Marlin big bores

[Brushhunter]

I found the thread on "sub 40" caliber moose guns very interesting.  Since I'm a long-time fan of Marlin leverguns for deer, I wonder what you all would think of them for moose and bear, either in .45/70 gov., 444 Marlin, or 450 marlin?  This would be in northern New England, and I prefer a peep sight usually on my deer rifles.  Of these three calbers, which would you pick to use for 1] bear and 2) moose, given bullet weights, felt recoil, fps at a reasonable range, and any other factors you think ought to be taken into account?  I have a .35 Remington that I assume is not really enough gun for moose and bear.  Am I wrong about that?

[Cabin4]

All three of those cartridges can be an excellant moose killers with the right loads. I would opt for the 300 grain Nosler partition in the 45-70 and the 450. The 444 I can't talk specifics becasue I'm not that familiar with the specific available bullets. First thought on the 444 is make the sure the SD is sufficient for moose. Historically, factory loads of the 444 are very poor sd. My understanding is that thier are excellanmt bullets available to the handloader that solve this problem. Not sure about factory loads from the big guys but Garrett, Connely and Buffalo Bore are likly to have solved this problem with thier loads.

[1GLOCK]

Garrett offers an absoloutly awsome 540 hardcast hammerhead 45-70 that they have used on 800+ pound brownies in alaska. I myself would probably lean on the 405gr FP in a hand load say 1800 fps should do it. Id go heavy on the moose cause Id prefer to break the front sholders and anchor him right there on the spot so he dosent run into someplace really hard to get him out of, that goes for the bear too but they also bite. The 300gr partition would probably do it too but i think you would be safer with the 405s.

[Graybeard]

A 300 grain .45 caliber bullet is a pathically short little rascal to begin with. SD is almost like .22 caliber bullets it is so low. And this is starting out. It only gets worse after it hits flesh.

Personally I'd never use ANY 300 grain bullet in a .45-70 for use on such heavy animals. The 400 would be my bottom line. Now Buffalo Bore makes a 430 hard cast for use in Marlin rifles and that one is a bone cruncher (on both ends)  :-D That's what I'd recommend.

I also don't consider the .35 Remington inadequate for the jobs mentioned. On the light side yes but up to the task at close woods ranges.

GB

[John Y Cannuck]

I use cast bullets for all my 45-70 hunting. They are hard cast from wheel weights dropped in water.
The 350 Hollow point makes a nice deer load, and I've seen it penetrate end to end on a white tail.
For moose, I have a 500 grain FP.
I don't think anyone has mentioned that in many guns, the heavier bullet tends to be more accurate.
Be carefull with the 500 in the lever gun. It may not seat deep enough, at the  crimp groove and unless you purposly seat it deeper than intended it can tie up your action nicely.
I understand the 405 grain does not have that problem.