I just acquired a Marlin 1895 with 22" bbl (circa 1996), my first 45-70, and am looking for suggestions for 300-350 gr factory ammo. I do reload and will probably buy a bunch of Remington bulk brass and experiment with some different component bullets but want to get some decent factory ammo to try the thing out. The Federal load with Speer Grand Slams looked like a good option. Any experience or suggestions? Thanks. -WSJ

Based on my experience with Remington, Federal and Winchester factory "express" loadings using the 300 gr. bullets in the .45-70, I'd suggest that you buy the Remington load.



My reasoning is that:

• This load performs on appropriate game the same as the other loads.
• You will not have a different brand of brass to deal with.
• It is easy to acquire, i.e. commonly available.
• The bullet will not change (as has the Federal load) and this does slightly change POI.

I got 1880 fps from the Federal loads I used but they changed the bullets (from the Sierra JHC to the Speer). The new load isn't quite the same. The Remington factory 300 gr. load gave an average of 1810 fps. For me, an added benefit was that the Remington factory 405 gr. load shot to the same POA at 100 yards as the 300 gr. load despite only starting at 1330 fps.



As you probably know, these are loaded to about the 23,000 CUP level and you can do a bit better in your gun. I'm looking forward to hearing about your experiments.

As for Brass REM is proably the least desired. Win is better. But Starline and Federal Prem Nickle Brass will be excellent. As for Bullets the Hornady 350 FN is a very popular bullet for all around game hunting from deer to moose. I use Reloader 7 powder and Federal Match 210GM primers and load @ 2000 FPS. Excellent load in the Marlin Guide Gun 45-70.

Now that Marlin talk is gone for those that want a serious forum for a serious cartridge you might try http://groups.yahoo.com/group/45-70rifles/ ..I haven't found too much difference in the normal 300 gr ammo except for the winchester 300 Partition, less expansion and greater penetration.They are all loaded to about 1850 fps. The PMC 350 matches the 450Marlin ,2200 fps at 37,000Psi. Your handloading choices really depend on what you are hunting.The 300s at normal 45-70 distances, within 150yds work well for deer .For greater distances and larger game hotter loads would be better .

Steve, I think that Marlin Talk was very popular. That meant it became very high maintenance for Ed and his staff. I'm sure Ed is probably responsible for other IT functions at Marlin and the site was becoming time consuming. Now a corporation can view such popularity in different ways. But for it to be viewed as positive requires management to see or perceive some kind of return. Much of the discussion that placed demands on the service came on the BIG BORE RIFLE and MISCELLANEOUS MARLIN TALK forums. And much of that discussion had little to do with Marlin products. There was also the issue of information that could make management uncomfortable, such as reload data, discussions perceived as poor practices, and political discussions. That the site could not be moderated due to staffing limitations, discussion wandered dramatically and it required increasing attention probably led to its demise. It was a good thing while it lasted, I guess we will have to move on without it.

Anyways, to the original poster: You would probably do well with the PMC Silver 45-70HA 350 grain load. The 350 grain Hornady bullet at 2000 fps is a good all around load. You can get them at the Sportsmans Guide for about $19 a box.

Also if factory loads is what your after the Winchester Supreme 300 Nosler Partition Load should be excellent for Deer and Blackbear.