Home Forums Lever Action Central Big Bore Levers 338 ME vs 45-70

Since I have both, I would be curious to hear people comments comparison for these two cartridges for elk and black bear hunting.

To me, the 45-70 shoots the bigger bullets, but the 338 has more range and carries easier.

Cheers
Eric

And I suspect you are correct.

I don't have one, but I've heard a lot of good things about the 338 ME.

I have the 450 Marlin..for shooting over 150-200 yards the 338 would be a better rig. Up to that the big slap of a 458 bullet is impressive.

On big bears there is no question that the 45/70 is top dog! It hits harder and will penetrate deeper in a big animal. You do have a bit more range and flatter trajectory with the .338ME but hunting bears or wildhogs, I'll take that 45/70 lever gun any day over must other calibers.