I've read with great interest all of the posts about these big lever guns. I'd like to get ahold of one myself but had some questions. I've considered the .444 or the .45-70 and also looked at the .457 WWG and .475 GNR, anyone have experience with either of these? Other cartridge suggestions? I'm leaning towards an 1895 or a Ruger single shot, which other rifles do any of you recommend?

My 45/70 is an 1895 ss 22" barrel model with deep cut ballard rifling. I prefer this model over the shorter ported model as the stock feels a little better. I have a tasco pro-point red dot mounted on it at the minute, which is good for close running shots. I like the rifle immensly and the 45/70 is an awsome killer on the game I shoot, even though the ballsitic charts say it should not be. I personally would get a 1895 Marlin over a single shot, in heavy cover with multiple targets the extra shots are good. You can load the ruger #1 hotter (if that is why your thinking of the ruger) than the Marlin but if you want more power than the 45/70 in a lever then persoanlly I would just get a bolt gun in .458 win mag and have the ability to load down to 45/70 specs and go up if you so choose.

There are heaps of components available for it and it is easy to reload. You would not be unhappy if you chose a 45/70.

The projectiles I have developed loads for are the 405 grain woodleigh flat noses and the 300 grain sierra FNHP's. The 300 gr sierras expand very quickly and I reckon are excellent for thin skinned stuff but would not be solid enough for bigger game and in that case I will use the woodleigh.

Hope this helps regards PC

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[This message has been edited by PC (edited 02-20-2002).]

Get a Marlin 1895 47-70 and shoot the hell out of it. It is possible to load this cartridge up to around 1900 fps with those cheap Remington 405 grain JFN bullets. This would be one hell of a lever action for anything within 75 yards. After you get tired of it then send it to Dave Clay to have him turn it into a 50 Alaskan and then start all the fun all over again. Later. Ming

I have a Browning 71 that was converted to .450 Alaskan. 22" bbl & 400 gr bullets at 2100+ is easy. The conversion basically requires a new barrel, magazine attachment improvement and some tweeking in the action.
There is a large number of .458" bullets available.
If you want, I can e-mail you a picture of mine.
DMC

I fooled with the prototype Ruger #1 in 475 GNR by Gary Reeder. Was built to approximate the handling properties of the Marlin leverguns before Gary built any. I shot 400+ grain cast at 2,000 fps. I also handled the first levergun he built on the 475 and it seemed nice.

475 GNR is easy to load for...45-70 blown out straight. Considered converting my 1895ss to 50 AK but haven't done it due to cost of brass.

I suggest a Marlin or the new Win M86, in 45-70. The 45-70 can be loaded to 2000 fps+, with a 400+ grain bullet.
Check with Buffalo Bore Ammo, and Garrett's ammo, both offer magnum loads.

www.buffalobore.com

I shot 350 and 405 Laser-Cast bullets to 1800+, in my marlin '95. I sold it over a year ago, and have since bought a Marlin, in their 444. Still working up loads with it. ~~~Suluuq