[BBBB4Grizzly]

Hi;
What do you all think would be a better big bore bear buster (BBBB4Grizzly) for Grizzly defense(not hunting)...a lever action 45-70 ( I just got a 1895SBL) or the .458 WM in a bolt action, loaded down to 45-70 "hot load" levels?
I have grown tired of hunting animals that do not have a chance to fight back or eat me...want that thrill

 

[BBBB4Grizzly]

Well since this is the 'Marlin Forum'.....I'm going with the 45-70 lever gun. Since you talked about down loading the .458 Win Mag to 45-70 levels, you might as well carry a 45-70.

However, you did mention you want to give them a "chance to fight back or eat me...want that thrill". I think the 45-70 is too much gun for that type of entertainment. Maybe a 30-30 would provide the challenge you seek and give the Grizzly an opportunity for some fun as well.

BTW...welcome to the forum.

...uh, well ...I am not that much of a good sport, bear with me now...
...I meant that they already have the edge (Browns & Grizzly)...no?
When you are in their "house", you are often the "hunted"
Don't get me wrong...I LOVE venison & elk, real good eating and can be very challenging to find & shoot...and am not passing judgment on those who hunt defenseless animals...but kinda became like shooting "fish in a barrel" or sniping...good spotting glasses, scope & hi-powered flat shoot'n rifle and they don't stand a chance.
I want to hunt where mistakes can be costly and experience the rush of bagging an apex predator.

 

[BBBB4Grizzly]

I understand what you are saying. A well practiced rifleman with a 7mm or 300mag can shoot deer practically as far as you can see them. That is why my .270 is semi retired and I have been using nothing but my older lever actions. It certainly has put the 'hunt', back in hunting for me.

If you want to get in the thick stuff and go face to face with Yogi I say more power to you. The great thing about hunting is the individual sets the limits on himself to make it more or less challenging. I was busting your chops a little about hunting bears with a 30-30, but I bet it has been done. I think stalking big bears up close and personal with a .45-70 would provide all the excitement my heart could stand. I hope you make it happen someday.

i too see where you're coming from. anytime you are in the woods where there are bears, you do become the hunted in a sense. i agree, that given the rifles in my collection, pretty much anything such as deer or any other game were to wander across my crosshairs wouldn't have much of a chance. pretty much why i have given up hunting and seldom ever hunt anymore, not really sporting as you said. i do enjoy shooting and have pretty much resigned myself to high powered accurate target shooting. i do enjoy getting as much accuracy as i can from a rifle.

i think the the 45-70 in a lever action would be the rifle that would suit your needs. plenty of power from a large heavy bullet, and with a lever action, easier follow-up shots if needed. the Marlin lever actions are stout, and you could load some very good bear loads to put those big animals on the ground.

Yeah...while I get it, as far as hi-power long range rifle & scope hunting puts good eat'n meat on the table...for a long time, been there done that and if that is your "thing", primary hunting goal, more power to ya...but I have decided aside from the thrill of hunting game that hunts you...I have decided not to shoot anything over 100 yds. and hunt with iron sights or very low power fixed power or low variable scope, say no more than 1.5 x 4 or so?
Give 'em a sporting chance

 

[BBBB4Grizzly]

Get A sharp stick and A good knife and go get em! very sporting.

uh I'm no Mick Dundee...
...my Marlin & some Garrett HammerHead loads will do