Food for Thought:
I always pondered the velocities of lead 45-70s.
Do they work?
Are the necessary?
I shot a BPCR Creedmoor Match (800-900 and 1000 yards) With my 1895 Browning High Wall. Not knowing what I was doing, I figured like pistols they needed to be hard cast and fast. Results were tumbling, not so accurate bullets.
I was told by expierenced BPCR shooters that the 45-70 should be shot at near orginal military loadings with soft, near pure lead. Since the guy who told me this had several BPCR National Championships under his belt, I'd give it a try.
Turned out he was right in my rifles. To keep from playing with BP (and the mess) for practice I used 4198 loaded to BP velocities, or 29 grs of 4198 with 405 soft lead bullets. (I use the Lyman 535 gr bullets in the Creedmoor matches) They work well in my Browning and My '78 45-70 trap door Springfield. What was nice, they matched the sights of my Trapdoor perfectly.
As to the second questions, is hyper velocities necessary? To help get the Indians on reservations the Army gave away tons of 45-70 rounds to civilians to help kill off the buffalo, Thousands were killed using the military loadings.
Not sure of the date, but Rifle Magazine did a test on the penitration of the 45-70 bullets and I was impressed how well the military loadings penitrate at extended ranges, Much farther they we would normally use for hunting or large animal defense, but gives us an idea how effective the old 45-70 war horse it.
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We all have our opinions on what works, and what we need. I've shot "hot" 45-70 loads and frankly, besides not being accurate, they hurt. I would think the orginal military velocities would be just effective with out the punishment, plus allowing faster recovery if a second shot is needed. A lot less punishing also for doing a lot of practice.
Take this as "for what its worth" since the only bear I have shot was with a 250 lb black with a 44 Mag revolver using standard 44 mag 240 LSWC bullets. They worked but the bear wasnt trying to eat one of my kids.