RE: 45-70
 

Since we’re on the subject of 45-70, does anyone know how well the NEF single shot handles reloads for this cartridge...?

RE: 45-70
 

This is a fine cartridge for the NEF. With the lower pressure RIMMED cartridges, the NEF does not have the extraction problems sometimes present with high pressure cartridges. This is true of the Hornet, 30-30, 357, 44 and 45-70.

As for reloads the NEF will handle the Marlin Level loads with no problem and many load it near the Ruger levels. However the Marlin levels are about all the recoil that you might want in the NEF. They are not very heavy. The NEF is built to handle pressure levels of the 30-06 and 35 Whelen so recoil may be the limiting factor with the NEF. I have the 32 inch Buffalo Classic and the 22 inch Handy rifle in 45-70. I shoot mostly Black Powder loads in the Buffalo Classic.

RE: 45-70
 

James. thanks for the info, much appreciated...:D

RE: 45-70
 

I think it is sad that inspite of the strong sales of this grand dad cartridge, non of the major manufactures sell a plussed up round. But there is always reloading, Buffalo Bore and Garrett.

RE: 45-70
 

Jake;
Rem. and Win. both sell a 300gr jacketed with a velocity of 1880fps, this is enough to persuade most Marlin and new 1886 owners to handload to reduce the battering.
I load 320gc's to 2200fps, 405gr gc's to 1850fps and 500gr gc's to 1650fps in my Handirifle, for shooting offhand.
For bench shooting, I reduce the loads 200fps on all 3.
I have the factory supplied recoil pad and have no problems, even though I am past 65 and have arthritis in both shoulders and my right hand.
The .45-70 just does not have the sharp kick of the smaller bores, a 215gr gc in my .35 W at 2600fps has about the same calculated recoil, but is more noticeable.

RE: 45-70
 

I have a buffalo classic also James and I love it . It handles the buffalo bore rounds just fine. I also have a marlin guide in a 45/70 and I find myself shooting it more and more. The comment about the .44 mag shooting as well --- you must have never seen a full load 45/70 do its thing. I have a .44 mag ruger carbine and is noway near my 45/70. Now that I said that I do really like my .44 but its not my pick for power! The wound channel is amazing from the 45/70. Almost every deer I have shot was mortally wounded and was an easy walk to find. I have only killed two deer with my .44 and they too were going to the ground but its just not the same.

RE: 45-70
 

If you are not wanting to handload you can get a Marlin .450. It is loaded hotter than the 45-70 and is basically a hot loaded 45-70. I have one and love it. We use it for hog hunting and when you hit one they don't go anywhere.

RE: 45-70
 

I don't think the factory loaded 300 grain bullets do the 45-70 any justice. As far as I'm concerned the 45-70 doesn't become awake with anything less than a 350 grain bullet,and better yet a 400 -405. Thats like using a 100 grain in the 270 for deer. They are loaded to trapdoor springfield pressure, and if you can't handle them sell your gun and take up sewing!

RE: 45-70
 

can you make recommendations for the correct needle and thread to make a gun case from leather?

RE: 45-70
 

Handloading for the 44 Mag Marlin with the 265 grain bullet, I can get about 1700 lb ME. However loading for the Marlin 45-70 and the 350 grain Hornady RN, I can get get over 2800 lb ME This load is a litt5le heavy on recoil in the Marlin 45-70 but not to bad. It will make real short work of Moose and Bears. The ME may not me impressive compared to some modern rifles but that 350 grain bullet which will expand to nearly double its diameter is a fearsome load to deal with. As would the 44 Mag load. Big bullets moving slow have long been known to be sure killers. The debate over velocity and lighter bullets VS Big heavy bullets will rage forever. Big bullets at High speed have their place as well but here is where the price in recoil comes into play big time. Many won';t pay that price, nor do they have to.