Trying to decide on a lever action

[CCFD1414]

I'm trying to decide on a lever action, I'm torn between a 45lc, 44mag (marlin or rossi), and a Marlin 45-70. I plan on using it for hunting, mainly hogs but also for protection against eastern black bear. I do plan to reload so ammo cost isn't a big deal to me.

I'm open to other options such as replica rifles using black powder loads. I'm open to other options as well. What do ya'll recommend?

 

[Fine Figure of a Man]

Since you reload, there will be little difference in ammo costs. The 45-70 would be, by far, the most versatile. It can be loaded as light as a 44 spl or so heavy you will be afraid to pull the trigger.

 

[BigBore44]

In a leveraction, it’s pretty much impossible to beat the versatility of a 45-70. And if you’re going to roll your own, you’ll save a bunch of money. I do anyways. I highly recommend H-4198 and 350gr Hornady RN bullets in Starline brass.

 

[Coyote3855]

A Marlin 336 in .30-30 would probably be adequate for hogs and bear. .45-70 more versatile as Fine Figure notes. If your budget allows, look at Winchester 1886 replicas. More expensive than the Marlin in .45-70, but a classic rifle. There is a Marlin 1895CB listed locally for $725, but I don't know if it is an original Marlin or a Remington. After the transition in 2007, there were quality problems with Marlins coming out of the Remington-owned plant. Hickok45 has a video on the 1895 and points out some CQ issues. I understand the more recent production is better. Friend has a new 336 that looks good.

 

[jmr40]

You can get one in 30-30 that will do everything you need and spend a lot less for the rifle and ammo. But a 44 mag would be my pick between the options you've listed. The pistol caliber levers are smaller and more compact than the rifle versions.

45-70 is way over rated. It just kicks harder without offering much in the way of advantages. I'd rather have a 30-30, 44 mag or 30-06 in my hands if I had to stop a bear attack. And I owned and hunted with several 45-70's for over 40 years.

The 30-30 and 44 mag are pretty comparable on game inside of 100 yards, but the 30-30 is generally more accurate and a better option for ranges beyond 100. The 44, or 45 Colt loaded with heavy for caliber hardcast bullets will match 45-70 for penetration in game.

If you handload, or are willing to pay the price for harder to find ammo 45 Colt would be a good option. But for most people it is just not worth the effort

 

[film495]

Just to comment from the peanut gallery, when was the last time you heard of an Eastern Black Bear incident? We have them in our neighborhood, and all over the state, and they concern me, but - year after year I hear no reports of any incidents other than them getting into the occasional trash can. on another note - I have a lever action 30-30, should some odd circumstances arise and I had to save the children from a Black Bear for some reason.

 

[Terry Vincent]

Hunting hogs is a crap shoot (no pun intended) because you never know what you’ll encounter. It may be a bunch of piglets with a 125 lb sow or........ it might be like the one pictured below. Granted, he is an exception in size and way above normal, but I was grateful the 45-70 was with me that night. It is always comforting to have enough gun!

 

[Eddie Booth]

A couple of months ago I would have said 45-70, and I do love my 1895g. I recently picked up a 20 inch Rossi in 45 colt, and it's the one that goes with me now. I chose it over 44 magnum because I already had dies and brass for it. There's nothing in my neck of the woods it won't handle with authority.

 

[midland man]

A couple of months ago I would have said 45-70, and I do love my 1895g. I recently picked up a 20 inch Rossi in 45 colt, and it's the one that goes with me now. I chose it over 44 magnum because I already had dies and brass for it. There's nothing in my neck of the woods it won't handle with authority.

I own a rossi r92 16in barrel stainless/wood in 45 colt and I load ruger only loads using sierra 300gr sjsp bullets and 20.8gr of h110 and I know it'll take hogs out with authority!! I love my rossi the action is excellent right out of the box...

 

[Mycin]

I agree with the idea of a Rossi in 45LC, since I'm fond of the old 45. Hickok45 has called his 45 carbine with +P loads a "baby 45-70" or something like that.

 

[Old Stumpy]

For your needs a Marlin 336C (if you like traditional walnut) or a 336BL (if you like a big loop and an 18 1/2" barrel) would be my choice.
A .45-70 is overkill for what you describe, but it would serve also. The .45-70 would give you the option of large moose and elk.
Of all of the cartridges that you describe, the .30-30 offers the best trajectory out to 200 yards. You would need to load the .45-70 up to nearly the same velocity as a .30-30 to equal that, which would be unpleasant to shoot with even the required 300 grain bullet
You also have the option to buy a 336W, which is the economy version of the 336 line, with a stained birch stock and a matte finish.
But that's only worth it if you can get one much cheaper than the 336C or 336BL.

The .44 magnum is fine as long as you are happy with brush ranges out to 100 yards, and not with shooting out to 175 yards or so.
The .45 Colt can be hand loaded to match the .44 magnum, and with lower chamber pressures, but the factory loads are pretty tame.
Good enough for a whitetail deer at 70 yards or so IMHO.

Also consider that in a pinch you could buy .30-30 probably anywhere, but the others not so much.

 

[Old Stumpy]

You might also consider a 336C in .35 Remington. A larger caliber and a heavier bullet and a bit more more power than the .30-30, with moderate recoil and about the same trajectory and range.

