Hi SS-
Well,I normally would sing praise for the 45/70, but I think in your circumstance I would look into the .338 Marlin.
It has better long range ability then the old Gov-45, and better performance then the .308Marlin. The .308 Marlin is a ballistic twin to the .308 Winchester, which is good in a lever action, and should handle most big game needs in the deer,hog, and even black bear, as well. Knowing you are going to take Elk and bear, I would choose the .338 caliber for added insurance.

I don't blame for being concerned zb out ammo availability, but with Hornady producing this ammo in connection with Marlin guns I don't see this ammo dropping out of production in the near future.
I have read a few articles on it's effectiveness, but I do not know anyone personally that owns it.
I made a quick look on line and found a number of sites to buy the ammo on line. Actually, my .35 Whelen is not a common loading around here either and I live in a suburb of Detroit with access to a number of retail sporting goods stores.
BTW-I e-mailed Hornady and they are testing a Whelen load at this time and may have a commercial loading for the fall season; If any of the Whelen shooters are listening?

The reviews, including ones in F&S, have been very favorable. I'm pretty skeptical about new cartridges, but these sound useful.

Go with the 338. I always like to a have a bigger bullet and it would be better for elk and even moose. You might also consider getting 444Marlin. But I don't know if that is legal for deer in Wisconsin.

I own a Marlin 338 Express. The recoil isn't bad at all, can't think it would be a factor against it. Other companies will be making the ammunition for it in the near future, I've heard Remington is in the process. The Hornady ammo for it is excellent, I have already re-loaded for it, the dies are available through Redding.

Ralph you said this...

"The .308 Marlin is a ballistic twin to the .308 Winchester, which is good in a lever action"

are you saying the the 308 Win will work in a lever gun? I thought hornady and remington were the only manufacturers that made a shell that will work in a marlin express? If your right about 308Win working in a lever gun like the marlin express then manufacturers like Federal and a few other would also work in the express....

im asking because i just bought a new 308MXLR and i thought only hornady and remington made the round.

thanks

i was talking about the Marlin though. I just bought the MXLR and i thought hornady and remington were the only manufacturers that make 308Express?

Ralph the Rifleman

What bullet is Hornady loading? Based on my experience with Hornady factory ammo, it won't hold a candle to the Federal Premium 225 grain Trophy Bonded Bear Claw for the .35 Whelen!

Yes sir, Mr scottprice, you are correct. I do need the best of the best.

When I invest 2 weeks vacation and a pocket full of cash for non-resident deer and elk tags plus expenses, I am not about to skimp and try to save $15 on a box of ammo. That is like spending $20,000 on a bass boat, $2,000 worth of tackle, and spooling your reels with 99-cent line from Walmart. False economy. I have handloaded various bullets, including Hornady, and none shoot better than those Federal TBBC in my rifle. I have tried to shoot Hornady factory ammo in my rifles and it has all been inferior. The quality of their brass is also very poor.

If you can't afford better, use the best you can and enjoy your deer hunts. When I step up to the shot, I have no worries whether my tools are up to the job or not. That's what it is all about for me.

How bout a Savage 99? plenty of them out there for sale.

Your main rifle should be a long range cartridge that is better than you meaning your always growing into it rather than out. Your 30-06? Perhaps it needs some TLC or something like glass bedding or trade it off for a new 30-06 (upgrade). Every hunter should have a rifle capable of reaching out at-least to 300 yards or more pending on skill and ability. For Elk & Bear, a good bolt gun is my prime go to and I prefer the 338 Win Mag, but a good 180 grain in a 30-06 will do just fine even for Moose!