using the .45-70 on caribou, black bear and moose

[Mad Dog]

Due to range limitations, do you think a hunter would be handicapping himself in using a Marlin guide gun, in .45-70 on caribou, black bear and moose?  I've got one, and love it, and in about 2 yrs., my buddy and I are looking into a trip to Alaska, for some combination of the above 3 animals.  I think I could definately do the bear and the moose[with the right load], but was a little concerned about the caribou, due to range.  What do you guys think?

Mad Dog

[Yukon Jack]

I'd go for something a little flatter shooting, if I were you.  You've got plenty of power, but believe you are overly restricting yourself on the range of the 45/70, especially for caribou.  If it was just a moose/bear hunt, it probably wouldn't be that big of an issue, but since you are going to be hunting those and caribou on the open tundra (at least you most likely will be) I'd really go for something flatter shooting.  At least something that will do a 300 yard shot without too much concern.

[Daveinthebush]

My 2  :money:

For black bear from stand and stalking, no problem.  

For moose, calling and floating along rivers, no problem.

For caribou, You will be limiting yourself maybe too much.  If your hunting with a guide he may be able to put you on a river crossing, or a funnel where your range is restricted.  Then you would be all right. The biggest problem on the tundra is range estimation.  With the ballon trajectory of the 45/70 a mis-estimate could result in a wounded animal.

A good 30/06 would be a better choice. Even though, I am trying all three with a bow this year. :roll:

[armymp71]

I am taking a 45/70 and a 375 RUM, then based on the distance, you can use one or the other.

Rick