Author Topic: 45/70 main purpose..... (Read 2033 times)

Blucollar · « **on:** January 15, 2009, 04:38:17 PM »

I have never owned or even fired a 45-70, just wondering what everyone liked about them so much?
I hear ALOT of positive comments and just wondering was it hunting or just shooting paper or what?
I'm not doubting anyone, just don't want to miss anything.

thanks, blu

Spanky · « **Reply #1 on:** January 15, 2009, 04:49:43 PM »

I asked the same questions...
Until I pulled the trigger on my 45-70 for the first time.
That's all it takes my friend... that's all it takes.

Spanky

Handi 7 Point · « **Reply #2 on:** January 15, 2009, 04:54:21 PM »

In my case, it was strictly a hunting decision. A single shot sounded more fun to me than jacking with the responsibility of loading and cleaning a muzzleloader during primitive weapon. After shooting the gun 28 times, I thouroughly enjoy the Handi and I look forward to shooting it more as well as other calibers. The 45/70 is a good 200yd gun, but I know there are many out there that shoot further in matches.

A couple weeks ago, I shot a 8pt at 30 yds in the throat with hornady le and the entry hole was about the size of a golf ball. The deer melted to the ground instantly. I had missed this deer broadside and was about to lose all confidence when I got 1 last shot or shall I say 2cnd shot and I was thoroughly impressed. The gun with this ammo, at least while hunting, does not kick bad. In fact the recoil is a push. The only thing I'm trying to master is the rise on the barrel. I'm not good at freehand shooting, but if I have a rest/prop with this gun, I do fine.

Westbound · « **Reply #3 on:** January 15, 2009, 04:55:33 PM »

Spanky said it right!

I bought my first 45-70 (a buffalo classic) less than a month ago.
I'm in love with this gun. so far i've only punched paper with it, but I plan on letting it talk to the feral hogs this spring.
If you reload, the 45-70 is the perfect cartridge. you can truly go from "mild to wild". i've settled in on a mid range load.
It has some serious power without breaking my shoulder.

You should go to the gun store and buy a 45-70 tomorrow!!!!

eod20 · « **Reply #4 on:** January 15, 2009, 05:05:12 PM »

it is the perfect round anything you shoot with it is drt if you do your part and most of the time if you flub it alittle you can get ammo anywhere you can handload with just about unlimited combinations it has a proven 140+ year track record you can stop a soviet tank at short range with it (when loaded properly) if it could cook i would marry it i have a 45-70 in all action types but pump and and several in single shot i love it

tonygrz · « **Reply #5 on:** January 15, 2009, 05:11:22 PM »

There's always that 10% that don't agree. I bought a 45/70 and didn't like the recoil. I even bought an RCBS die set and new starline cases and loaded a few cases. Still didn't like it. If I can ever figure out how to post pics here, I'd put it up for sale.

Tony

Spanky · « **Reply #6 on:** January 15, 2009, 05:18:55 PM »

You wouldn't have any trouble selling it.

Spanky

quickdtoo · « **Reply #7 on:** January 15, 2009, 05:26:03 PM »

Quote from: tonygrz on January 15, 2009, 05:11:22 PM

There's always that .000001% that don't agree I bought a 45/70 and didn't like the recoil. I even bought an RCBS die set and new starline cases and loaded a few cases. Still didn't like it. If I can ever figure out how to post pics here, I'd put it up for sale.

Tony

Read the pic posting sticky in the H&R Classifieds, anyone can post pics if they have a digital camera, put that puppy up for sale so someone can appreciate it!

Tim

Badnews Bob · « **Reply #8 on:** January 15, 2009, 05:44:44 PM »

I have mine for hunting.

I bought mine to hunt with, and it drops deer like no other but after loading for it and there are tons of diffrent loads I found it was just plain ole fun to shoot.

Heck I shoot cans in the back yard with mine.

