What would you get?

[wisconsinteacher]

Again, I am dreaming but my thougth is if you aren't dreaming, you are dead.

Pick one and tell me why.

Remington pump action in 35 Whelen or a lever action in 45-70 or 444 Marlin?

It would be used on deer drives and over a bear bait in WI.

 

[Wincheringen]

.444 Marlin... no real interest in the others and I already have a .444 so I know how awesome they are.

 

[JD338]

Both are great rounds for deer and bear hunting. I have taken quite a few deer and a bear with the 35 Whelen and it is a hammer.
I have also taken 2 WT with the 45-70 and it really smacks deer hard.

JD338

 

[DrMike]

You wouldn't be disappointed with any of the cartridges and/or rifles you name for the purpose you list.

 

[6mm Remington]

They all would work well for the intended task but my heart would have to go with a 45/70 in a lever gun.

 

[FOTIS]

What is max range you anticipate?

 

[Antelope_Sniper]

45-70 Lever rifle, with the long barrel, and the long magazine. :grin:

 

[Oldtrader3]

My choice was already made, a .45-70, Model 1895 Marlin. I have owned two of them (my son has one) and both would shoot MOA or better with 350 gr handloads. The .45-70 has much bullet flexibility and many handloader bullet choices.

 

[BK]

Love the Whelen, in a pump I'm pretty ambivalent. I would probably get the .45-70 first, of those you listed. I see a .444 as a nice addition to a lever battery, not really something to base one on.

 

[.280 Remington]

45-70....without a doubt

 

[gerry]

35 Whelen, it shoots flatter, bucks wind better and is a hammer. When I owned a 45-70 I really noticed how much the bullets were affected by wind, at least with the 300 gr factory loads. The 444 would be my second choice.

 

[SJB358]

Lever action 444 or 45-70 would be a great rifle for driving and hunting over bait. Both can be loaded from mild to wild.

 

[FOTIS]

The 35 whelen is by far the most versatile. Think of it as a 30-06 on steroids. Easy 350 yard gun for elk moose and smaller stuff.
In a pinch you can use it out here in the west for deer elk and antelope.

 

[Oldtrader3]

No doubt about the Whelen of course, it goes without saying. I just like the levers and .45-70 cartridge.

 

[FOTIS]

Love my 444 Marlin.

The original Big Bore in the Marlins~ :mrgreen:

 

[JD338]

FWIW, I have shot my 45-70 1895 Guide gun out to 300 yds with amazing accuracy.
In the thick cover, shots will be under 200 yds and the 45-70 will hit hard, really hard!

If you intend on using it for longer range, the advantage goes to the 35 Whelen.

Tough choice for sure and I have both. :twisted:

JD338