Cant decide

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Cant decide

Post by Farmerpete » 04 May 2019, 1:08 pm

So i somehow managed to get the minister of finance to agree to let me get a new gun :D but i cant decide on wich one iv got it narrowed down to a 7600 in 308 or a marlin guide gun in 45 70 i have some scrubby areas to hunt but also have the need for longer range shots very occasionally i know the 308 fits better but cant seem to pull myself away from the idea of 45 70 my question is:
keeping to a pump or lever platform is there a calibre comprimise of the two (shoots flat but still makes a pigs head explode)
Tia
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Re: Cant decide

Post by bladeracer » 04 May 2019, 1:29 pm

Farmerpete wrote:So i somehow managed to get the minister of finance to agree to let me get a new gun :D but i cant decide on wich one iv got it narrowed down to a 7600 in 308 or a marlin guide gun in 45 70 i have some scrubby areas to hunt but also have the need for longer range shots very occasionally i know the 308 fits better but cant seem to pull myself away from the idea of 45 70 my question is:
keeping to a pump or lever platform is there a calibre comprimise of the two (shoots flat but still makes a pigs head explode)
Tia


I think the two rifles are different enough that'd it'd come down to which rifle you prefer rather than the chambering. For close pig work I'd go .45-70 of the two cartridges, but the 7600 offers some advantages, detachable mags for, more capacity, easy unloading and quick change of ammunition, and potential longer-range accuracy with a scope - making it a bit more versatile perhaps.

A lever 12ga with a rifled choke tube maybe?
Or a .30-30 or .44Mag lever.
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Re: Cant decide

Post by bigrich » 04 May 2019, 2:25 pm

Interesting problem. A lot of folks would say buy both, but I think having a all round gun is a better option. 308 or 30-06 pump makes sense I guess. More usable range than the 45-70 . 45-70 can be expensive if you don’t reload . Most of my shots are around 100 yards I guess. I could use my 357 marlin more often, but I take my 6.5x55 almost every time and am glad I did when taking a long shot. If you’re happy to put in the effort to stalk in close, the 45-70 would definitely anchor any game. I’m considering upgrading my 357 to a 44 for a bit more peace of mind with stopping power .
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Re: Cant decide

Post by SCJ429 » 04 May 2019, 2:43 pm

If you choose the 308 you would be predicable, conservative and boring even. My first piece of game harvested with a 45/70 was at 200 metres and the longest was 250 metres. Both shot seated with sticks. Not a single thing I have hit has run off on me. Go the big bore and shoot it often.
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Re: Cant decide

Post by duncan61 » 04 May 2019, 3:27 pm

I have checked the price of ammo and 45/70 is nearly double 308 is this a consideration.308 has a good shove on the shoulder 45/70 boots hard.308 will kill anything in Australia
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Re: Cant decide

Post by marksman » 04 May 2019, 5:22 pm

my suggestion would be a 35 whelen in rem 7600 :drinks:
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Re: Cant decide

Post by GQshayne » 04 May 2019, 7:00 pm

I have hunted pigs for most of my life, mainly with a .243. With suitable projectiles in my handloads, I have never had an issues with it being not "enough gun". The .308 is just a step up from that in my opinion. It is more than enough for pigs, and will have a good trajectory, mild recoil compared to the 45/70, available in many rifles, plenty of ammo to choose from, lots of second hand rifles...…. etc etc etc.

If you can't nail pigs with a .308 then you need more practice.
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Re: Cant decide

Post by marksman » 04 May 2019, 7:11 pm

“If you do not read the newspapers you are uninformed. If you do read the newspapers you are misinformed”. Mark Twain
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Re: Cant decide

Post by Oldbloke » 04 May 2019, 7:25 pm

45/70 is too specialised. Go the 308.
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Re: Cant decide

Post by Wm.Traynor » 04 May 2019, 7:33 pm

A few thoughts from a 7600 0wner
The marlin is much easier to clean. Both are made by Remington which has a dodgy reputation, meaning that you pays your money and you takes your chances (YPYMAYTYC). The Marlin holds more ammo unless your buy an aftermarket mag (YPYMAYTYC).
And
Have you considered a decent B/A?
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Re: Cant decide

Post by Farmerpete » 04 May 2019, 7:51 pm

Thanks marksman for the suggestion i did look at 35 whelen but cant really find any large amount / range of 35 cal projectiles i dont mind reloading but casting seems like another level i need to learn to walk first. I did also see henry have released a new lever in 38-55 with a side loading gate but havent looked into availability of ammo or reloading materials
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Re: Cant decide

Post by bladeracer » 04 May 2019, 8:06 pm

Farmerpete wrote:Thanks marksman for the suggestion i did look at 35 whelen but cant really find any large amount / range of 35 cal projectiles i dont mind reloading but casting seems like another level i need to learn to walk first. I did also see henry have released a new lever in 38-55 with a side loading gate but havent looked into availability of ammo or reloading materials


.35 Whelan just uses .358" bullets, same as .38 Special so lots of choices. Hornady do a 200gn Interlock SP that I use in .38 Special.
The .38-55 is a true .38 so I would think bullet choice is limited unless you cast your own. I don't know if you can use .375" bullets in it.

I had a quick look and Hornady, Sierra and Speer don't offer any .378" bullets.
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Re: Cant decide

Post by Farmerpete » 04 May 2019, 8:51 pm

Thanks bladeracer that info helps a lot and it makes 35 whelen viable again it also tells me how much more i have to learn before trying to reload anything i might do the old put all three in a hat and draw trick not for choice but because before i draw ill be hoping for one then i know what to get
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Re: Cant decide

Post by duncan61 » 05 May 2019, 12:48 am

35 Whelan would be an awesome rifle
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Re: Cant decide

Post by bigrich » 05 May 2019, 6:13 am

GQshayne wrote:I have hunted pigs for most of my life, mainly with a .243. With suitable projectiles in my handloads, I have never had an issues with it being not "enough gun". The .308 is just a step up from that in my opinion. It is more than enough for pigs, and will have a good trajectory, mild recoil compared to the 45/70, available in many rifles, plenty of ammo to choose from, lots of second hand rifles...…. etc etc etc.

