45-70 or 444 for deer

[Todd1700]

Who uses a 45-70 or 444 for deer and what results have you had? Meat damage, how far do they typically run, etc. etc. Also what bullet do you prefer and how bad is the recoil? I think one of these would be a hoot for some of the close range woods hunting spots on our land and I'm considering one just for something different and fun. I currently do not have a lever gun in my arsenal. Also considering a 35 Rem or a plain old 30-30. Would love to hear your opinions or experiences with any.

[Boonebreaker]

if a lever gun is all you want, go with the old trusty 30-30... my hunting buddies have 45-70s for brush guns and cause they hunt beer with them too,but man they put quite a hole in the deer...30-30'sare classic,and they are easy to find, and the ammo is cheap ...

[NYCHunter]

I agree those big bores ar too much. I would take the .35 Rem. overthe .30-30 though.

[DOUBLE-LUNG]

IMO, the old trusty 30-30 will work fine for deer. I have shot a 45-70 many times. Definately a recoil compared to a 30-30. It's not really a question as to how far the deer will run. It's how much meat will be damaged. Keep in mind the 30-30 will holdmore roundsthan a45-70. The bottom line is get what works for you. Good luck.

[m.t.hands]

todd, i've got a friend that has hunted with a marlin 444, i like it,i didn't find the recoil to be that bad, as far as meat damage, i don't think thats a real issue, not for me anyway shooting thru the boiler room, as far as the calibers listed, i think any of them would be cool, in fact i just got my first lever gun, marlin 1894 in 41 mag, and it is a blast, since this pic i have put a low power 1.5X4X32 scope on it

[formula1]

There is nothing like deer hunting with my .450 Guide Gun(essentially a .45-70). Of course, I load it down for deer. It's not that bad on the venison either. Just don't hit the shoulder bone!

[heeze gutshot shortee]

TODD.....what you dont like venison??? WAAAAyy to much meat waste..tsk tsk tsk