Free: Contests & Raffles.
all i know is that it's essentially a hot .45-70 with a belt on the case to keep it from chambering in the old weaker .45-70 rifles(like trapdoor springfields).probably not a bad choice if you don't reload, but if you reload there's no reason to own one over a .45-70.
I really liked the 450 Marlin. I had one in a Guide Gun for a few years. Loaded with 400gr bullets, I would have put it up against any animal on this continent and not felt under gunned. I also felt like it cycled through the action better than the 45-70 (or 444 Marlin for that matter). The 45-70 is a great round, and I still have a BFR chambered for it. But a rimmed round is a better fit to single shots and revolvers. People like to compare factory 450 Marlin loads to hot rodded 45-70 reloads, or +p factroy ammo. I don't think that's completely fair. The 450 can be handloaded with heavier bullets to improve performance. I'd say that if 450 ballistics aren't enough for you out of a lever gun, it's time to move up to the 50 Alaskan.One of these days I'll put together a bolt action in 450 Marlin. It should make a great 18" carbine.Andrew
Mr. Yorke, thats kind of the direction I'm wanting to go. A 45 cal bolt rifle. I think the simplist would be a 458, but I'm not sure how far down it can be loaded. I know of Siam mausers and lee enfields being converted to 4570, but I'm not sure the m-98 can do that. I've also read that the 4570 can be a finicky feeder in a bolt gun. I do plan on loading my own, but only elk rounds. Most every round to be shot from it, not elk hunting, will be a factory load.