45-70 recoil

buzz720

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I'm thinking about getting an 1895 gs or sbl and I'm wondering how manageable the recoil is. What is it comparable to?
 
I have felt the recoil just by standing in the shooting shack.
It rocks the shingles.
And you can hear the bullets hit the backstop.
I guess it all depends on what the bullet weight and powder charge is.
They will be along shortly, those that shoot this dust disturber.....
 
got a 444 marlin load 270 speers solid kick.... I have fired 45/70 never owned one I think the stock design does not help alot either but if I wanted to compare to something common It would be a 12 gauge firing a slug
 
Hi Buzz. I don't have a .45-70, but, have a Marlin .450. I do not find the recoil bad at all, maybe comparable to shooting a 12 gauge. Of course, I'm 6' 2", 240lbs., so I soak-up recoil rather well. ;)

I find that it's more of a push.
 
The 45/70 is quite manageable with factory loads or comparable handloads, and recoil is not a problem, in reloading manuals, these are considered "Trapdoor" loads, and are mostly safe in older guns. When you load the 45/70 to it's highest capabilities, eg: 480-500gr. bullet at 1800+ fps., recoil can be vicious....most folks tolerance level is somewhere in between. Whatever you decide, reloading will allow you to try diff. levels and save a pile of money.
 
Reload and you can adjust the load to be good enough for hunting and still not kill your shoulder.

I use a 405 grain cast bullet with a gas check. I run them around 1400 fps and it is lethal. And my shoulder can take a day at the range without being bruised and sore.
 
Iam a suck when it comes to recoil...I just dont like it..but its cool...wouldnt want to shoot it for a long time.....size means nothing iam 6 ft 4" and the wife is five foot nothing and shoots anything she wants
 
my understanding the 450 marlin is loaded at the 45/70 full potential so its got to be solid kick compared to the factory loads for the 45 /70 ...it is loaded to 3 main levels of performence....3rd level is not kid stuff anymore
 
My 1895 Marlin feels like you are shooting a 12 gauge slug gun with 405 cast @ 1700 fps. A 350 Hornady SP @ 2100 fps on the other hand will hurt you if you don't have a good grip on the rifle. LoL
 
Recoil can be anywhere from mild with factory loads to "invigorating" with some hand loads. 2000+ fps with 350s and 1900+ with 450s.
 
It's not bad at all and is more of a push than a kick. But then again all I've shot out of mine is 325gr LeverEvolution's
 
I shoot the winchester 300gr hollow points, have taken a couple of whitetail bucks with them. Great round and hardly kicks at all.
 
Marlin1895GS45-70.jpg


Shooting 'most' factory loads out of my 1895GS, a walk in the park. Handloads, loaded to what the rifle is capable of handling, and especially with the heavier cast or jacketed bullets, that's another kettle of fish. With the straight stock design, recoil with top end loads can be a little hard on the fingers. I'm using primarily 400gr Speer and 405gr Remington bullets. As well, I 'may' have to change to a longer eye relief scope or possibly take it off altogether.
 
I have a double rifle in .45/70 and the recoil is stout but quite manageable with factory 300gr bullets. At just a hair over 6lbs there isnt much but me to absorb the energy though! :p

This winter the plan is to start reloading with heavier cast bullets, work up a proper load and head out in the spring with a shovel to dig out a bear and try it out!!
 
I find its not the sharp crack you get from a .30 cal or similar. It gives you a good poke but more of a shove like a shotgun....if that makes any sense.
 
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