.45-70 shot loads...is that a thing?

[Chuckbuster]

Has anybody ever tried to create shot loads for their .45-70? I've been wondering about the feasibility of this since I carry mine during deer season, and think maybe it would be good to have a few handy for any grouse or rabbits that deign to show themselves while on stand, or to and from.

I've read a few things scattered around online that offered mixed results, or were second hand opinions, so would be interested in hearing from anybody that's actually tried it.

 

[PlaidSon]

I heard the patterns are hollow in the center like a donut due to the shot column spinning from the rifling. I would think at the distances I shoot rabbits it wouldn't be a problem though.

 

[Deuce-deuce]

Probably easier to just load a .410

 

[Galt]

Here's 410 out of a 45 70

 

[unstableryan]

yeah, I have done it. works ok. I have surrounded the shot with a thick paper tube, wax, etc... capped with cardboard on top and nailpolish paint to seal.

 

[Galt]

I have the H and R Survivor in 45 Colt/410 but have never tried it without the choke. May give it a try tomorrow, see what I get.

 

[Chuckbuster]

Here's 410 out of a 45 70

Interesting, but I think I would pass on that!

 

[Chuckbuster]

yeah, I have done it. works ok. I have surrounded the shot with a thick paper tube, wax, etc... capped with cardboard on top and nailpolish paint to seal.

Huh. That's interesting...minute of bush chicken?

 

[bcnorth]

Yes I use a 410 wad and cap with an inverted gas check and a roll crimp.

 

[Chuckbuster]

Yes I use a 410 wad and cap with an inverted gas check and a roll crimp.

What kind of results do you get?

 

[mbogo3]

There's also a 3 ball load that patterns quite well I've read.....I see now a thread on this John Wooters had his hockshop load.....Harold

 

[Ganderite]

Velocity must be low, otherwise pattern is blown badly. Use as much shot as you can, and a small dose of fast powder.

 

[unstableryan]

Velocity must be low, otherwise pattern is blown badly. Use as much shot as you can, and a small dose of fast powder.

I found this to be true too.

and three ball loads are a lot of fun.

 

[Chuckbuster]

Velocity must be low, otherwise pattern is blown badly. Use as much shot as you can, and a small dose of fast powder.

Thanks.

 

[dnepr]

Never done the 45/70 but use them all the time in my .444 marlin . They have put a lot of grouse in the freezer

 

[j_06]

I load mine up for my 44 mag using a 45 colt to punch a a piece of cracker box for an under and over shot wads using #8 shot and unique. A bit of a crimp holds it in. The pattern is okish out to 15 yards and doesn't donut like the capsules style do. I've heard of chopping down 303 brass to use in a 44 but the rims a wee bit thick for my Rossi and I haven got around to modifying the rims. Haven't taken anything with them, only cans.

 

[keith mokry]

I use the 410 21/2#6 shot in my marlin 1895 and a baikal sxs with good results on chicken.

 

[Gatehouse]

Never done it for 45/70 but made 45 colt loads. Put a gas check on top of powder, add shot, invert gas check themna. Time to hold it in place. Close range it works. G

 

[nowarningshot]

Look up Forager loads on Google...gives some interesting ideas. I would think it would be a 10yd/30 ft thing.