I picked up a 45-70 barrel from Jim36 on this forum a few weeks back for my Handi. I had IMR-3031 laying around already so I picked up some W-W brass and Hornady 300 gr JHP bullets to try. I finally got the the range last night to try out some loads and all that I can say is I'm impressed. I'm used to shooting my self built <1/2 MOA Mauser in 308 (which weighs nearly 13 lbs) so I am a bit picky with regard to accuracy, but the 45-70 definately performed. I started with 55 gr of 3031 at 50 yards; none touched the paper...
. So I moved over to 25 yards and got her on paper. I moved back to 50 yards, 56 gr of 3031 and shot a ragged hole. Very nice I thought. I adjusted the scope (OLD 2.5X Bushnell Banner) some, put in a load of 57 gr of 3031 and shot another ragged hole group about 1.5 inches high. A buddy of mine was sighting in his new 30-06 so I figured my 45 caliber holes wouldn't confuse him so I shot my last three rounds (58 gr of 3031) at his target. Two of the holes were touching, the third just 1-1/4" away. I was sold. Mind you, my shoulder was hurting by this point just 15 rounds into it, so the third could be a flinch (or the first two for that matter), but they were dead-center on the target. I'll load up a box for hunting the Uber tough skinned WI Whitetail deer this fall and hopefully find out if this will be enough gun. Deer are amazingly hard to kill in the northwoods, generally belted magnums are the minimum power level required. Sarcasm off now.
Now, if I only had more magnification, and a fresh shoulder, I'm sure this old girl can group better. You guys that shoot Lever Action loads in your Handi's are insane. My shoulder still hurts like hell.
