I am curious as to which of the two an experienced bear hunter would choose for close range big bear hunting.
1) Bolt action 375 H&H (with 300 grain bullets)
or
2)Lever action 45/70 (using +P ammo)

I am going to be purchasing in the near future a stainless synthetic bolt action in 375 H&H and have recently acquired a marlin 1895 XLR in 45/70 and was wondering which one would be a better choice for bears. Thanks Tanoose

With proper bullets either will kill bears quite efficiently. For a hunting situation I would prefer the 375, longer reach. For a hike through the devils club I would probably go for the faster to reload 45-70 with those pre-expanded hard bullets.

For close range brown bear hunting, if I was not going to use my 450/400 double, or my 9,3x74R double, I would use my Blaser 375 H&H Tracker Synthentic.

There is nothing wrong with a Lever actioned +P 45/70 for such hunting, if you are a lever kind of guy.

At close range there is really no significant terminal performance advantage between the two. I'd say pick what you like more and be confident in its ability.

I am with Tbear on this as well. Although my .375 RUM is not a .375HH and in comparison to my past 1895G .45-70 with my own "hot" loads I think the RUM performed alot more noticable with impact characteristics than the .45-70. It is a toss up in close or within a 100yds. The .45-70 caused some bears to take off slowly and then drop. The RUM left some immediate impressions that causes me to lean to another .375 caliber after I sold it but.....my 9,3x62 thus far has done a tremendous job this season.

Tough to beat a levergun!

My vote is for the 375 H&H. I feel it's more versatile for the type critters I hunt and where I hunt them. I have always looked at the 375 H&H as the 30-06 on steroids. Lou

If you are a lever rifle nut , go with the Marlin ... Other wise I would hands down prefer the 375 ... But why 300 gr bullets .... 270 gr works as good or better ...

Remember ,, Brown bears arn,t elephants ....

375 H + H would be my choice of the offerings. but frankly, I would have someting bigger 458WM, 458 Lott or 470 capstick.

Of the two I would pick the .375 H&H. I would rather shoot one of my .358 STA's with a 270 grain North Fork soft point at 2950 fps. I also have a .416 Rem and .416 Rigby, but the additional barrel weight and overall gun weight of those two, make my Model 70 STA's much the quicker responders in a tight situation. Good shooting.

Saw the barrel off the .375 to 20 inches and you have an excellent close encounter firearm.

Up close and in thick stuff I would probably take the 1895G with Garretts or Buffalo Bore, although I would rather use a slide action .35 Whelen, if I had one.

Namibiahunter

i own both bolt guns and a 45/70 sgg, if you are going to have problems it will more likely be the lever gun, from what ive seen around herethe lever guns are ok but screws get loose and some hot loads kick the action open plus the lever smacks your middle finger. if i were hunting bears i would choose a bolt 375 over a lever gun

There is nothing wrong with a good 45-70 lever gun but I personally think the 375 Ruger Alaskan is as close to THE perfect rifle for big bears as you can find.

.45-70 with the proper load is damn hard to beat. I personally would take by 1895 Winchester in .405 win. with 300 grn, Barnes TSX bullets.

I'm taking a 375 H&H (M70)and a 450 Alaskan (M71 Repro) to Afognak this month. The 375 will be "out to 300" and the 450 will be "less than 100". If I didn't have the 450, I'd take my Guide Gun with heavy loads for the same purpose.

That said, planning for a specific gun/ situation goes out the window when you're in the field. Either one should do if I do my part. FWIW.

DManson