300 gr cast bullets loaded to about 1000fps are easy to shoot and crazy accurate, I load 405 at trap door levals for deer, again easy to shoot and smash deer, I loaded some 420gr and 500gr rounds at lite howitzer loads and they where accurate also....... I'll never shoot those again. Can you say painfull.

The look on peoples faces when you set a box of those on the bench is on beaten by when you light a couple off.

And then you got black powder.

OSOK · « **Reply #9 on:** January 15, 2009, 05:51:51 PM »

Blucollar, I have had a Buffalo Classic in .45-70 for about 4 years, and it is my favorite rifle. My reason for purchasing it was two fold...I have always had a facination with the old single shot rifles ( long before Quigley Down Under came out ), and I love big bore anything. The reason I bought the BC was that it was the only way I could afford a "Buffalo" rifle. I have killed deer with it, and I shoot paper. It is a joy to shoot with factory ammo...recoil to me feels like a 20 gauge. It is VERY accurate, which just makes it more fun to shoot. I am just now getting set up to reload for it, and can't wait...I am going to work up a stout load using 500 grain paper-patched bullets, for no other reason than I want to shoot buffalo loads out of my buffalo rifle. I doubt there is a more flexible combination in the world than the Handi and the .45-70.

terry08 · « **Reply #10 on:** January 16, 2009, 02:51:43 AM »

Hello,
I am new to the forum but love what I have seen so far. I purchased my Buffalo Classic this year because I have always liked the single shot rifles. I hunted with it all season and limited out on bucks and does with it here in MS.
My only problem is that shooting the 325 leverEvoloution I have not had one round do collateral damage. Entrance and exit wound same size as bullet, no mushroom effect. Must say I have not ruined one bit of meat but would like more expansion. This from two different boxes with two different lott #s. Have talked to a lot of folks about this and no one knows the answers. Most say theirs exits with the wound being the size of a coffee can. But I would not take my money back for the rifle

Handi 7 Point · « **Reply #11 on:** January 16, 2009, 03:09:54 AM »

Terry I have had the same problem here in MS. I like how the ammo shoots, but I am disappointed with exit wound. I don't know if it is shot placement or a combination of the bullet itself with shot placement. I am thinking of trying the winchester or federal 300gr hp bullets. There is a guy in como who does reloads as a business named cole. Orders take about 1 month. He is another consideration. His bullets are hotter than the winchesters or federals. You have to choose between the ruger#1 ammo or marlin. The handi uses the marlin ammo and the gas pressures must be too much to use the ruger#1 ammo. He loads all kinds of ammo. Anyone interested in another manufacturer, I will provide the link. He specializes in match grade ammo.

http://www.cpcartridge.com/

Swampman · « **Reply #12 on:** January 16, 2009, 03:22:05 AM »

The Remington 405 grain factory load has no recoil. For paper or hunting, you just can't beat the .45-70. Like all U.S. Military cartridges, it's awesome.

Dillohide · « **Reply #13 on:** January 16, 2009, 04:19:40 AM »

I like the thump of a big bore and the 45/70 just goes where I aim it with a fixed 4x scope. Initially I got it for East Texas deer hunting so wouldn't be tracking deer through thick brush without a good blood trail and I was not disappointed. I use the 300 grain bullet which expands very well. Plus it's darn handy 15 ft up a pine tree in a climber. But, it's also a lot a fun at the target range and easy to hand load. I also hunt West Texas where shots average 200 yards. Haven't tried it there because I love the accuracy/knock down of my Handi 270 at that range. I'm sure with a little adjustment on my part it would work just fine but that's the beauty of these rifles ... you can and should get more than one

AtlLaw · « **Reply #14 on:** January 16, 2009, 04:34:34 AM »

Quote from: blucollar on January 15, 2009, 04:38:17 PM

a 45-70, just wondering what everyone liked about them so much?

Hey there blu blu!

Everyone else has pretty much covered the good points of the 45/70, so I thought I'd take a different tack and mention the cons of the cartridge!

