im really looking hard at there cowboy 45-70 lever action was curious about who on here hunts with one and what loads do you use? my farthest shot from blind to feeder would be 60 yards thanks guys

I've killed lots of critters with mine! It pretty much flattens stuff... You shouldn't worry about limiting your shots TOO much though! I can whack stuff at 150 with my 405 reloads without trouble, and with the new Leverevolution ammo you can stretch that much further!

I've looked at the Marlin Big Bore lever actions and the new Hornaday LeverEvolution ammo, and I'm smitten w/ the performance #'s also! To my way of thinking, the 444 would be a better choice due to slightly higher velocity and slightly better terminal ballistics while still maintaining outstanding knockdown power. As near as I can tell the 45-70 would be a better short range stopper on bears or such, but otherwise gives up the edge to 444 marlin. These are PURELY armchair quaterback thoughts - I don't own either one of these rifles! I would love to hear more input from owners of either (or both) chamberings. Regardless, very exciting performance #'s!

David

I love mine. I handload and I used to use the Hornady 300 gr JHP at 1,900 fps. My son shot his first bore (250 lb) with it. Shot was perfect lung shot but did not exit. I now use the 350 gr JFP for better penetration. I like to punch a hole all the way through. BTW accuracy is great. See the 100 yrd group below.

I have a Marlin Cowboy 45-70. Try the Hornady Leverevolution ammo. Easily turns the 45-70 into a 200yd gun. The ammunition is very accurate in the Cowboy.

Got a 1895g,I call it THUMPER !!!!!