45/70 loads for Black Bear and bigger

[Johnn Peterson]

Yes John Peterson, he was The Zen Master of the Big Bores wasn't he!
Thanks for the uber cool photo!!

Cheers.................

A shooting buddy & I visited him for a day at Salmon Idaho in the mid 70's. I took the picture of him standing by my truck just before we left.

 

[Snuffy]

I appreciate all the input

My father was at Epps and it ididnt seem that they carried alot of 45-70 bullets but will check myself

What is the reason for raising the Velocity to 1900-2000fps?

Again thanks for information

 

[THX1139]

I appreciate all the input

My father was at Epps and it ididnt seem that they carried alot of 45-70 bullets but will check myself

What is the reason for raising the Velocity to 1900-2000fps?

Again thanks for information

Bullet Barn on the Sunshine Coast has them.

Here's the load I've got in case I run into Winnie the Pooh:

Marlin GG (Stainless)
Remington virgin brass cases
405 gr LRNFP-GC hard cast Bullet Barn bullets
39 gr H-4198 powder and Winchester WLR primer
approx 1650 fps

 

[mbguy]

300gr Barnes X

For me, I use 300 gr Barnes X Flat points made for 45-70 and 48 gr RL7, winchester brass and wlr primers.

For what its worth.....and that would probably be good for just about any bear!

 

[Demonical]

I appreciate all the input

My father was at Epps and it ididnt seem that they carried alot of 45-70 bullets but will check myself

What is the reason for raising the Velocity to 1900-2000fps?

Again thanks for information

Is that question aimed at me? I'll answer it anyway.

For me it was just experimenting, to learn what the loads & the M1895 would do. And my conclusion is that the Marlin M1895 is an unbelievably strong, reliable rifle. I also learned it will handle loads that will rattle your teeth, if you are crazy enough to push it. Finally, I don't think those type loads are necessary, or smart. Now I would limit the 350gr loads to 1800-1900fps, the 400/405gr bullets to 1700fps tops.
I haven't played with some of the 300gr bullets like the Nosler or the Barnes X or hard cast bullets.

I'd love to try the new Barnes Bear Buster bullet.

Btw, I was looking at the Speer manual, and it says right in there that the 400gr Speer is not constructed strongly enough to penetrate on big bears. When I loaded those, I missed that note...
Anyway, I think they're crap. Too soft... maybe okay on deer and the small stuff...


Edit to add:
Also, the .45-70 has got to be one of the most interesting cartridges there is for the reloader. There's just so many things you can try, especially when you factor in the business of casting your own bullets, even though I haven't gone there yet. The business of customizing your bullets type, hardness, alone could be endless!
Plus the various rifle this cartridge is chambered in etc...
You could spend years just experimenting with the damn thing!

 

[crazy_davey]

Now you've got my attention. I knew there was 'something' about that bullet/powder combo I liked. Go Elmer.

Cool Pic Johnn!

 

[phishroy]

For me, I use 300 gr Barnes X Flat points made for 45-70 and 48 gr RL7, winchester brass and wlr primers.

For what its worth.....and that would probably be good for just about any bear!

X2 ive used them with extremely good results, no fragmenting at all. just a nice mushroom that keeps plowing forward.

 

[josquin]

Bullet Barn on the Sunshine Coast has them.

Here's the load I've got in case I run into Winnie the Pooh:

Marlin GG (Stainless)
Remington virgin brass cases
405 gr LRNFP-GC hard cast Bullet Barn bullets
39 gr H-4198 powder and Winchester WLR primer
approx 1650 fps

I have a load with those bullets using 45 gr. of RL7. I don't remember the velocity offhand but it may be closer to 1700. Not too pleasant off the bench, however!

Having seen the penetration of Bullet Barn 240 gr. RNFP in my Marlin 1894 .44 mag., I doubt that you need to push the 45-70 much:

At 25 yards., the .44 mag. RNFP went clear through this and a 2 x 12" behind it.

A year ago I shot a marauding blackie with the .44 mag. using the Hornady 265 gr. FP over a stout load of H-110.
That bullet only penetrated to the back of the 3rd piece of plywood in the test above and looked like this:

Stuart

 

[Why not?]

All I have used for the past fifteen years, or so, in my Marlin, is 50 gr of IMR3031 with a 400 gr cast bullet.

Accurate, easy on the rifle, the brass, and the shooter, but very hard on game!

Ted

 

[josquin]

All I have used for the past fifteen years, or so, in my Marlin, is 50 gr of IMR3031 with a 400 gr cast bullet.

Accurate, easy on the rifle, the brass, and the shooter, but very hard on game!

Ted

Hard to get a better recommendation than that.

Stuart

 

[Snuffy]

there are alot of good recommendations in this thread