Any one use a 45-70 to hunt with?

To get the most out of your 45-70, I would learn to reload if you do not already. Even if you can afford to buy all the ammo you want, you will be amazed at how much fun reloading is with this round. Since I've had my 3 45-70's, (Ruger #1, Marlin 1895 and H&R buffalo Classic), I have developed over 30 loads. I cast about 11 different bullets for it and mess with a dozen powders at least. Everything from 405gr. 900fps to 500gr. 1800fps. for the Ruger to 300gr. 2400fps. You can play with cast or jacketed, 300gr HP., collar buttons, round balls plain based or gas checked cast. The sky is the limit and you will find that even after years of playing with the gun, there is someone that has used it differently than you. Its hard to overload it for deer, as it tends to not destroy tissue the way a high velocity weapon will. Have fun, and watch out with your new toy!
 
I saw this old post of mine was rehashed recently so I thought I'd update on my first hunt with my 45-70.

First, put a Nikon Monarch 3x9 on it. Tried to keep it open sights but my eyes just weren't having it. Used the gun during the 2007 deer season and shot a doe with it using 300 gr Winchester solid points.

I took her at roughly 45 yards broadside clipping one lung and hitting the other. She ran up hill roughly 100 yards and collasped. Left a great blood trail that bled profusely from both the entrance and exit wound. Both entrance and exit wounds were roughly the same size.

To be honest, I thought I missed her when I first shot. I guess I was expecting to see that 45-70 knock her off her feet rather than see her take off running.

I killed a buck opening day this year using my Savage 7mm Rem Mag so the 45-70 didn't see action this year. I do plan on experimenting with some Buffalo Bore and Garrett modern loadings for the 45-70 to see what this round can really do. Have toyed with reloading, but without knowing any one who reloads, haven't been able to jump into it.
 
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Thanks Dr A, I'll pick up a copy. The 45-70 govt was the one cartridge that I just had to have. My Ruger No. 1 45-70 really is my trophy gun.
 
I got one deer with a 45/70 and the result was much the same as with a .50 caliber muzzle loader: dead deer at the end of a blood trail with another bucket of blood where it fell. My major complaint with the 45/70 is the recoil is excessive for deer hunting (I'd estimate recoil to be about 150% of that of a 30-06) and I have trouble holding it on target due to the recoil knocking me around, knocking my glasses askew etcetera.
 
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