I would be totally comfortable with my 92 .454 Casull shooting hardcast 300 grain SWC at 1800 FPS for brown bear. I think with the appropriate bullet, a .454 Casull revolver would be adequate. Hit your target in any case! A chest shot or two with a 30mph charging grizzly at 10 yds will kill him, but maybe not after he mauls you to death. I don't think a .45-70 would make that much difference. A sure stop in that case that isn't a head shot would probably require a large bore rifle round.Ranch Dog wrote:Kind of where I would sit. My rifles:remus wrote:I think any handgun, or handgun cartridge in a long gun would be marginal on a PO'd big bear. Take the 45-70. Why play games with your life. So it's a little heavier, big deal. It is probably your life saver in a pinch.These rifles both have scopes. Without the tube, rings and base they weigh:
- Rio Grande 45-70 Govt - 7.18 Lbs
- R92 454 Casull - 7.14 lbs
The traditional scope on the Rio Grande is heavier than the scout on the R92 making the RG a ¼ lb lighter than the R92. Both have 20" barrels, overall, the RG is ¾" longer.
- Rio Grande 45-70 Govt - 6.28 Lbs
- R92 454 Casull - 6.53 lbs
I personally think that the RG4570 is one of the most underrated leverguns out there. It is a full pound lighter than my Marlin Guide gun and two pounds lighter than the 1895 rifle. It would shoot inside either of those rifles, both are reasons why these JM Marlins are no longer on the ranch.
Back to the Rossi products, My RG4570 on its worst range day will produce better accuracy than my R92 on its best range day. Part of it is the generic 1:30 twist that Rossi bestowed on all R92 barrels. When it comes to terminal performance, the 454 Casull will never equal the 45-70 Govt.
Both are out of production but indications are that the Rio Grande 45-70 has a better chance of returning than the 454 Casull. I would hope they both do, I do like them both, but when it comes to larger predators I would rather have the lighter Rio Grande with its greater terminal performance in hand. I would shoot the Beartooth 525-grain Pile Drivers and go about my business.
You mention scopes...the last thing I want on my bear gun is a scope. I don't even want a red dot; bear encounters can happen quickly and at close range. With a proper sling, a 16" lever action can be pretty quick to get into action, not much slower than a revolver in a chest holster. JMHO.