A little update on the Apex 45-70 barrel. It shoots decent. It would have gone back for a refund but it was free so I kept it. It should make a great smokeless conversion after the breech plug is threaded, new crown, and bead blast. It locks up good now after some sanding and polishing.

100yds with 325 Hornady LEVERevolution, first two are closest to bull, second two are after the barrel cooled from me chatting with a fellow shooter. Taped hole is a sight-in shot.