 

[SwampWolf]

If your budget allows, look at Winchester 1886 replicas. More expensive than the Marlin in .45-70, but a classic rifle.

That's the route I'd take if it's affordable for you. One of my favorite rifles for hunting whitetails in heavy cover is a Winchester (Miroku) Model 1886 "Extra Light Weight", chambered in .45-70 and fitted with a Williams "FoolProof" receiver sight. Super smooth action, extremely well-fitted and finished (as is typical for Miroku) and plenty accurate. I've never regretted paying the extra money over less expensive rifles of the same ilk.

 

[DocRock]

In favor of 45-70: versatility. In favor of 45LC/44 Mag - handiness.

If 45-70 and a Remlin, it wants close personal examination to ensure it meets your expectations.

I believe Rossi are back in the market with the 16" R92. They want a little finishing work (Steve's Gunz is your friend) but it is such a handy, trim little rifle that it more than makes up for the work needed.

 

[Old Stumpy]

If 45-70 and a Remlin, it wants close personal examination to ensure it meets your expectations.

Yes. Examine the wood to metal fit in person. That seems to be the one area that is not always consistent. Of course, while you are there you can give everything the once-over.

 

[Old Stumpy]

If you decide on a Marlin, mount Skinner Express sights on it. Rock solid steel peep sight and a steel Patridge blade front sight.

​

 

[Ks5shooter]

45-70.......

 

[200Apples]

jmr40

The 30-30 and 44 mag are pretty comparable on game inside of 100 yards, but the 30-30 is generally more accurate and a better option for ranges beyond 100. The 44, or 45 Colt loaded with heavy for caliber hardcast bullets will match 45-70 for penetration in game.

The problem here is that most .44 lever rifles are saddled with a slow 1-in-38” twist which does not reliably stabilize the longer, heavier 300+ grains slugs we’re looking for; the heavy-for-caliber stuff we can use in our faster-twist revolvers.

270 grains is about it. Sure, *some* report success with 300 grain slugs, but more often we’ll see folks desirous of a faster twist.

I am about to bring home a stainless, straight-stock Model 1895 in walnut. Looking forward to loading 400 grains hardcast at velocities to be determined.

 

[OrangePwrx9]

I have a .44 mag Marlin. Nice gun, but neither its accuracy nor its performance have been impressive. POI seems to walk with barrel heat. Have taken deer with it, but view it as a short-range choice. It is handy though.

A better choice in my view is the .35 Rem. Good accuracy and, with the 200 gr. RN, an excellent killer on deer. However, my experience with the cartridge is limited to TC Contenders. There is a handload in an old Sierra manual using a compressed charge of H322 that jacks up the performance by a few hundred fps. Don't know if a Marlin could handle it.

 

[1976B.L.Johns.]

I'm trying to decide on a lever action, I'm torn between a 45lc, 44mag (marlin or rossi), and a Marlin 45-70. I plan on using it for hunting, mainly hogs but also for protection against eastern black bear. I do plan to reload so ammo cost isn't a big deal to me.

I know how you feel..............

 

[Obturation]

45-70 is way over rated

By some maybe, thats a broad general statement not based in fact but opinion.

I'd rather have a 30-30, 44 mag or 30-06 in my hands if I had to stop a bear attack

The ONLY thing any of those calibers can do better than 45-70 is shoot flatter, if a bear is about to chew on you flat shooting is not a concern.

The 44, or 45 Colt loaded with heavy for caliber hardcast bullets will match 45-70 for penetration in game.

44 mag & 45 colt are not even close in ANY way to 45-70 besides diameter. If you honestly believe that i dont know what to say really. See many 44 mag loads get close to 2000 fps? Or how about over the mid 300 grain weight range? 454 casull can not match the 45-70 and yet makes 45 colt and 44 mag seem weak in comparison so your logic does not make sense. Not trying to pick on you but you just can't justify your statements. I understand you dont like the caliber, you dont have to but it does way more than you give it credit for and much much more than a handgun cartridge at far lower pressure, thats just the way it is and not an opinion.

 

[wombat13]

My Marlin 44 mag is a very nice short range rifle (inside 100 yards). I mounted a Burris FastFire 2 on it. Best close range rifle I have. I’ve got bolt rifles if I need to reach out.

 

[Armored farmer]

Check out Marlins new maple stocked rifles on gunbroker.
They're beautiful.

 

[whughett]

Op didn’t mention any desire for calibers other than 44M, 45C or 45/70. But I’ll add a personal favorite also. A BLR in 358 Winchester. Browning Lever Action Rifle.
Sadly I let the rifle get away from me, but still have it’s little brother BL22, Grade 2. I still havethe dies and brass. The .358 is a .308 necked up to take a 35 caliber. Some where around the house may be a box of Winchester Silver Tips.

 

[wombat13]

Op didn’t mention any desire for calibers other than 44M, 45C or 45/70. But I’ll add a personal favorite also. A BLR in 358 Winchester. Browning Lever Action Rifle.
Sadly I let the rifle get away from me, but still have it’s little brother BL22, Grade 2. I still havethe dies and brass. The .358 is a .308 necked up to take a 35 caliber. Some where around the house may be a box of Winchester Silver Tips.

I’ve had one of those in the back of mind for years. Maybe when the kids are grown and I don’t know what to do with all my money!