45-70 or 30-30

[Paper Clip]

Hey everyone,

I am buying myself a rifle soon. I currently don't own any rifles (i only own one pistol, trying to build up as funds allow) and can't afford/justify buying more than one (there are some other things on my shopping list for this next year including a .357 carry revolver and a .45) so I really want a do-it-all hunting, truck gun, and property/home defense rifle in a caliber that will handle anything I need it to. I have narrowed down my choice to a Marlin 1895 GBL in 45-70 (i like the SBL better, but thats a big difference in cost) or a Marlin 336 BL in 30-30. I do not reload currently and my current situation does not lend itself to starting although i wouldn't mind reloading a few years from now. I live in Georgia, USA and everything around here is pretty wooded with the exception of land that has been cleared for farming so I don't expect any extremely long shots, maybe 250 yards max, and thats not very likely whatsoever. I think the 30-30 should be adequate for this area, but the 45-70 is just cool. Also, if i ever go on an out of state hunt or hike it could come in useful. The main thing keeping me from going with the 45-70 is the cost of ammo. Is it worth the extra cost in your opinion? How much more "power" does it have in real world application? Any thoughts on this dilemma? Thanks!

 

[Dieseltech56]

I can't speak for a 30-30 but I did buy a 1895 GS 45-70 a few months ago. I will say one thing, if you're not used to a heavy recoiling rifle then the guide gun will surprise you. It did me and I routinely shoot a 30-06. I reload and cast bullets so the 45-70 was an easy choice, it has a very wide loading window. It can be down loaded to "trap door" levels which are really fun to shoot. Some of the max lever action loads will really ring your shoulder.

The 45-70 has enough power for anything in North America. Down in Georgia there probably isn't much that wouldn't fall to the lightest of loads.

 

[Alk8944]

In your part of the country a .30-30 is perfectly adequate for anything you could need it for, including hogs. The Marlin .45-70 is a quite light rifle for the cartridge and you will really notice the difference in recoil compared to the .30-30. Ammunition usually costs significantly more too, especially around hunting season when the most popular cartridges (.30-30, .308, .30-06, .270) go on sale and you can stock up relatively inexpensively.

 

[vonn]

30-30 is a good starting point for the type of country you are in and useful for ever. About the cheapest ammo available when they have it on sale. Alk has it right.

 

[RobertJ.]

Without a doubt, the .45-70 is cool!

Years ago I owned a Ruger #3 in that caliber. It's one of those rifles I wish I'd kept.

But looking at your situation, I'd go with the .30-30. You'll find yourself shooting more, the main reason being cost of ammo.

And the .30-30 is cool, too!

 

[richcory]

I own a 94 in 30-30 & it has a cool factor with a lot of history. However I also own a Browning 1886 in 45-70 & I love it. I will never sell it. It packs a lot of power in modern HSM/Buffalo Bore etc. Ammunition certainly cost more as you noted. Honestly I don’t think you can go wrong with either. Don’t let folks tell you the 45-70 is limited to 100 yards either. It works well beyond that.

Cory

 

[Rpg]

The 45-70 is cool, but it’s a bad choice as a first center fire rifle.

45-70 recoil is quite stout: not a pleasant introduction to rifle shooting.

The 30-30 will readily take anything in your state or most other states.

If you actually want to shoot the rifle, get the 30-30.

If you want to shoot a few rounds and call it good for bragging that you did it get the 45-70.

The 45-70 will actually be cheaper in terms of ammo since you won’t need more than a box.

 

[shouldazagged]

I used to own a Marlin 336 in .30-30 and loved it. Wish I hadn't traded it away. But if you don't mind more recoil, the same rifle in .35 Remington is a good one. My son has taken many Pennsylvania deer with one, and they very rarely go far when well hit.

Of your choices, I would definitely pick the .30-30.

 

[STCM(SW)]

I have shot deer with a Winchester 30-30 & a Ruger #3 45-70.
Lets say it took some time to find the deer hit with the 30-30. Not so with the 45-70, but that was my hand loads with a 560 gr lead bullet....
Big bullets always make big holes!

 

[SRT]

Vince Lupo of Tampa, Florida took the Big Six in Africa with a 45-70. Loaded correctly, and if the shooter's aim is true, it will stop small game as well as large and dangerous game all the way up to anything that walks the face of the earth.

I shoot a Wild West Guns custom 1895 Marlin Guide Gun, and load it with Garrett Hammerheads, ranging in weight from 420 to 540 grains, depending on the hunt. As others have mentioned, recoil, while tolerable, is not for the timid or feint of heart.

 

[iPac]

I like .308 Winchester

 

[Bullzaye]

I'm no expert on hunting, and I don't own either a .30-30 nor a .45-70. But...if you're just getting started, you want a "do-it-all" general purpose rifle, something that's reasonably affordable to shoot and will be entertaining and enjoyable enough to keep you *wanting* to shoot it, and you're planning on getting a .357 revolver at some point anyway...why not get yourself a .357 lever action rifle?

I realize that .357 is considerably less powerful than either of the cartridges you mentioned. While you say you *currently* do not own any rifles, you don't specify if you *ever* have, nor if you have any experience firing rifles. So, I'm rather assuming you're a true beginner...if I'm wrong, then you may ignore my suggestion.

