Basically, I need help deciding on a caliber for a new lever gun - and I need a little help fixing my stupidity. Here’s the facts:
I want this rifle as a host for my Obsidian 45. It’s going to be a general purpose carbine (16” barrel) for plinking, hunting, fun, etc - not defense. I hand load and intend to make everything from subsonic heavy weight bullets all the way up to full power hunting rounds. I live in Ohio and want it to be a straight walled cartridge for deer hunting. BUT… I may have the opportunity to use it on heavier game outside of Ohio (black bear, hogs, and a slight possibility for moose). I’m either going to put a red dot on it or a 1-4x trijicon. Figure absolute max range at 150 yards. Practical range requirement is more like 100 yards or less.
I already have one rifle (Older, not threaded Henry Big Boy) and three revolvers in 44 Magnum and reload a lot for them. I have one competition 1873 in 357. Furthermore, I have enough reloading supplies for 44 magnum that I can’t imagine having to buy more…maybe ever.
I’m currently leaning towards a Marlin 1894 SBL in 44 mag. - which I think is the right answer. I’d also consider a Henry or S&W 1854, but the SBL has everything I want right out of the box. Price isn’t a factor - I just want to get the right thing from the get-go so I’m not F-ing around with trying to make it right after the fact.
But I’m wondering if I should be considering a different caliber or bolt gun like the Ruger American Gen 2 in 450 bushmaster, or 350 legend, or even an Marlin SBL in 45/70 (this is what I’m really weighting against.)
I’ve always liked the idea of 45/70 - but it’s overkill for general purpose and I realize that. My powder and primer supply would work for subsonic but I would need new dies (lee is good enough), a source for plinking projectiles, and new brass. I think, if there’s an upside, my spent brass would be really easy to find at the range just due to the size and shape. Again, price isn’t a factor… what I’m really struggling with is the headache of managing another caliber. I already have way too many and time keeps getting more expensive.
Should I just stick with 44 mag, or should I consider venturing into the world of 45/70 (or another caliber)?
Also, thanks for helping me through my dumb ass struggle with rationalization…