First there's... uh... well... Mummmm... uh $:-\$ gimmie a minute here...

I KNOW!!! I KNOW!!! Like eod20 said! It can't cook!

Bob gave you some examples of the versatility in loading for the cartridge and Westbound said you could go from "mild to wild." Which reminds me of what I always said, cart-a-ges is like wimmins! Now the 45/70 is just like the perfect woman, she will be whatever you want her to be! A lady in the drawing room and a hooker in the bedroom!

You can take her anywhere and she will not be out of place! Tell her what you want and she'll get it done! With finesse!

Now maybe I'm a mite predjudice since, like a first, uh, love, a man never forgets his first hi-power rifle. Mine was an 1873 trapdoor!

OHHJIMMY · « **Reply #15 on:** January 16, 2009, 08:00:10 AM »

I had been wanting a 45-70 for along time, and several years ago I bought my first. I now own three. I prefer the way they kill over high velocity cartridges. There's just nice red blood, no black, hydro-shock, jelly meat. I think it was Elmer Keith who said about big bores "you can eat right up to the bullet hole". As for exit wound size, I don't think it matters. With factory Federals, I get anywhere from about the size of your finger to a little bigger, if no large bone is incountered. I have never recovered a bullet, so I don't know how much it expands. Anyway, if you make a good shot, you will see or hear your deer fall. I have one of mine (a handi) sighted in with the Hornadays, just because I bought several boxes, but I havn't killed a deer with them, so I can't say how they do.

Empty Quiver · « **Reply #16 on:** January 16, 2009, 08:13:04 AM »

I figured for $500 I could get a spotting scope or a gun. With a 45/70 I didn't need a spotting scope! Two birds with one cartridge now that's versatility. It does kick, but it doesn't hurt the way a high power rifle does more like a shotgun(I only have 300wm and 300wsm to compare). If the bullet fails to expand... who cares ... it's a half inch hole already. Won't ruin a bunch of meat.

It is no coincidence that it's still a viable cartridge after over a hundred years, think about that for a while.

petemi · « **Reply #17 on:** January 16, 2009, 10:44:51 AM »

The only thing that bothers me about my .45-70 is that my wife won't let me take it to bed with me.

Shoot the LEs, you'll like them. I only have killed one deer with it, and it didn't tell me much. It was a spine shot just in front of the backstraps. Bullet hit, shattered the backbone and left town in a hurry. Deer dropped where it stood.

I have killed a few smaller animals with it and shot lots of targets to 300 yards. I know the rifle to that distance, and hopefully, in the Spring, I'll be able to open that up to 500 yards.

Atlaw, ya better watch them wimmins. They're more dangerous than an AK-47, on full auto, a thirty round mag, and a hair trigger in the hands of a hyped up A-rab.

Pete

AtlLaw · « **Reply #18 on:** January 16, 2009, 11:46:43 AM »

Quote from: petemi on January 16, 2009, 10:44:51 AM

Atlaw, ya better watch them wimmins. They're more dangerous than an AK-47,... Pete

Ya know Pete, that's a straight line I could run with for a loooong way.

But seein hows this is a family forum I'll just say prefer my guns 'cause none get jealous when I mess with another one and I've never had one file a paternity suit again me!

But I spose it's still possible... after all, my wife-mate says it looks like they breed in the safes and I'm the only one with the combinations!

TopperT · « **Reply #19 on:** January 16, 2009, 11:59:19 AM »

140+ year track record you can stop a soviet tank at short range with it (when loaded properly) if it could cook i would marry it .....................ROTFLMAO

.....Boy ain't that the truth!!!!! Got my "new" 25 year old 28" 45-70 Shikari coming in next thursday and cannot wait to get it home!!!

v-man · « **Reply #20 on:** January 16, 2009, 12:44:11 PM »

Lots of good talk about the single shots as I know that what this section is about but the 45-70 has even broader applications so let me put in a quck plug for the Guide Gun configuaration for the benefit of Blucollar. I've got a lot of nice deer/hog guns but I keep picking up that 45-70 lever gun with the IER Leupold on the XS scout mount. It may just be the perfect rifle/cartridge combo out to 150yds.
Whether plinking with trapdoor loads or preparing for grizzly (which of course I've never been able to do here in Florida) I have total confidence in it. Handloading for it is easy and the variations are endless. For the one who mentioned dissappointment about the exit wound, I just aim a little forward and watch them drop on the spot with 2 shattered shoulders. Meat damage is also minimal to none.

