One of my hunting buddies recently bought a Win 45/70 Guides Rifle a lever action. He is thinking about shooting Garrett Cartridges w/420 grain bullets. They cost about $55.00 for a box of 20, pretty pricy to me. Wouldn't be better off getting Hornady Leverlution bullets for about half the price? From what I've read the Garrett is a cast hard lead bullet with a gas check. He plans to use it elk hunting in thickly covered timber where short range shots (less than 100 yrd), are the norm. I'm sure some of the huntin-nuts hasve some ideas on this. I respect their opinion either way. I don't reload for the 45/70. Thanks Freedyf

Where you at 1895ss when we need you...Sure gone...Well get back here and answer this man's question...Right now!!!

Are you sure its not a Marlin? At any rate, personally I would lean toward the Garrett cartridges although for elk the Hornady rounds should certainly do the job. Garrett has quite a following and his ammo has gained a great reputation as deep penetrating. I would be more confident taking an off angle or lengthwise shot with Garrett. Every large African game animal has fallen quite handily to 45-70 Garrett rounds. This includes cape buffalo, hippo, rhino, and elephant. I bought 2 boxes of Garretts 540 grain 45-70 ammo but have not tested them yet. I have been shooting 400 gr handloads at 2160 fps out of my 1895 Marlin.

As roklok said, if your friends gun is a Guide gun it likely is a Marlin with an 18.5 inch barrel. I don't know the price of Hornady verses Garret in your neck of the woods but if you/he don't reload then I would say the Hornady Leverevolution ammo would certainly get the job done. It looks like it only comes in 325 gr. but with 2158 ft lbs of energy at 100 yards and 1516 ft lbs at 200 yards, it will certainly do the job. I load Hornady 350 gr RN and Remington 405 gr FN in my 45-70 and both work just fine. If you were hunting dangerous game then you certainly would want to use the Garret ammo and it would certainly work very well on Elk. Garret ammo will definately penetrate further but I don't know if it is needed for Elk. roklok is correct about the Garret ammo in africa etc. it has taken them all.

I would use the Hornady Leverevolution ammo and not think twice about it. JMHO
www.hornady.com/shop/?...9977a8de6e

Your all right. It is a l895 Marlin Guide Gun, and I believe he is planning to get the Hornady Lever Revolution in 325 gr. Appreciate all your advice and comments. Freedyf