.46-70 GOVT or .35 Whelen?

CoastDawg · 12-19-2010, 07:12 PM

I hunt in Mississippi, where we can use either of these guns during primitive weapon season. I am looking to buy one or the other for this purpose. Most of my shots are 150 yards or less. Which one would you choose?

fritz1 · 12-19-2010, 08:18 PM

Either one is a great cartrige, but if you dont reload you can probably find ammo for the 45-70 a little easier. I have a Marlin 1895GS stainless Guide Gun, it is a very accurate gun, i would highly recomend one.

OldBuckstalker1187 · 12-19-2010, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fritz1

Either one is a great cartrige, but if you dont reload you can probably find ammo for the 45-70 a little easier. I have a Marlin 1895GS stainless Guide Gun, it is a very accurate gun, i would highly recomend one.

+ 1 to what fritz says. I'm seeing less and less .35 Whelen ammo on the shelves these days. Other than trajectory and extra energy, the .35 Whelen doesn't offer anything that the 45-70 couldn't do inside of 180 yards.

UncleNorby · 12-21-2010, 03:19 AM

The 45/70 is a fun gun to shoot. All kinds of loads out there. I'd love to be able to hunt with mine in Indiana, but the current regs don't allow it.

CoastDawg · 12-25-2010, 03:49 PM

Thanks guys. I think I will go with the .45-70 due to the easy access to ammo (and it is quite fun).

redgreen · 12-26-2010, 09:21 AM

Can't beat the 45 70.

bsteve · 12-26-2010, 10:43 AM

I"m partial to the Whelen, but I handload. You can use modern center fire cartridges in the primitive weapon season, what are the restrictions ?

Wayspr · 12-26-2010, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bsteve

I"m partial to the Whelen, but I handload. You can use modern center fire cartridges in the primitive weapon season, what are the restrictions ?

Single shot, exposed hammer, 35 cal or bigger.

bsteve · 12-27-2010, 03:27 PM

O.K. Not my idea of primitive weapons, but if it's legal then why not.