Badnews Bob · « **Reply #21 on:** January 16, 2009, 01:44:17 PM »

I never worry about the size of an exit wound, as long as there is one.

dpe.ahoy · « **Reply #22 on:** January 16, 2009, 01:52:30 PM »

Hey, v-man, hows dat der 45-70 work on dem der gators?

I think I prefer the Griz here in Montana to your Gators, my man. DP

c1skout · « **Reply #23 on:** January 16, 2009, 01:58:05 PM »

like everyone else here I love my 45-70. I load my own ammo with 300grn Hornady's and can keep them inside of 4" at 100 yds offhand through the peep sight. My problem is I'm starting to think this gun is jinxed! In the last 3 seasons I've missed 8 deer with it (although I did get 6 trees). Exit wounds on small trees are impressive to say the least! I may put a red-dot or low power scope on it for next season, see if that will break the jinx.

LONGTOM · « **Reply #24 on:** January 16, 2009, 02:41:48 PM »

The main purpose of a 45-70 is a meat getter.
It makes a big hole and most of the time no tracking!
Heck I got 5 of them.
2 BCs, a HANDI, a 1885 WIN HIGHWALL, and a 1886 WIN takedown.
Next to my 270wsm it is my go to gun when I want meat!

LONGTOM

gendoc · « **Reply #25 on:** January 16, 2009, 02:54:47 PM »

i love mine cause, like already mentioned-----everything!!!!!!!!!!

mechanic · « **Reply #26 on:** January 16, 2009, 03:44:42 PM »

Its the funnest gun at the range. Just slip a couple of Buffalo Bores in your pocket, and plink away with some trapdoor loads. Somebody's gonna want to shoot it. Just slip that Buffalo Bore in and hand it over. (I know, I'm a sadist or something). Worked well on my brother anyway. Thankfully I caught the gun before it hit the ground.

v-man · « **Reply #27 on:** January 16, 2009, 05:19:18 PM »

Hey DPE,
I know your joshin' about the gators but it would prove an excellent cranium crusher if it was legal to hunt gators with a gun. Unfortunately we have to hunt them with a sharp stick and a string so maybe I would feel a bit better hunting grizzlies after all. We do get to finish them off with a bangstick which is of course a single shot so I commend you for bringing this thread back full circle to the correct topic. You are very clever indeed.

Blucollar · « **Reply #28 on:** January 16, 2009, 05:51:04 PM »

Well, I was going to look for a 7m-08 or maybe another similar handi without giving serious looks at the 45-70 UNTIL...I read all the replies on this thread.

Now my hunt has turned, I must at least try one after all I've heard!

I do handload so when I find one get ready for the usual newbie questions.

Thanks for all the replies and keep it up, I enjoy a good read and laugh.
Blu.

AtlLaw · « **Reply #29 on:** January 17, 2009, 06:21:36 AM »

Quote from: blucollar on January 16, 2009, 05:51:04 PM

I must at least try one after all I've heard! ... I do handload so when I find one get ready for the usual newbie questions.

Just be careful there blublu. You'll have so much fun playing mild to wild handloading wif the ol' girl you'll soon start thinking the "what if's!"

Then you'll read some posts written by the closet masochists / recoil junkies (no offense there young Tyler

) we've got around here and the next thing you know you'll be buying another barrel and renting a 45/120 chamber reamer!

Don't ask me how I know...