 1895ss with a 22 inch barrel. Using Hornadys 350 grain bullet i can get 2200 fps giving me over 3700 foot pounds of energy and with the 400 grain bullet i can get near 2100 fps giving me near 3900 foot pounds. I myself think this is enough but i have never hunted the big bears, plus i have been reading about hard cast bullets being better, i have also seen some 45/70 bashing , from the people who make the 457 and the big .59 alaskan.So what do you guys think am i ok with the 45/70 or shoulg i consider a different caliber. Thanks Dave

03 February 2002, 03:42

<Daryl Elder>

The .45-70 is a popular caliber around here for just that purpose and one reason I bought one for myself this past season. Great for moose, elk, and anything to 100yds. or so with enough energy to take care of bears. I think hard cast bullets are the way to go as well; you want that puppy to smash everything it hits and not come apart. But, that's not to say it's the only caliber that will do the job. Those Alaskan calibers look like good medicine, too. A friend built a .348AI on a Browning lever and it is a good hammer for bears and such. To each his own, no?

03 February 2002, 05:37

<cohoyo>

Lots of people around here carry a 45/70 and it's generally considered to be enough gun .

[This message has been edited by cohoyo (edited 02-02-2002).]

03 February 2002, 06:32

dan belisle

When I was in Alaska for the ARR (Alaskan Rail Road) I was told that they issued 45-70 Marlins to the crews when required. I guess they figured that it would work well enough. - Dan

03 February 2002, 08:18

bearhunt'r

Yep, The 45-70 will do fine. Not sure why the longer barrel would be needed...it could get in the way in the thick stuff. More velocity not needed I think! But if you really want/need/want another rifle, why not? Bet the bears are running for cover even as we talk about it!

IMO, people that want to sell something "New" many times have to bash something else that is tried and proven so that the appearance of the "New" is elevated.
Be confident. With loads that you described, 45.70 will be great!
best,
bhtr