I don't know what kind of game is available in Georgia, or what other kind of game you may consider going after in other states. The answer to that may eliminate the .357 from consideration. But, as a general purpose do-it-all (within limits!) rifle that is a boatload of fun, and can be loaded with mild .38s up to full-power Magnums...it's very flexible.

And...should you get into reloading...you could start with a simple set-up with one set of dies, and be reloading for your revolver & your rifle. Seems very efficient...to me! You should also consider getting a .22 rifle, and possibly a handgun, as well! They are the best thing you can own to polish and improve on your shooting skills.

Best of luck. Don't rush into anything...enjoy the hunt!

And as far as your original question...I'd also vote for the .30-30 over the .45-70. I say this due to ammo costs, ammo availability, & recoil.

Tim

 

[Kurusu]

I'm for the .45-70.

The Mauser happened to share the case when I took the picture.

 

[6string]

If it' at all possible for you financially, I would like to respectfully suggest that you consider setting aside about $150-200 and buy a used bolt action 22 single shot rifle, of the type once commonly available. (Think about this extra cost as being equivalent to a few boxes of factory ammo, especially if you get the 45-70!)

Everyone used to make these rifles, from the big names like Remington, Winchester, Savage, etc. to lesser known brands like Glenfield, Cooey, Springfield, on and on.
They will give you the chance to really work on rifle fundamentals, not only the usual sight alignment, trigger control, but cheek weld, position shooting, etc. using low cost 22 LR ammo.

(Besides, a 22 is just a heck of a lot of fun!)

Anyhow, sorry if this is off-track.

Best Wishes with whatever path you choose,
Jim

 

[bigwheelzip]

...why not get yourself a .357 lever action rifle?

Worth considering. From what Ive read, a .357 from a rifle length barrel can approach 30-30 power levels and offers the utility you seek with factory ammo prices that allow you to affordably plink. Something like a 20" Rossi 92 seems to fit the bill.

 

[Kurusu]

Worth considering. From what Ive read, a .357 from a rifle length barrel can approach 30-30 power levels and offers the utility you seek with factory ammo prices that allow you to affordably plink. Something like a 20" Rossi 92 seems a to fit the bill.

Or a .44 Magnum for a little more punch.

Got a 24" Rossi rifle and like it.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

I am a fan of things that start with a 4! Yes the 45-70 has recoil, every gun that shoots a projectile has recoil! I own a Guide gun along with 3 other 45-70's. For factory ammo 300 grain Winchester has about the lightest recoil and the Hornady 325 Revolution has about the heaviest with the 405's in the middle. My hunting load is a butt kicker at 405 Cast at 2150 fps, but you don't have to load them hot! Heavy 44mag in a Marlin carbine kicks about like 300 factory in a Guide Gun!

My Guide Gun is an early version with factory porting. You can empty the gun with hunting loads aimed at 50 yards and hold a 1.5" group and be done in less than 2 seconds! Or slow fire and have a 3/4" group at a 100 yards! This will stop ANYTHING that thinks it wants to eat you!

The only fire power that comes close is an AR in the New 450 Bushmaster cartridge, and It can't do the heavy loads any Marlin 45-70 can!

Due to ammo price and low inventory, you will want to reload 45-70. This is an extremely easy round to load. You will want a real loading manual, not just online data, so you can compare the fine points of data. Brass life is extremely long lived, even in hot loads. I regularly use cases that are 75+ years old in my Black Powder Trapdoor and Sharps. Winchester, Remington, Federal & Star Line all make very good and affordable brass. (I never fired factory ammo until the LGS gave me a partial box with the guide gun!) Bullets are easy to cast and size! Jacketed bullets are abundant at the suppliers, weather the LGS stocks them or not!

ALL that said about 45-70, the 30-30 round is also easily reloadable, and quit accurate with quality ammo. The problem is, some of the worst Factory ammo I ever saw was Remington 30-30!

My Father still has a 1952 Winchester 94 with a Lyman receiver sight, that in the 70's he could hit silver dollars at 200 yards (his and my eyes can't do that any more!) I had a friend with a late 70's/early 80's Win 94 that would hit a barn from the inside! Marlins seem to be pretty accurate through the decades!

Hope this gives you a little info to balance the overload of disinformation!

Ivan

 

[silentflyer]

The 30-30 has probably put more venison on the table than any other cartridge.
Great starting point for any hunter, very versatile.

 

[old tanker]

Two of the nicest elk I have ever seen were taken by a 92 year old rancher I know in North Dakota. Both shot with a .30-30 Winchester his father bought during the Roosevelt administration. TR once owned a ranch not far from him.

 

[old&slow]

I have a 30-30 and a 45-70, both good calibers. The 30-30 has probably taken more deer in the eastern United States than any other caliber. The 45-70 with the right load will take anything in North America.

With factory ( Trap Door ) loads the 45-70 isn't that bad on recoil.
However, it is not what I would consider a beginners caliber.

Without knowing more about what you are wanting to do with the rifle, like others have said. I would consider / suggest a .357 or a .44 lever gun. Shoot more, cost less, more fun.

I have a .357 Rossi 92 trapper carbine that is loads of fun. With 38 spl. the recoil is like a .22. With .357's it's got some pretty good horse power. A .44 lever gun would up that horse power a bit..

If you are not totally set on a lever gun , you might consider a .357 or .44 bolt gun,, like a Ruger 77.

( edit: more fun with pictures )