I have a Marlin 1895 in 45/70 and have hunted deer a few times with it. I see alot of comments here and elsewhere that it is too much gun for deer. I have even used it to take a nice mule deer in Wyoming. I think it is a good deer and hog round if us

[DSMbirddog]

I have a Marlin 1895 in 45/70 and have hunted deer a few times with it. I see alot of comments here and elsewhere that it is too much gun for deer. I have even used it to take a nice mule deer in Wyoming. I think it is a good deer and hog round if used within its limitations. Agree or disagree and why? Thanks.

[4everAutumn]

A 300 gr JHP in 45/70 will have a 100 yard velocity of around 1500 ft/sec. The foot pounds of energy at 100 yards will be around 1500. A muzzle loader with 150 grains of powder, shooting a 200 gr .45 caliber bullet will have have a 100 yard velocity of around 2000 ft/sec and energy of around 1800 ft lbs. People wouldn't think twice about anyone deer hunting with such a gun, but some question you using a 45/70. I get the same guff when people see me hunting deer with my .500 S&W revolver.

[huntfishtrap]

I don't think there's any question that it's more gun than you need, but I'm of the opinion that there's no such thing as too much gun for deer, as long as you place your shot well. Much better to have a little extra oomph than not enough.

[jhjimbo]

There are several loads listed in the manuals for 45/70's. One for old relics and usually one for modern, stronger actions. The one for modern rifles in my Hodgdon manual #27 has the 300gr muzzle velocity at 2532fps. I don't know what it is at 100yds.
I do know in my rifle I was able to reload to surpass the listed load velocity by a considerable amount so the 1500 number would be anemic for my load. My load was worked up for bear.
In a modern rifle you can also use the rounds down loaded for relics and wind up with a good deer round.
A .500 S&W for deer is a bit much. Hit them in the hoof with a .500 and you will knock them down.

[DSMbirddog]

Thanks for the feedback and your thoughts. I was just wondering what some of you think of this. I do reload for this rifle.

[JM]

We need to remember that a muzzleloader has one shot so it needs that extra energy. I wouldn't say a 45/70 is too much gun unless you put one through both front shoulders. I'm sure it'd make a big mess.

[Mikechurch57]

we shoot 12 Gauge shotguns here.....for Whitetails.......that is around 70 caliber....all good

[pineywoods]

We need to remember that a muzzleloader has one shot so it needs that extra energy. I wouldn't say a 45/70 is too much gun unless you put one through both front shoulders. I'm sure it'd make a big mess.

I can't think of a good reason not to use that round, as you said, within its limitations. It has a rainbow trajectory, but I love rainbows---they tell me I was born under one. Have fun with it.

[Pup49]

Wonderful gun for the experienced shooter and hand loader. But not for the recoil complainers.

[4everAutumn]

There are several loads listed in the manuals for 45/70's. One for old relics and usually one for modern, stronger actions. The one for modern rifles in my Hodgdon manual #27 has the 300gr muzzle velocity at 2532fps. I don't know what it is at 100yds.
I do know in my rifle I was able to reload to surpass the listed load velocity by a considerable amount so the 1500 number would be anemic for my load. My load was worked up for bear.
In a modern rifle you can also use the rounds down loaded for relics and wind up with a good deer round.
A .500 S&W for deer is a bit much. Hit them in the hoof with a .500 and you will knock them down.

I have shot over a dozen deer with my.500 S&W and you might be surprised by what they can absorb. Don't hit them right, even with a large bore handgun and they will run off just like a bad hit from any other round. Fact is, only one of them I have shot with it was knocked flat. All of the others have run at least a bit after the shot and they were all hit pretty well.