The gun is the classic Marlin Guide Gun in 45-70 Gov't.

The load is 46 grains of IMR 3031. Bullet is hard cast 350 gr. lead. Range will not exceed 100 yards, and may be closer to 50 or 75 yards. This load smacks the gongs at the club with authority. I think it would make a suitable close range deer load. Do you agree? Why or why not?

Your two cents would be greatly appreciated.

100yds or less on deer, yep should do quite well provided the bullet is a FN with a big meplat. Personally, I'm not fond of hard cast for hunting, I've had much better results with strait wheel weight alloy. Hard enough to keep from leading but soft enough to give expansion, just watch out the brittle weights, bullets tend to fragment rather than expand.

I'm also big on heavier bullets, at least 405 grain. I shoot 450gr in mine.

The 45-70 is a superb stopper ! I agree with Mark hard cast can be a lttle low on the deformation side & just leave a narrow
wound canal unless they hit bone ! Something like wheel weights with a little 50-50 soldier to take the edge off the brittleness is just the ticket :)

Dave

45-70 = big hole in and out. You can take dear, bear, elk, moose, or pigs at that range without any trouble.

On an elk or moose I would anchor it with a shoulder shot to avoid a chase, they don't always know they are dead.

I Use 53 Grs 3031 With A 405 Rem, Soooo I Would Say Your Load Would Be Alright