I recently bought a lever action 45-70.Which would be the preferred cartridge for a spring bear hunt over bait the 45-70 or my 7mm rem mag?

WOW! yes...plenty of gun. My fatherinlaw took one in Quebec last year with his 32 Winchester Special. It ran 30 yards. We are successful every year with Michel Guy in Quebec. No see no pay
www.guyhunting.com If interested tell him Brian Welch sent you. 1500 dollar hunt no issues....bear on the bait every night...and Brooke trout during the day.

I would use the 45/70. Put a good scope on it---the big bears seem to come in just before dark. My black bear gun is a 444 with a Leupold VarX-II--1.5x4. Good hunting. CB

Buy some Garrett Sledge Hammers punch both shoulders 45/70 is the way to go.

Both will do the job, but over bait your close and the 45-70 will do some serious damage accuratly up to 100yrd with open sights. I think it would be more user friendly under those conditions.

Bobby

When I use the Marlin 45-70 for any bears, I use a old Redfield (35 years) 2x7 scope. Its a great combo.

If a 45/70 wont kill it...its probably best left alone

they are both good calibres, I would use the .45-70 just for the experience of it!

I haven't shot a bear yet, but I have a 45/70 marlin 1895GI plan to use w/ Iron Sights . I have plenty of scoped guns but a lever gun in 45/70 was ment to be used w/iron sights.

I've taken 3 bear with my guide gun in 45-70. Each with one shot. Ranges from 25 - 60 yds. No sproulman, they weren't cubs...........