If you can't nail pigs with a .308 then you need more practice.


30 years ago the 243 was the caliber that everyone had around the Brisbane area of the east coast and was a great “do all” caliber for what game is around. I like 6.5x55 myself as a all rounder. Whatever floats your boat I guess, 45-70 and 35 Whelan are overkill really, it’s more about the “fun factor “ I reckon. I have owned a 45-70 , and they definitely are fun and put a smile on ya dial.
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Re: Cant decide

Post by on_one_wheel » 05 May 2019, 10:38 am

Out of the two, i'd be choosing the .308

Its a far more versatile round, it's a modern design and it has far more options for both factory rounds and reloading.
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Re: Cant decide

Post by Farmerpete » 05 May 2019, 2:28 pm

Thank bigrich you nailed exactly why im so torn on this my first pig was taken with the mighty ruger 10/22 (it was only half grown and took a whole mag but dead is dead) so i know 243 is big enough. As a farmer its more about eradication than hunting which is why i want the pump or lever platform but theres no reason i cant enjoy my work the bonus is ammo and guns and related equipment are all tax deductable :D :D
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Re: Cant decide

Post by Member-Deleted » 05 May 2019, 3:02 pm

Well Farmerpete if they're tax deductable why stop at one get a couple mate :thumbsup: :lol: :lol: :drinks:
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Re: Cant decide

Post by in2anity » 05 May 2019, 9:27 pm

Just curious, have you shot a factory load through a 45/70 lever before?
At what point does lack of maintenance become patina?
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Re: Cant decide

Post by duncan61 » 05 May 2019, 11:34 pm

Good call.I had a stiffy about 416 Rigby till I shot 3 out of the Ruger Safari in the N.T.Now I don't want one
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Re: Cant decide

Post by Farmerpete » 06 May 2019, 1:06 pm

Yes i have shot one before, the kick is half the fun :D im a pretty big guy so recoil has never been an issue in anything but thanks for checking
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Re: Cant decide

Post by Bruiser64 » 06 May 2019, 10:46 pm

Like others have said, get both. You know it makes sense. You could get the .308 in a Browning lever action. And the 45/70 in a marlin lever action. You then get the longer range of the 308 and the sheer unadulterated pleasure (apparently) of the 45/70. A Bloke at work recently got the Marlin 45/70. He has zero regrets about that.
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Re: Cant decide

Post by TassieTiger » 07 May 2019, 12:13 am

Get the kick of the 45/70 and the speed and versatility of the 308 and just buy the 338 lap...ammo is tax deductible and there isn’t a pig on the planet who is going to argue a second shot.
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Re: Cant decide

Post by bigrich » 07 May 2019, 4:36 am

It’s come to my attention that marlin are making the 1895 lever in 444 again. Lotta thump factor and they shoot a lot flatter than 45-70. Hmmmm, I might ring around and see about availability. Rebel have have brass and all the gear .
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Re: Cant decide

Post by mickb » 28 May 2019, 2:22 am

Well you can always rebarrel a 300 win mag BLR to 338 win mag, 416 taylor or 458 win mag. The latter two are elephant gun cartridges, they make the 45-70 wear a maid suit and serve tea to them. The 458 is actually a pretty handy gun, you can load it with the softer jacketed bullets the 45-70 uses and at the increased velocity it tends to open pigs like a book. Thats always a head turner. tt can also load 300-350 grain lighter pointed bullets to 2500fps. Also shop bought cast bullets with light loads of trailboss for the kids to plink subsonics like an overgrown 22LR. Lastly, when the elephant escapes from the circus or a beached whale needs to be put down you can load the real heavy stuff. :D
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Re: Cant decide

Post by SCJ429 » 28 May 2019, 7:24 pm

Bit hard on the 45/70 there Mick, the 458 is only about 200 fps faster than the old girl.
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Re: Cant decide

Post by cracker » 28 May 2019, 8:33 pm

SCJ429 wrote:Bit hard on the 45/70 there Mick, the 458 is only about 200 fps faster than the old girl.

..alot more energy behind 458winmag over 45/70
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Re: Cant decide

Post by SCJ429 » 28 May 2019, 10:33 pm

A bit more not a lot more. The 458 is no powerhouse either. The 450 Rigby sends a 600 grain projectile faster than the 458 can send a 400 grain.
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Re: Cant decide

Post by cracker » 29 May 2019, 12:35 pm

SCJ429 wrote:A bit more not a lot more. The 458 is no powerhouse either. The 450 Rigby sends a 600 grain projectile faster than the 458 can send a 400 grain.


45/70
300 (strong) JHP 2,275 ft/s (693 m/s) 3,449 ft⋅lbf (4,676 J)

458winmag
400 gr (26 g) FN 2,468 ft/s (752 m/s) 5,411 ft⋅lbf (7,336 J)

theres abit in it...

best thing about 458 winmag is getting it reamed to 458 lott, only reason i brought one.
450 rigby sounds like abit of a power house too, just too much alike to what iv allready got.
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Re: Cant decide

Post by Farmerpete » 01 Jul 2019, 12:58 pm

So after searching through my local gunshops i have two contenders one has a 7600 in 30 06 the other has a big bore winchester 94 in 375 price is about the same both guns are in good condition which one would you get
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