45/70 questions

T

Thibault

New member
Need help from the knowledgeable bunch!
In order to reach it's full potential, I figure a modern 45/70 has to be loaded in +P specs. Garrett's loads are out of the question (have you ever tried to import live ammo? To Kanada?), and I just don't reload yet, so what kind of performance is to be expected on big game from std factory ammo? I somewhere read that it could be sort of dissapointing... So, where do I go from here?
Do reloading manuals list +P loadings for 45/70 like they do for 257 Roberts? If so, I guess I'm gonna have to take on reloading...:)
Thanks to Y'all
 
45/70 loads

Most reloading manuals list 3 levels of loads now.1.for the original springfield types.2.for the stronger lever guns like the marlins.3.for the ruger no 1 and thompson contenders and encores.Dont mix em up if you start reloading.Nothing that lives in canada will go very far if you hit them in the right spot with a factory 405 gr. load they are slow but they just keep on penetrating.The factory 300 gr. loads are pretty great also .You have to stay inside 100 to 150 yards though.The 405 gr. load has shot through both shoulders on a small black bear for me(about 300 pounds.I never got the bullet back as it went all the way through.But i beleive it would have done the same on a 500 pounder.As long as you don't speed these bullets up by handloading them they will hold together well.Of course loading your own is where the real fun begins.There easy to load and easy to get an accurate load worked up for.The 45/70 is my favorite.caliber.enjoy.
 
Thibault

As stated above, most of the new loading books have modern 45-70 data. If loaded to top levels, it leaves NOTHING to the 450 marlin. I'm driving a 405 grain Kodiak ( THE BEST BULLETS) at 1750 with a 16.5" barrel. These are not max and are stout but not painful to shoot. This is similar to the load the Alaska and African guides use. If you haven't tried them, check out Kodiak bullets from Alaska Bullet Works @ 907-789-3834

http://www.hunting-rifles.com/kodiak.htm

above link shows some of their stuff.
 
Thanks to all!
Sorry for resurrecting the thread, just wanted to thank ya'all for your input. A Marlin Guide is definitely in the works, but dear wife wants dishwasher... so we're negociating for now...:)
 
Get the Guide Gun and a dog. The dog can clean the dishes and your missus only needs to rinse the dishes off and put them away.
 
The biggest advantage that the 45-70 has over the .450 Marlin is ammo for the 45-70 is probably more available in more places.
As to what is the best bullet? Mine. I cast my own. :) 330 gr., 400 gr. and 500 gr.
Paul B.
 
Sorry Bruels, already got the dog, but that thing is as useless as tits on men... and NO WAY missus is gonna let that thang anywhere near dishes...:(
 
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