The Marlin 1895 and high performance 45-70 loads.
The 45-70 Government cartridge was developed for our military in 1873. It was originally chambered in the Springfield Trapdoor single shot infantry rifle using black powder as the propellant. The 45-70 Government is a formidable round in its own right. Marlin introduced the modern Model 1895 in 1972. This rifle, along with the Ruger No 1 and some custom Siamese Mausers chambered for this round, can use higher performance ammunition loaded to higher pressure than the original black powder rounds. The Marlin M1895 loaded with Kudu Kustom high performance 45-70 rounds is capable of taking any game in North America and most African game animals within close to moderate range (which is where they should be taken anyway). These are not heavy magnum loads but are loaded to about 28,000 CUP which is a significant performance improvement over standard loads. (See details below for further information).
The Marlin 444
The Marlin 444 Outfitter has recently become one of my favorite guns for eastern hunting where most shots are in woodlots or across short meadows. The 444 Marlin cartridge really shines with the Hornady 265 gr Interlock bullet in this gun. These Marlin carbines are fast to the shoulder and come to the eye quickly for this type of hunting. A 2x scout scope or a 1.5x5 Leupold on a regular mount are ideal for this gun. A lot of hunters are beginning to like the XS ghost ring rear and white post front sight on these guns also, however, at my "advanced" (over 50) age, my favorite sight is the 2x scout scope having the extended eye relief. When you mount the gun swiftly to your shoulder, the scope comes right into focus and you're ready for business. With Kudu Kustom 444 Marlin ammunition with the 265gr Hornady bullet or the 300 gr Hornady XTP, you are ready for any buck, moose or elk in the timber as well as any hog. Might as well throw the bears in there too. For really deep penetration and excellent performance on game, go retro and order the LBT hard cast gas check bullet in either the 45-70 or the 444 Marlin.
Product details
Our Kudu Kustom brand 45-70 Govt products are loaded to higher pressure than standard 45-70 loads and MUST NEVER BE USED in any Springfield 1873 Trapdoor, H&R Shikari, Winchester Model 1886 (before 1980 manufacture), rolling block 45-70's or any other rifle of similar manufacture. They can be safely used only in the Marlin M1895, Browning 1886 and Ruger No. 1 rifles as designated above. If you are not sure, check with a competent gunsmith who is familiar with your type of gun or call the manufacturer to make sure your gun can handle pressures up to 28,000 CUP.
If you require standard pressure 45-70 for your 1873 Trapdoor Springfield, please give us a call. We can make these with the 300 gr JHP, 405 gr JSP or 350 gr and 400 gr Lead bullets. The price will be quoted at the time of inquiry. These loads have pressure up to 18,000 CUP.
Sorry, we don't do black powder.
Product price
| Item Number | | Bullet | $/box of 20 |
| 4570-300JH | 45-70 Govt +P | 300 gr Remington JHP | $37.00 |
| 4570-405JS | 45-70 Govt +P | 405 gr Remington JSP | $37.00 |
| 4570-405LG | 45-70 Govt +P | 405 gr LBT Lead Gascheck | $40.00 |
| 4570-350IL | 45-70 Govt +P | 350 gr Hornady JFP Interlock | $40.00 |
| 444-265IL | 444 Marlin | 265 gr Hornady Interlock | $33.00 |
| 444-300LG | 444 Marlin | 300 gr LBT Lead Gascheck | $33.00 |
| 444-300X | 444 Marlin | 300 gr Hornady XTP | $34.00 |