45/ 70 v 300 wsm recoil comparision

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thepolinator

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Hey all. I am considering a 45/70. My only concern is how much recoil this gun will have. I don't mind recoil; however my 300 wsm is pretty close to my recoil tolerance ( at least for bench shooting). So my question is how does the recoil on the 45/70 compare with the 300 wsm or other similar cartridges. Is it similar to 12 ga 3 in slugs out of a modified choke?
 
Factory loads would be mild compared to your wsm. Heavy bullets loaded to potential give a good jolt though. Not real snappy like your magnum by nature of being a thousand fps or so slower but it thumps alright. If you google recoil charts you should come up with energies of different cals to give you an idea.
 
In the same rifle (same model and manufacturer), I'd say the govt would recoil less, though if your going with something lighter compared to something heavier then its apples to oranges.
 
I know that when I fired four rounds of 45-70 Hornady Lever Evolution out of my Ruger #1, it was more recoil than I was comfortable with. It belongs to someone else now.
For me the 300 WSM recoil was more tolerable.
 
If you put a 2x4 butt end at your shoulder:
A 45-70 is like someone pushing the other end firmly,
A 300 wsm is like someone hitting the other end with a hammer.

Both have a solid kick, but the Mag is sharper/quicker.
 
Magnums have a snap while the 45/70 and 9.3x62 are more of a push. The 45/70 in factory loads is very mild, the only time I ever found a 45/70 uncomfortable was with a Ruger No 3 carbine, however wit the Ruger No 1 rifle is was completely different, the same as with a Marlin Guide gun i.e not an issue.
 
It depends what rifle you're shooting it out of. I had an extra lightweight rifle that would just about break my hand and crack my cheek bone. I sold it. I shoot heavier 45-70s today and love them.
 
I agree with everyone else that the 45-70 is more of a push. BUT, if you're a hand loader, 450gr hardcast at 1700fps or 405's at 1950fps will most certainly wake you up in the morning when shot of of the 7.5 pound marlins ;)
 
I won't shoot my 1886 from a bench with Leverevolution. Standing is fine. I blame the curved steel buttplate. Factory loads tailored to older rifles are much more manageable. Best way to describe the recoil is it's like shooting magnum shotgun slugs.
 
Thats exactly it, I find mine feels more like a shotgun. I swapped the stock thin hard recoil pad out for a limbsaver, but I do that on most of my guns. If you can make it more comfortable, why wouldnt you?
 
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Out of what rifle? It matters. The 45-70 with a 405 grain bullet and 70 grains of BP out of a Trapdoor Carbine(about 7 pounds) hurts to shoot(long story but my shoulder still has stretch marks). Out of a Marlin lever action(7.5 pounds depending on the model), it doesn't.
Most factory .45-70 ammo is loaded to BP pressures due to the huge numbers of Trapdoor rifles and carbines around. The .45-70 can be loaded to near .458 Win velocities for use in modern(read Ruger) rifles though.
 
My Marlin GBL is a pussycat with factory loads. And like it's been said a few times already. It shoves you, it doesn't smack you.
 
The 45-70 with the top loads of 430 grain and up will jolt your fillings . Don't let anyone tell u push vs shove . With factory 300, 325 and 405gr rems its fun to shoot and a lot less recoil than a 300wsm .
 
It depends on the rifle. A .45/70 Marlin Guide Gun, with 18" barrel, and 'cranked' loads, shot off the bench, will make you chip your teeth...

A .300WSM will not do that...
 
Yes, my handloads with 405s is a push, a very hard brain rattling push. I also shoot a 338 and find the recoil between the 2 comparable. My 300 wsm is a pussy cat in comparison.
 
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