18" barrel too short?

[safety]

I really like the Marlin 1985GS lever action. I like the short 18" barrel. With reloading, could this gun be respectable out to 200 yrds? I wanna get one for Elk.

 

[JD338]

Your 1895 45-70 loaded to the "Marlin Load Level" with a 300-350 gr bullet and a good scope will be deadly on elk out to 200 yds. :wink:

JD338

 

[Guy Miner]

:grin: I had one of those 18" .45-70 Guide Guns for several years and really enjoyed shooting it, and hunting with it. The 18" barrel will get you 1700+ fps with a 400 grain bullet easy, and approach 2000 fps with a 350 grain bullet no problem. With heavy loads, it is a thumper, on both ends.

Last year I traded the ported 18" gun I had for a 22" 1895 Marlin, and I'm happier - but that 18" gun handles like a dream - very, very quick to shoulder, and very quick pointing. I have only managed to take mule deer with mine, very effectively, but wouldn't hesitate to take elk at 200 yards. Those Marlins shoot better than a fellow might anticipate and the .45-70 cartridge is a fine one for modest-range hunting.

Although they can be reasonably accurate beyond 200 yards, that "rainbow" trajectory of the .45-70 doesn't help any when it comes to placing shots quickly and accurately at longer ranges.

Regards, Guy

 

[fredj338]

I think you can stretch the 350gr Hornady to 200 in the Marlin, but you loose alot of vel. & the bullet may not preform well. Get to 150yds & let fly.

 

[FOTIS]

Your 1895 45-70 loaded to the "Marlin Load Level" with a 300-350 gr bullet and a good scope will be deadly on elk out to 200 yds. :wink:

JD338

Absolutely!