The 450 Marlin is a short range rifle for sure. Here's an indepth review and a "must read"
http://www.galleryofguns.com/shootingtimes/Articles/DisplayArticles.asp?...

Great info Hammer...Only thing in there that I guess wasnt out yet at the time of test was the new evolution rounds from hornady.....Those would GREATLY increase BC and downrange capabilities of the 450 (im stickin with my new .444xlr) But the 450 does show some impressive results over all

I've used the .450 Marlin out of my Guide Gun on moose out to 248 yards (laser). I practice extensively with it and know how it will shoot and where to hold at those distances. That said, I much prefer to use the GG for the shorter range stuff. I've been trying out the new LeverEvolution ammo which should push things out a little. I also have the .450M chambered in a bolt built on a Ruger 77 action and this allows me the use of reloads such as the 300 gr. XFB. Ironically, the farthest kill with the bolt was a kudu in Namibia at a whopping 40 yards.

I get the idea behind the LeverEvolution ammo, but there's just one thing I'd like to know -- how soft to those tips stay when it gets cold? If it's below zero, are they still soft enough to prevent touching off the rounds in front of them?

ewwwwww 40 yards with a .450.....Can you say HAMBURGER

Oh well...Not like you bringinh that meat home anyway huh

Yeps...Its a polymer. It should be fine to temps well below -20f ... Im sure that had to have been tested given these are hunting rounds designd for the field and knowing that deer season is held in the winter they tested these in temps far more harsh than you or I could tolerate