A short time ago I picked up a little stainless Marlin in 45-70 with an 18.5 inch barrel. I have just been having so much fun with this little gun. It might not be exactly what Jeff and Michael had in mind but it sure is light and handy. When I was shooting today, I noticed that a crack had developed in the forend. I stopped in to my gun guy and we are either going to have to send the gun or perhaps just the forend back to Marlin for replacement.

I have always wanted a Browning BLR but never did pick one up so, while at the gun shop, I ordered a new Browning BLR blued pistol grip takedown in 450 Marlin.

I am wondering, can you use 45-70 load data for the 450 Marlin? I can't seem to find any load data for bullets over 400 grains.

God help me. I have fallen in love with these 45 caliber lever guns.

quote:

Originally posted by Dave Bush:
I am wondering, can you use 45-70 load data for the 450 Marlin? I can't seem to find any load data for bullets over 400 grains.

God help me. I have fallen in love with the 45-70

Hey Dave,

Sorry about the forend - should be able to simply replace it. In fact, at one time you could (and maybe still can) swap out the forend and stock with some aftermarket plastic/rubber version. Hogue maybe, I don't remember.

You certainly can use 45/70 load data in the 450 Marlin and vs. versa - I do all of the time. The 450 Marlin came out for those who wanted to hot-rod the 45/70 in the Marlin GG but didn't handload. Problem for the factory in making hot-rodded 45/70s was that they would be safe in modern Marlins and Ruger Single shots and maybe others, they feared the hot-rod 45/70 getting into a vintage gun. THus was born the 450 Marlin.

The 450 Marlin has just a bit less capacity than the 45/70 but not enough difference to be of concern.

Dave I just bought this Marlin 1895 45/70 Mfg in 1980. Can't wait to get out and shoot it.

I have a BLR in 450 Marlin. The BLR and the BAR are both rated at belted mag pressures and both could handle 458 WM if they were chambered for it...reference the 7 and 300 mags already available.

I've loaded my 450M beyond SAAMI recommended pressures, (calculated/extrapolated/interpolated) with no visible pressure problems and no problem with extraction, but I won't say how far beyond. I have a 500 gr cast load that is on the low end of 458 WM velo's as listed in the 2006 Hodgdons manual with the right powder.

I WOULDN'T do it with a Marlin tho'.

You realy don't need to push the 450 M as it is already loaded to all the whack needed for most NA game, I guarantee.

Enjoy your toy...I wish mine were the take down model...much easier to clean.

Luck

I have a Marlin and was wondering what a good load would be with the Hornady 350gr. Any suggestions for powder and starting loads?

i really like the 450 marlin in a lever gun ... its just cool

I have the 450M and I do love it.


I use the load data which is published by the Bullet Manufactures and I notice that they do use different load data for the same bullets (45/70 and 450M).

So, I do too.


There may be some of the same powders used in both … I may just take a look tonight.


Snake