Anyone else find the Marlin 1895/.45-70 Govt to be an incredible combination?

[MCMXI]

I shot the five-shot group below this past Sunday morning getting ready for a doe hunt the same day. I almost quit after three shots, almost quit after four shots and after the final shot didn't look at the target as I walked the 100 yards to recover it for fear that I would jinx it! Needless to say, I was thrilled and astounded at the accuracy of my Marlin 1895 SBL with its 18-1/2" barrel. I was shooting the Barnes VOR-TX 300gr load that uses a TSX FN bullet. I shot over a CED M2 chronograph and the avg velocity was 1,747 fps, EV = 35 fps and SD = 12 fps. I'm zeroed at 100 yards and can use the reticle in the scope for a 200 yard zero by holding 2.5 mrad over. The reticle is Leupold's SP variant which has stadia at 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0 mrad. I'd need a 5.0 mrad hold over for 280 yards.



Here's the rifle.

 

[MCMXI]

Here's another group that I shot about a year ago when I was zeroing the scope. I used the same rifle and load and knew then that it was an awesome combination!! I screwed up one shot during that attempt though. Shooting these rifles/loads requires some amount of practice and I finally think I've got the hang of it.

 

[bikemutt]

Yup, I posted up recently with mine, I'm amazed.

Good looking gun BTW

 

[MCMXI]

Good looking gun BTW

Thanks and I remember your thread. I noticed on Sunday afternoon as I handled the rifle for about four hours (no doe though) that it's a really good feeling rifle to hold, carry or shoot. The pistol grip is the perfect size, the checkering feels really good, the forend is just right and it carries so well. I had the sling on backwards to what's shown in the photo above and preferred it that way. I love this rifle. The only thing I want to change is the big loop lever. I'd prefer a loop midway between the Wild West big loop lever and the standard pistol grip lever ... basically the DRC lever is what I want.

 

[JeffDilla]

I have a ported 1895G. Took it out on Saturday to get dialed in for the upcoming deer season. Mine's not QUITE as impressive as your shooting, but I'll take it! Zeroed mine at 75 yards, then walked it out to 100 for a few shots.

 

[MCMXI]

Jeff,
Nothing wrong with your 100 yard groups. I really wanted to drop a good sized doe to see how the 300gr would do but the deer knew exactly what time to make an appearance. What load do you use for deer and what are your thoughts on the .45-70 Govt as a deer load between 0 and 200 yards?

 

[dprice3844444]

i got the davidsons 16.5 ss guide gun.still waiting to get time to shoot it

 

[JeffDilla]

This will be my first year hunting with the 45-70. I bought my 1895 in December. I've done a LOT of reading and scouring for information. What I gather is that any load in 45-70 will leave 'em dead. However, I'm concerned about meat damage and it seems that many people prefer a big, heavy, slower bullet for deer, as it will pass through without fragmenting too much. This led me to choose the Remington 405 grn factory load.

I have a couple boxes of Hornady Leverevolution with the 325 grn. FTX bullet. I've read many accounts of the bullet being poorly constructed and fragmenting upon impact and ruining a lot of meat.

I know, information you read on the internet is worth what you pay for it, but it seemed almost a general consensus with the FTX bullet. I'm sure others will have opinions or actual experience that differ and that's fine. Until I start reloading my own, I'll stick with the 405s.

If you aren't a member already, check out marlinowners.com (am I allowed to suggest another forum here?). There's lots of great people and information over there!

 

[ArchAngelCD]

A few months ago I bought a used Marlin 1895 and I can't believe how much fun it was developing loads for it. There is nothing here in the Northeast of PA that rifle/cartridge combination can't take. It has quickly become my new hunting rifle. My 30-06, 30-30 and a few others are unhappy but I'm not!!!

 

[Takem406]

How bad is the recoil on these rifles?

 

[Dunkelheit]

I think Santa brings me the 1895SBL this year.

 

[MCMXI]

How bad is the recoil on these rifles?

It shouldn't come as a surprise that the recoil is load dependent. The Barnes VOR-TX 300gr load is quite pleasant to shoot, even from this 8lb rifle. Barnes lists loads on their website for the Marlin that will push the 300gr bullet to 2,300 fps and I can assure you that those loads are an entirely different experience!! The factory load is listed at 1,900 fps but their test barrel is a lot longer than 18-1/2" so I was only getting around 1,750 fps. I've shot some blistering loads through my SBL off a bench and prone (not good ) and have gone home with a headache and aching shoulder due to the recoil. Admittedly I typically shoot 25 rounds when working up a load so one or two in a hunting situation is no big deal.

 

[MCMXI]

I think Santa brings me the 1895SBL this year.

I hope you've been a good boy!! You'll love the rifle for sure.

 

[Panzercat]

Is that one of the newer remlin builds or an older pre? Just curious, as the groups turned out nice and you seem happy with the fit and finish.

 

[MCMXI]

Is that one of the newer remlin builds or an older pre? Just curious, as the groups turned out nice and you seem happy with the fit and finish.

It's a JM stamped rifle so it's pre Remington. I have two '94s as well (.45 Colt and .357 Mag) and both are JM too. I sold an XLR and a stainless Guide Gun and both of those were JM stamped. Of the five that I've owned, all '95s were perfect from the factory but both '94s had to go back. The .45 Colt needed a new barrel and stock and the .357 Mag had to have the outside of the barrel refinished. I've never handled an REM stamped Marlin.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

How bad is the recoil on these rifles?

I didn't find it objectionable. In a way it is less recoil than my 30-06 because it's a hard push backwards instead of the snap of the 30-06.