FA

Thats kinda like asking if Ford is better than Chevy. I have both and the one big advantage the 45-70 has over the 450is a better grain selection and 45-70 is a little cheeper. I don't see a lot of difference in recoil between the 2. The 45-70 will handle any big game animal in the world as will the 450. My favorite between the two would be the 45-70 only because of the greater grain variety. I think if you ask anyone who owns the 45-70 and 450 Marlin, which one they like best, it would probably be the 45-70.

handloader1

I like the .450 Marlin. Good luck.

jtb1967

I have one of each. I'll agree with the others that wrote if you don't handload get the 450 Marlin. If you do reload, the 45-70 can be loaded quite hot if needed.

DANTHEHUNTER

I went through this about 3 years ago.I looked at all 3 with great intent that one of them was mine.I researched the ballistics,ammo,rifles chambered in these rounds.I found out alot about the 45/70 that I didnt know,it has a great history.I choose it over the other 2.There are factory rounds from cowboy loads to rhino killers.And I hand load so I can taylor my rounds to fit my rifles.You will be amazed if you get a marlin or ruger #1 and fire some Buffalo Bore or garrett rounds from them(hold on to it) then fire some 405 grain remingtons (good pactice rounds).I like all 3 but that 45/70 is great and the wound channel is unbelievable!!!

Boolit Master

The 45-70 is accurate with almost any load that you care to shoot in it! I load 330 grain cast boolits over 14 grains of Unique for my little kids ( 8-13 y.o.) and they pick off golf balls at 100 yards! You can load it with blackpowder for light recoilling hunting loads or shoot factory stuff. Theres no limit to the versatility of the 45-70!

ncpreacherboy1

How far is the 45-70 good to with the new leverevolution bullets?

JeffS

You can easily shoot out to 200 yards.

James B

The balistics of the three are not enough different to make any difference. The 458 caliber has heavier bullets available. My pick of the lot is the 45-70 as I have four of them setting around here. I wouldn't turn down a 444 Marlin either but I have a 44 caliber rifle too.

Big Guy01

They all are just about equal in power if you reload. The 45-70 in factory ammo is a dog but it can be made to preform when handloaded
The .444 factory is quite good , but can also be improved with handloading. The 450 is factory loaded to a high level. So ballistically there are almost identical. The 45-70 has an edge in my book as it has a better selection of component bullets.
I have a .444 which I do handload and it works great just a poor bullet selection out there.When I bought it they didn't offer the 45-70 If I were to get a new gun it would be the 45-70. Both 45-70 and .444 have been around for a long time brass is easy to find. The 450 is relativly new and I don't know if it will be around in a few years, that could make finding brass quite a problem IMHO.

ncpreacherboy1

can a 45-70 single shot be cleanly rechambered to 450 marlin?