.45-70 ranges
10-15-2006, 04:59 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location:
Posts: 903
.45-70 ranges
howdy guys. Im considering saving up my money to buy a lever-action rifle. I was considering the tradition deer cartridge, the 30-30, or maybe a 35 remmington, then I was thinking of the .45 colt. Then, while at Kittery, I was checking out a lever-action 45-70, and I thought, "well, maybe this would be the better choice" cause, sure I could get a 30-30, but its a short-range cartridge and you're pretty limited to what you can shoot, you can shoot anything with a .45-70. I could even hunt Moose or Caribou with it when Im lucky enough to go when I get a little older. Anyway, back to my question. up to what rangeis the.45-70 effective to make a kill shot on elk-sized game?? all inputs will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
-Travis-
-Travis-
10-15-2006, 08:02 PM
#5
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Baileysville, WV
Posts: 2,925
RE: .45-70 ranges
According to the Federal chart (that and a dollar will get ya a coffee) if sighted at a 150 yard zero its dead on at 200 however the bottom does fall out of it shortly thereafter. Id say MM300 is pretty close here. Keep in mind that for this set up you are 5.8 inches high at 100, dead on at 200 and (get this) 23 inches low at 300..lol. The 45-70 wasnt ever intended for long range use even though it has been used very successfully at long range...ask a buffalo 
. Id say James and a couple of others could probably tell ya its effectiveness also. Remember this is one of those rounds that was obsolete a 75 years ago but it does a darn good job and manages to stick around even with all the new rounds out today.
. Id say James and a couple of others could probably tell ya its effectiveness also. Remember this is one of those rounds that was obsolete a 75 years ago but it does a darn good job and manages to stick around even with all the new rounds out today.
10-15-2006, 08:48 PM
#6
Boone & Crockett
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Wall SD USA & Jamestown ND
Posts: 11,474
RE: .45-70 ranges
The old timers could kill buffalo out to 600 yards and beyond with Black Powder lads. They were skilled with the sights available on the old buffalo guns many of which were 45-70 shooting a 500 grain bullet at a blazing 1200 fps. Black powder loads are really the only thing capable of that kind of consistancy. The killing power on elk would be much farther than most modern hunters could hope to hit one. 800 yards at target matches is common.(BLACK POWDER) Its safe to say that the cartridge is more capable than most hunters ability to hit the mark. With a good range adjustable scope and a little practice, 300 yard would be a cake-walk. I can usually keep 3 shots on a paper plate at 200 yards with black powder loads and the Government 500 grain RN Lead bullet. I don't practice much though.
10-15-2006, 09:59 PM
#9
Boone & Crockett
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Wall SD USA & Jamestown ND
Posts: 11,474
RE: .45-70 ranges
Thats why we put curing salt on our bullets to preserve the meat while we walk clear out to it.
Dixon shot the Indian off his horse with his buffalo gun at 3/4 of a mile. That is a documented shot.
Dixon shot the Indian off his horse with his buffalo gun at 3/4 of a mile. That is a documented shot.
