45 70 loads

[bikerbeans]

Hello All,

Was reading the 45 70 pointed bullet post and didn't want to hog it so here's a new one.

The Barnes 45/70 Govt, Ruger 1 & 3 Only data says tested to 55,000 psi

I have seen data from Ramshot that lists 45 70 Ruger 1 & 3 as up to 40,000 psi.

Is there a max pressure for 45 70 Ruger 1 & 3 only? 

And the real question, is it smart to assume what's good for the Ruger 1 & 3 is good for the handi 45 70? 

I have two (2) 45 70s showing up next week, one new (2007 vintage) the other is a used 1988 vintage.  I am thinking the new one is probably okay with Ruger 45 70, but what about the older gun? 

The idea of 2,800 fps plus (250 gr) in a 45 70 sounds like fun.

thanks

BB

[quickdtoo]

You'll find different max pressures for 45-70 load levels depending on the source, the SAAMI max average pressure for trapdoor is 28kpsi, you'll find some data uses that for levergun max, Hodgdon and Hornady use it for trapdoor, 40kpsi for levergun and 50kpsi for Modern rifles(ruger), others vary. You'll also see kcup and kpsi figures, but in the 45-70, they're the same value for all intents and purposes as shown on the Alliant chart below.

Considering the H&R is factory chambered in 500 S&W which has a .526" case head, compared to the .506" case head of the 45-70 and a SAAMI MAP of 60kpsi, and operates at ~53kpsi, modern 45-70 loads are safe in the H&R, underlug longevity at that level is another question as some H&R 500S&Ws have suffered underlug set back resulting in loose barrels that were replaced by H&R, but so have 270 Wins....eventually.  Whether Ruger loads are safe for the shooter is another matter entirely!!

Tim

[NickSS]

I'll ditto the above reply and add that I have shot a lot of 45-70s out of a lot of rifles and when you are talking ruger level loads they may be safe to fire, deadly on game, but in a light weight rifle they are brutal to fire anyway but off hand and even then you will know that you have been nudged.  I load 35 to 40 KSI loads for my Marlin lever action when I use it for bear protection during Alaskan fishing trips.  When I sight my rifle in I always wear a magnum Past recoil shield and even then 10 rounds gives me whiplash and a head ache.  I found that a 400 gr bullet at around 1400 fps was all the fun I wanted to shoot in a handy rifle with any regularity.  My deer, elk and pig load is a 330 gr LFP at 1450.  It kills them dead without bashing my shoulder in. 

[kevinsmith5]

My 45-70 BC has 19 ounces of lead shot in the bolt hole and wears a lace on recoil pad with about an inch of foam in it.  Ruger loads in reasonable bullet weights are tolerable. (Some of this may also be related to the fact that I am  6'2" 275 pound former college linebacker)