New bear gun

[Jabonwzio]

Hey everyone, I hope you’re all doing well.
I’m planning to buy a new bear gun for pushing. I’m considering the Marlin Trapper in either the 3030 or the 4570 caliber.
I’m torn between the two. The 45-70 caliber is a bit overkill for black bears, and it kicks like a mule. On the other hand, the 3030 caliber might be a bit lighter.
Does anyone have any advice on which caliber to choose?

 

[Beendare]

Buying it for "Pushing"? Do you mean stalking?

I have a couple of those lever actions I inherited in 30/30 and those are not the most enjoyable rifle to shoot. I suppose some traditionalists would disagree....but dang; Clunky, heavy and not fun when it goes bang.

What about one of those subsonic rounds in a semi autos with a shorter barrel?

 

[shootnrun]

You could get a bolt gun with a 2-10/12 or 3-15/18 scope and have a far more versatile weapon that yields plenty of FOV and target acquisition in close. That being said, I wouldn't hesitate to shoot a bear with a 30-30. Around here, I'm as likely to see one at 40 yards as I am at 400. And I want to be able to shoot regardless.

 

[mulveymo]

There's no black bear on earth that a 30/30 won't kill, but the energy a 430 grain hardcast 45/70 round puts on target is hard to beat. Skull and shoulder poppers. I'd rather shoot once and not have to track something through brush or deal with a dying bear amongst the dogs. Run a brake if the recoil is a problem.

 

[knale87]

Buying it for "Pushing"?

Pushing is another way to say driving.

 

[Elkhntr08]

My choice would be the 45/70, you can never have too much firepower.

 

[yfarm]

Have a trapper, practice standing rapid fire with 300-325 gr loads in a tshirt, no worse than hot dove loads out of a 12ga o/u that I might fire 2or 3 boxes of on an evening dove hunt. Vote for the 45-70, variety of loads available cover the bases. Can walk into any Walmart and find 400gr ammo.

 

[VernAK]

Why are you limited to those two cartridge choices?