BFR in 45-70 (What Ammo to get?)

2

2500ak

New member
The literature Magnum Research has avalibale says #2 Lever Action Rifle loads. I haven't started reloading yet, so I'm not sure what that means.

All I have at the moment is leverlution 325 grain rounds, and 430 HSM gas checks (bear loads for the 1895). I'm a little leery of trying the 430 grain rounds, though I imaigne it could shoot them as the same revolver can be chambered in .450 Marlin, .444 Marlin, and .500 S&W.

Will the 430 grain rounds hurt the gun?
 
I have a BFR in 460, not 45-70, so I'm no help there. But in the owners manual, it says "We do not recommend the use of the PMC 405-grain lead flat point load (PMC part number 45-70 CA).

But then they list this information on their website.
.45/70, 10-Inch Barrel a.300 grain Federal Sierra Classic, average 1507 FPS and muzzle energy 1513 FT/LBS
b.300 grain Winchester Super X, average 1405 FPS and muzzle energy 1315 FT/LBS
c.405 grain PMC, average 1056 FPS and muzzle energy 1003 FT/LBS

So they obviously fired that same ammo through it. I'm wondering if they just had lousy accuracy with it. I have found that my BFR is pretty touchy with different loads and accuracy.

The heavier bullets should be fine. 45-70 runs low pressures compared to the other chambers they make it in.

There are a few people on here that have the 45-70, so hopefully they can help.

You could also call Magnum Research and ask. I have talked to them a few times and they are pretty helpful.
 
The literature Magnum Research has avalibale says #2 Lever Action Rifle loads. I haven't started reloading yet, so I'm not sure what that means.
Click to expand...

A lot of reloading manuals list 3 different sets of .45-70 loading data, data for trap door Springfields that appoximate original black powder velocities, somewhat hotter loads for Marlin and Winchester lever guns, and then loads only to be shot in Ruger single shot rifles.
I don't think any commercial ammo makers dare sell any "Ruger only" ammo due to liability concerns so I'm pretty sure any store bought ammo can be shot through it.

I suspect the main reason for not recommending the heavy bullets is because the recoil will be brutal.
 
MY BFR is a 45/70 with a 10 inch barrel. If you are going to be shooting factory ammo go with the leverevalution. For 45/70 they are pretty cheep and they are pretty fast.

I was surprised how little speed I lost going form an 18.5 inch marlin to a 10 inch BFR.
 
Spent the day at the range. Can't find a bad thing to say about the BFR.

The recoil with the Leverlution was not bad at all, and the accuracy was outstanding. Pretty easy to shoot off hand.

The recoil with the 430 grain hard cast gas checks was a little wild, but very manageable.

What impressed me most about it though was just how smooth the action, trigger, loading gate ect... were. At full battery the drum is locked up tight without any perceivable movement either side to side or front to back. Simply outstanding. I don't see why more people don't get these they are fantastic.
 
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