Hunting Grizzly with the 45-70

Lots of options for handloading your 458 Win. Mag: 300gr @ 2800 fps, 350gr @ 2600 fps, 400gr @ 2500 fps, 500gr @ 2200 fps. I've used the 300gr X at 2600 fps (Ruger No.1 45-70) on Bull Elk with spectacular results.
 
45-70, 458 Win. Mag. and 458 Lott shown here. 45 caliber 500gr stomping power.

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hoytcanon said:
Distance is only an issue if you compare it to something else with more reach. Both pronghorn and sheep and goats have been successfully hunted with archery gear... it is just a matter of accepting the limitations of your chosen equipment and staying within those limitations... having bowhunted for the past 40 years, I not only accept the limitations of archery gear, but I relish them.
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Absolutely. It was a bit tongue in cheek. Our ancestors managed to get the odd one with pointed sticks, but in practical terms, the 45-70 is not a long range gun, but in terms of stopping power, it is definitely pretty darned high on the list.
 
GUB said:
Yesterday I had my 45-70 Remlin with 1x4 scope at the range.
With the Barnes 400gr. flat nose original bullets.
I was surprised how acuarte it was at 100 yds.
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My GG will shoot ragged one-hole groups at 100 consistently with 325 LeverEvolution factory ammo. In terms of accuracy, it's probably the 2nd most accurate rifle I've ever owned, as those groups are with open sights and old eyes. I just wish I could develop a handload that shoots that well, although I did have one with PC'd 405 gr. HP's that shot very, very well offhand. Haven't had a chance to do any formal testing or chrony it.
 
Slamfire said:
Better range with the 45-70 loaded to full potential in a Ruger No.1. Has 300+ fps over the Marlin.
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Absolutely. But then, a 458 Lott probably gets around 700 fps over a 45-70, but it still wouldn't be my first choice for a long range gun. Mind you, if Billy Dixon were around, he might disagree with me, but if I ever got a chance to go after pronghorn, I wouldn't take my 45-70. I would probably use my 6.5. But if I ever get to go for grizzly or Alaska moose, even though the 6.5 would be enough gun, I would take my 45-70 and maybe a 338 for open country. But it's all a question of druthers - which makes the best wife? A blonde, brunette, redhead or blackhaired woman?
 
Papaclaude said:
Absolutely. It was a bit tongue in cheek. Our ancestors managed to get the odd one with pointed sticks, but in practical terms, the 45-70 is not a long range gun, but in terms of stopping power, it is definitely pretty darned high on the list.
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I have never found 45/70 to have all that much "stopping power"..... how exactly do we define "stopping power" anyways?
 
Stumbled upon these last season and were fresh. Note the claw length, a Grizzly. Sightings every now and again - from a safe distance. And have had Grizzlies approach when calling Elk and Moose. :eek:

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Yes, the 458 Lott! A great round that will literally put any animal down. 500 gr bullet moving at 2300 fps provides a significant amount of energy.

Having said that shot placement is still important. Cape buffalo have killed many people because of a poor shot (or even a good double lung shot) with a big gun! A cape buffalo can easily live for 5 minutes with a double lung fatal shot with a 40 or 50 caliber rifle. If the buffalo has your number and charges you the only defense is a cranial shot. If you miss you have a 2000 lb mad buffalo goring you for 3 minutes before he dies. Most likely you will not fair very well.

As a general rule to stop a large animal in its tracks you need a spinal shot or a cranial shot. Again this is why a mono metal bullet (i.e. Barnes) works best in these situations.
 
long range shooter said:
Y.

As a general rule to stop a large animal in its tracks you need a spinal shot or a cranial shot. Again this is why a mono metal bullet (i.e. Barnes) works best in these situations.
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Yeah but when buddy got the first shot on that big bear. He was using Nosler 270 gr. ? Accubond 375 H+H. 60 ft.
His shot wrecked the bears neck and spinal cord. I put 3 more shots it it before it settled down.
Done on my second. from 20 ft Tough animals.
I'm holding the one bullet the taxidermist found behind its skull. 174.3 gr Nosler partition from a 260 gr from a 375 H+H also
It hit so hard the lead core slipped slightly in the copper jacket
 
Superbrad said:
Ironically, there is way more complicated stuff at play regarding what most people consider "stopping power".....

As an engineer, I prefer BUM's definition....... make me noggin' hurt less....
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I was always under the impression that an Engineers job IS to make yer noggin' hurt more........

Well...... at least in my world (Structural & Mechanical engineers).
 
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