45-70 vs 30.06
 

Just for fun, which is more versatile for all around NA big game hunting in your opinion.

For versatility it's not even close.The 06 wins easily.That said I would buy a Marlin lever in 45-70 but not an 06.I already have a Ruger AW Hawkeye in .280 Rem which IMO beats out the 06 and the Marlin would be great in the heavy cover where I live.

I'd say the 45-70

Two different animals. Although you can use either one for any animal the terrain will limit the 45/70.

The two cartridges are indeed very different from a ballistic standpoint, but I think the interesting comparison is that they are both venerable old calibers, that are both considered just enough to take, and have often taken, even the biggest NA game. I think alot of people would say the 45 70 shines at closer ranges, where the 06 obviously is the choice for longer range shots. The question is, what is more appealing to most hunters , "big" power close up, or "enough" power at all practical ranges?

Personally Id say the 06' wins all around because Id say in reality it can probably do everything the 45-70 can, at short ranges and blow it away at longer ranges. The 45-70 is cooler though!:biggrin:

I have both and I would say the 06 is more versatile. But for snarling beastys up close I would want my 45-70 Guide gun stuffed with 405 gr soft points.

Out to maybe 100 yards, the two may do an equal job of making meat, but the already rainbow arcing 45-70 is already out shot for accuracy potential well within that. The 06 can shoot varminting projectiles very efficiently, and is used for long range shooting out into the hundreds of yard. The punishment to the shoulder with the 45-70 with heavier loads to stretch the range are absolutly brutal, even compared to heavy 06 round. Versatility wise, there is no comparison. That said, I prefer my Browning 1885 45-70 to an 06 because I am limited to woodland shooting distances.

Two completely different things to compare. While the 30-06 has a trajectory advantage over the 45-70, both will take care of anything in NA inside of 300 yds.

id git ta 30-06

I have both, i have to vote for the 30-06.

Due to the fact that most hunts will be on elk and smaller animals, I vote for the 30-06 due to its range advantage. Although since people have killed all north american big game animals with a bow, you can get close enough to use the 45-70.

the 30-06 hands down.if you power over 300 yards buy a 7mm.

The 30-06 is definitely a more versatile cartridge but since you also said

and also mentioned what rifles the two cartridges were chambered in (Browning BAR vs. Marlin guide gun) my answer would be the Marlin 45-70.

I would leave most any semi auto rifle at home when hunting in sub zero temps, rain, sleet, snow. Far too much can go wrong with a semi auto like a BAR when hunting in these conditions.

The 30-06 definitely has the edge for versatility, but for what you asked, I'd lean in the direction of the Marlin in .45-70. While the BAR, if you take care of it, should be reliable in all but the most extreme circumstances, the lever action will still edge out reliability wise. And since you specifically said you'd be stalking, it's reasonable to conclude that ranges would be short enough that the trajectory advantage of the -06 wouldn't be all that important. Also, for stalking, a short, quick handling rifle like the guide gun with iron sights (I'd go with a ghost ring, myself) will edge out over a scoped BAR should you jump one up close.

Mike

I agree with driftrider.Because you are stalking chances are your shots will be 150yds. or less.That takes away the trajectory advantage of the 06.In "any weather" I'd rather have the lever over the auto.so my vote goes for the 45.70

Hmm, cant have that BAR freezing up, and that 45 70 is droppin fast past 100yds. What do you guys think about splittin the difference w/ a 358 BLR?:s4: