Hi DANTHEHUNTER,

No, I haven't tried Buffalo Bore's yet. Though I have been reading some good things about them, (and they are one of the loads along with Garrett that will get a trial once I get to Alaska).

Anytime you take a rifle as light as the 1895 Marlin (or H&R's single shot) and touch off something...not much shy of .458 Win Mag ballistics....you need to be careful! Sorry to hear about your friends tooth! (Not to mention he may never shoot that rifle well again!)

Speaking to that same theme....one of the reasons I decided to stick with the .45-70 instead of opting for the .450 Marlin, (other than the availability of loads like Garrett's), was so I could let the wife adjust to shooting it with "Trapdoor ballistics" factory loads. Prior to ever getting to the "bear stopper" loads. Besides, within its effective range even the watered down Trapdoor loads will kill a Moose plenty dead! It would work on any other North American game as well......but there is "much more confidence" in a load like Garrett when it comes to big hairy things with claws and teeth. Helps you sleep better at night in camp...too!