45/70 help

[Matt/TN]

could someone fill me in on this load, its really interesting me and i want to know a little more about it. I know the concept, heavy bullet slow fps but give me a little more background and range....

[biscuit jake]

This grandad is about 133 years old or so. (Been a long day, hope my math is right.) It did a stint for uncle sam in the 1800's and has a rep for dropping thick skin, big game. Range? Well, it shoots fat heavy slugs that are dangerous a long way out, but the curving trajectory leaves a bunch of people recommending it for, oh, I would say 150 yards or so.

[Matt/TN]

who makes them and what are the prices like?

[Matt/TN]

is the ammo pretty easy to find?

[BarnesX.308]

They are made by Ruger (single shot) and Winchester and Marlin in lever guns. I have the Marlin 1895SS lever gun. Stock ammo has a 300 grain hollow point going 1880fps. I can do much better handloading. An old manual of mine has the same bullet going 2400. The pressure was too high in my lever gun and had case seperation. This load would be perfect for the Ruger. I can shoot 350gr round nose Hornadys out of my Marlin at 2000-2100 without incident. The accuracy is just OK. The recoil is stout but nothing more than a shotgun with slugs.

As for price: A new Marlin will go somewhere in the $400s. A Ruger: Not sure.....

I will trade mine for a .375 H&H any day, though.

[Matt/TN]

whats the range like?

[JeffS]

You can get the shells almost anywhere. The range is good for out to around 200 yards.

[Paul L Mohr]

The ballistics are pretty simular to modern shotgun sabot loads or magnum inline muzzle loaders. Maybe a bit better depending on what loads you pick or if you handload. Some loads are not as good, like the cowboy type loads made for the older guns.

You are looking at velocities between 1300 and 2000 some fps with bullets from 300 to 400 grns from factory loads. There are some specialty +P loads for them though.

H&R and Tompson Center also make single shots that chamber the 45-70 round.

Paul

[DANTHEHUNTER]

I have 2 a marlin lever and a H&R buffalo classic. I have had great time shooting this round. It will remove the finger prints with the right loads. If you dont reload here are some factory loads. Remington 405 grian are very mild and little recoil they are great to start with. Then there are winchester 350 and pmc 350 grain they are great for most hunting .Then there is bullalo bore and garrett they are the top of the list, they are very powerful and should only be shot from a rifle made for them . there web site will tell you which ones. They have a farther range then most expect but they are easy a 150 yard round. All the deer I have shot with them fell right there or very quickly. You will be suprised by the amout of tissue damage as compared to a faster cartridge. You can almost eat right right up to the hole.

[Matt/TN]

ive heard awesome things about this load i really want one...... how much could i pick a good used one up for?