Barrel Lengths

[jpbaker]

I dunno why, but over the past couple weeks, I got the hankering to buy a marlin 1895 45-70 for bear hunting in the spring.

My question has to do with the barrel length,

Marlin 1895G has 18.5" barrel.

What would be the aprox muzzle velocity lost over a 24-26"

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Keep in minde I will be using this in the 100-150yard range, basicly a big bore "bush gun."

[backwoods83]

I still haven't figured out why people think big bore, heavy bullet, slow a$$ cartridges are good for bear hunting, a properly loaded 308 with a 20" pipe will hit just as hard at 50 yards. But to answer your question, with the fast burning powders used in a 45-70 there is little to be gained in 6-8" of barrel. The fact that the 1895 is a lever gun is more of a drawback than the barrel length, cowboy guns simply won't take the pressures that you can load to in a single shot or bolt gun.

[davewilson]

i agree, you might loose 100 fps. a 45 has a very high expansion ratio.

[jpbaker]

Originally Posted by backwoods83

I still haven't figured out why people think big bore, heavy bullet, slow a$$ cartridges are good for bear hunting, a properly loaded 308 with a 20" pipe will hit just as hard at 50 yards.

I dunno why I am explaining myself but here we go:

And I totally agree with you, but my 300wm is not suited for the bush at a OAL of 46", and a Marlin 45-70 with a OAL of 37" seems like a logical choice for me considering the price.

Normally I use my 300wm with 200gr Accubond (does wonders), but looking for something new/different this time.

I understand the problems with the pressure in the lever actions. I have been going over my books and firgure that 2000+ fps will still be atainable with a 350gr pill.

Tks for answereing the question on barrel length, good to know.

TKS
JPB

[backwoods83]

Well another 2 good options is savage offers the model 16 bear hunter in 325wsm and remington made a new run of model 7s in 350 rem mag, they both seem to be popular among bear hunters . My point was that 350 45 cal bullet ever at 2000fps has like a .23BC so it runs out of steam real quick. In the marlin I'm a fan of the 444, imo its a little more potent, but its your decision, just throwing out some ideas.

[jpbaker]

I appreciate the suggestions,

I will take a look at the ballistics.