Opinions on big bore levers wanted

[Big Jack]

Hi Folks

While I’ve owned a bunch of levers I have never owned a 45-70.

What is the best one out there for function and accuracy?

I am hoping for sub MOA.

[trimmer21]

I bought a Marlin 1895 in .45/70 Gov (Remington built 2016) that had topnotch workmanship for fit and finish. It worked flawlessly giving 2MOA @ 100M with open sights using Hornady LeveRevolution 325g ballistic tip. I lent it to a buddy that fell in love with it and ended up selling it to him. I've regretted it ever since,but,my rack is now full or I'd consider buying another in a heartbeat.

[Big Jack]

That’s helpful. Do you believe with a scope it could have achieved sub MOA?

It sounds picky but I detest inaccurate rifles.

[canadaman30]

The 24" tube MarlinXLR rifles with Ballard rifling have a reputation of excellent accuracy. Not sure they still produce them anymore though.

[GW11]

Big Jack, I have more or less the same rifle as Trimmer had but mine has a Williams peep and firesight front. I've shot 1.5 MOA with Remington 405 grain, but I haven't ever tried a scope on it. At 60 bucks a box for ammo, I'm just shooting to ensure hunting accuracy, not the smallest groups I can get. I'm pretty sure with some load tinkering and a good scope it would shoot MOA or less. You're welcome to try it out before you buy if you're interested. We're not far away from each other.

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[trimmer21]

That’s helpful. Do you believe with a scope it could have achieved sub MOA?

It sounds picky but I detest inaccurate rifles.

I didn't try it with a scope. That caliber comes with a bit of recoil swat much like a 12ga. I put a Bushnell TR-25 red dot on it just for shytes and giggles without adverse affects,but,I found the open sights worked just as well. Using the red dot made my sight line higher which made me lift my head accentuating the recoil,so,I took it off. I doubt pin-point accuracy can be achieved with that caliber because it's a big,heavy round with ballistics being a kissin' cousin to a 20 ga slug. Someone who's a crack shot might be able to come very close,though.

[GW11]

I didn't try it with a scope. That caliber comes with a bit of recoil swat much like a 12ga. I put a Bushnell TR-25 red dot on it just for shytes and giggles without adverse affects,but,I found the open sights worked just as well. Using the red dot made my sight line higher which made me lift my head accentuating the recoil,so,I took it off. I doubt pin-point accuracy can be achieved with that caliber because it's a big,heavy round with ballistics being a kissin' cousin to a 20 ga slug. Someone who's a crack shot might be able to come very close,though.

Hey Trimmer, the factory 405 grain Core Lokts have a similar recoil to a 30-30. I've shot Hornady and Federal factory loads as well (which indeed had stout recoil), but the 405's were the most accurate and the most comfortable.

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[Big Jack]

Big Jack, I have more or less the same rifle as Trimmer had but mine has a Williams peep and firesight front. I've shot 1.5 MOA with Remington 405 grain, but I haven't ever tried a scope on it. At 60 bucks a box for ammo, I'm just shooting to ensure hunting accuracy, not the smallest groups I can get. I'm pretty sure with some load tinkering and a good scope it would shoot MOA or less. You're welcome to try it out before you buy if you're interested. We're not far away from each other.

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Thank you sir - the offer is appreciated. Have you saved your brass? I know it is expensive feeding it factory ammo but my plan is to load. I am a bit of a pill hoarder - I have hundreds of .458 laying around!

Let me know if you wish to hit the range and work up a load. Then we load all your empties and you are good for a while.

I didn't try it with a scope. That caliber comes with a bit of recoil swat much like a 12ga. I put a Bushnell TR-25 red dot on it just for shytes and giggles without adverse affects,but,I found the open sights worked just as well. Using the red dot made my sight line higher which made me lift my head accentuating the recoil,so,I took it off. I doubt pin-point accuracy can be achieved with that caliber because it's a big,heavy round with ballistics being a kissin' cousin to a 20 ga slug. Someone who's a crack shot might be able to come very close,though.

I’m hoping it will be a cat compared to the 458 ML. I also have molds for 458.

Thanks for the info!

[Big Jack]

The 24" tube MarlinXLR rifles with Ballard rifling have a reputation of excellent accuracy. Not sure they still produce them anymore though.

I wonder are these the JM stamped barrels?

[GW11]

Thank you sir - the offer is appreciated. Have you saved your brass? I know it is expensive feeding it factory ammo but my plan is to load. I am a bit of a pill hoarder - I have hundreds of .458 laying around!

Let me know if you wish to hit the range and work up a load. Then we load all your empties and you are good for a while.



I’m hoping it will be a cat compared to the 458 ML. I also have molds for 458.

Thanks for the info!

I did save all my brass so far. My understanding is the Hornady is a little shorter than the rest though, so I'm not sure if it's usable. I'll PM you from here out and we'll figure out a range day.

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