What about just the .357 mag in Marlin (or Puma)? I know it is marginal for bear, but we'd be talking well under 50 yards, and I've seen some loads as high as 190gr which is surely equal to a 30-30? This way I wouldn't have to shoot shorter cartridges to get lower recoil -- just use the factory 150g...

Wow this is the first time I've heard about either jamming...that is a major concern no question about it. I don't handload now but could easily do it I'm sure. Is the 45-70 "action" more reliable than the 1894? I don't know anything about the technical differences between them (I figured ...

Aren't the cowboy .45 Colt loads low recoil?

This is all new to me having only ever shot 30.06 bolt.

marlinman93 wrote:You guys obviously didn't see #1!
"1) Can shoot low/no recoil loads to train the youngsters"

Yeah I'm leaning that way -- .45 Colt for training, and the big .454 for in the field. Even if my girls can't train with the 454 rounds, at least they will be competent with the gun in the very unlikely event they have to use it in an emergency. I'd be a lot more comfortable if Marlin made it, but I...

Thanks for the replies. If I went with the Puma .454, does it reliably cycle .45 Colt? Would it be ok without getting it worked on? I saw a lot of threads about getting work done to this gun, but wasn't sure if that was for CAS or whatnot. Are the lightest .45 Colt factory loads pretty low on recoil...

Hi folks, great site. I've searched many threads and my head is spinning. I need a lever gun that does it all: 1) Can shoot low/no recoil loads to train the youngsters 2) Can shoot heavy loads for hunting and bear defense in British Columbia's grizzly country (back country canoe trips with a family ...