45/70 vs 416 Rigby and 458 lott

[hunttheus]

When hunting the brown coastal bears in Alaska and Canada, one person claims the 416 rigby and 458 lott is even better medicine for these bears and at longer ranges. But they use a 45/70 when hunting them in the alders. ( interesting but confusing since they have all three guns )

I would be interested in what you men use, or would use.

 

[alaska100]

I will let our Canadian friends answer for themselves, if they so choose. Speaking just for Alaska, many people like and use the 45/70 when guiding and hunting the coastal brown bears. I have a 416 Rigby and a 375 H & H, which would both work just fine and at longer distances than the 45/70 ( I do not have a 458 lott ) However the 45/70 would still be my rifle of choice at the coast, but not inland, where the shots tend to be a little longer. The 45/70 with the right bullet is more than enough gun and they are fun to use.

You can phrase your question as many different ways as you want to, on as many forums as you want to, in an effort to get a different answer, but I think you will find that those who have the lever action 45/70, like them and use them, and those who use them, do so knowing there are bigger hammers out there. They may not be for everyone and thats o.k. --if someone does not like them, dont buy them, as their are many different options available for one to choose from.

 

[SJB358]

Yeah, the Marlin 45-70 would be one of the last rifles I part with, should it ever come to that! Loaded up with 400-500 grain bullets, I have alot of faith in that rifle and man, it is an easy carrying rifle as well. Can't wait to get home and hold mine a little!

 

[onesonek]

Just my thoughts, while having no experience on such as of yet. Just going by what two of my customer/AK guides tell me in our conversations.
It depends what what one would call longer range,,,,thinking up close of the coastal senario's, the .45-70 loaded to the max the particular rifle will handle safely, is close to the other's mention at longer ranges. With shorter ranges in close cover, I can see benefit of cycling time with the .45-70 in a lever gun, even though it might not carry quite the energy either long or short. While energy is part of the factor, I think penetration is equally important if not more so, in any situation be it close or somewhat extended. With that, bullet design comes into the equation also, imo.
If Nosler made a .458/400gr. Partition with a flat meplat, it would be good choice for closer range work of what I am told typical coastal brown's work, in the Marlin. With that not available, I might would maybe use the Swift 350 gr. A-Frame, which is designed for the .45-70. With their reported weight retention,, sounds like a very good bullet to me. Although I still prefer heavier. Otherwise, preferably a bullet of proper design for chambering and rifle used, of a SD of .300 or better, be my desires regardless. I want exits no matter the angle, and as these guides tell me,,,,"always hit them at least twice in the kill zone, no matter what"
With all that said however, I would use my cast 470 grainers (SD.320) in the .45-70 for coastal brownies, and keep the range to 100-125yds and under. Also, seeings I don't have the .416 Rigby, or the .458 Lott,,,,if in longer range situations, I would just bring along the 9.3x74R loaded with the 286 gr. Partitions. But then again, the oppritunity would give me reason to get either of the other two also!
But like Scotty, I will never part with the Marlin .45-70,,,a very versatile rifle and chambering it is!!

 

[Oldtrader3]

I think that it depends, like everything else, on what type of hunting that you are doing. If you are a thrill seeker with a varmit call in the Kodiak coastal alders, my choice would be a .375 H&H or .416 Rigby or similar, CRF with heavy bullets. If you are spot and stalk hunting for bears which are most likely undisturbed, a .45-70 would be fine up to 100 yards or so. Beyond that I would want a little more of a hammer like a .340 Bee and 250 grain Partitions or so, for Coastal Bears.