I have wanted to pick up a big bore lever gun for hunting and also just shooting for fun. Personally, I like the look and feel of the Winchester 94 over the offerings from Marlin. Problem (for me) is that while Marlin offers their rifle in several large calibers, Winchester's only offering is the 480 Ruger. Does anyone out there have experience yet hunting with this cartridge? I am not typically an early adopter, and thus am hesitant to make an investment in an unproven caliber. Also, I think Winchester used to offer the 94 in 45-70. If anyone can help me confirm that, it may be better to look for a good quality used rifle. Thoughts?

get a 450.marlin.

I don't think Winchester made the 94 in 45-70... but they do make it now in 444 Marlin....synthetic stock. I think Winchester's 45-70 was the reproduction of the 86 (?) I think... and they are sorta pricey. The 480 Ruger ought to be one heck of a close range (100-150yds) thumper... I wouldn't mind trying that one out... you might be a little limited on ammunition variety, unless you reload... then you can probably do most anything you want to. There are no flies on the 444 Marlin, though. Load it up with a good hardcast 300gr bullet, and I doubt there's anything on this continent you couldn't shoot all the way through...maybe lengthwise.....

"Progress, far from consisting in change, depends on retentiveness..those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." Santayana

hornetguy...


you are correct. but i have heard theat the win 94 win " timber carbine " in the 444marlin has had problems by the means of the stock splitting.

what about the win 94 in a 375? with 200 and 250gr. loads?

It is my understanding that the .45/70 case will not work through a Win. M94 action. But, Win. does make a .45 Colt M94. The problem with the .444 marlin round is that it has a rifling twist (unless this has been changed) of 1/38", that is only good for pistol bullets of the 240 to 265 grain range. Hence, it is NOT particurly suitable for big, heavy-boned critters like grizzlies , brownies, or moosies.

Keep yore powder dry!!

Thanks for the feedback. Quilly, I did not see a win 94 375 in the catalog, but will keep my eyes out. I did see an updated 1895 in 405 winchester, but it carries a hefty pricetag. Must admit, the 450 marlin is interesting, and "look and feel" don't put meat on the table at the end of the day (not that the difference is truely that great). I'd love to test drive one.

I will be interested to see how the reviews come in on the 480 ruger as the season progresses.

I've got a Model 375 Marlin. In .375Win. I like it,, it shoots well. Also have a .444 Marlin. Nice as well.I use handloaded Barnes X bullets in the .444. You just can't go wrong with the Big Bores, allot of fun and they do the job.

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<;{{{{{<<( Mr.Pike

Thanks for the feedback. Quilly, I did not see a win 94 375 in the catalog, but will keep my eyes out. I did see an updated 1895 in 405 winchester, but it carries a hefty pricetag. Must admit, the 450 marlin is interesting, and &quot;look and feel&quot; don't put meat on the table at the end of the day (not that the difference is truely that great). I'd love to test drive one.

I will be interested to see how the reviews come in on the 480 ruger as the season progresses.

I have a .444 Marlin and really like it. Use Corbon or Buffalo bore bullets. The older guns have a 1 in 38 inch twist but the new ones have a 1 in 22 or 24 inch twist better suited for the long heavy bullets. It also has more power than the 45-70 and a bit more range. According to Corbon ballistics tables the .444 has mzl vel. of 2200 and energy of 3010 and at 150 yards vel of 1660 energy 1712 and drop of 3.47 &quot; with a 280gr bonded bullet. The 45-70 has mzl. vel of 1800 and energy of 2519 at 150 yards it's vel. 1405 and energy 1534 and 5.07&quot; low with a 350gr. bonded bullet.

Edited by - bigbulls on 09/27/2002 14:42:24