2/12/26

.45-70 vs .450 Marlin vs .45-90: Which big bore lever gun cartridge is best for you?

Tim Sundles walks you through his personal lineup of .45-70s and compares them directly to the .450 Marlin and .45-90. This is a deep-dive into bullet weights, case design, action strength, and real-world field use — including the .45-70 that stopped an attacking alpha wolf at 5 feet. Learn what makes each cartridge shine, what to watch out for, and why the .450 Marlin isn't dead... as long as Buffalo Bore is around. Plus: The problem with cross-bolt safeties, how to vet your rifle, and what cartridge energy really tells you (spoiler: not much).

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