Anyone hunt with a 45/70?

Most memorable shot I ever took was with Marlin 45-70 (no scope), 300gr. Rem HP handload. Whitetail buck obscured behind tree, snowing, 120 my paces. Stuck his head around to see what I was doing, Put front bead on neck, shot, and he went down and never moved.

Also hunted with Navy Arms Rolling Block (half round barrel) with tang sight. Used 405gr lead paper patch blaclpowder load. Shot Mule Deer buck at 100yards or so out on prairie near Buffalo, AB. One shot and it's done.

Using 45-70 really made hunting fun and challenge vs. rifle and scope. Gave me a feeling of what it was like back in "the day".
 
Ruger No.1-S .45/70 and 405 cast at 1900 fps and 325 FTX at 2350 fps... does the trick on whatever you point it at.
 
350gr Hornady loaded with H4198 to 2150fps (book max).

My Marlin is sighted in dead on at 100 yards and has been proven to be a potent bush gun.
 
Well since its kinda similar and its unlikely someone is going to start a "who hunts with a fiddy seventy thread", I have hunted with 350 grain lead bullet at 1400ft/sec from a 50/70 gov round. It was very effective on a couple of 100 yard targets that decided to get in its way. :)
 
Ive shot some whitetail and bear using the 325 Hornady Leverolution this year. The trajectory appears to be pretty flat (+/- 2 inchs up to 200 yards) with minimal meat loss. I actually shot a decent sized white tail clean through both front shoulders and there was minimal meat loss (blood shot or just mangling it) when we butchered it.
 
I used my Marlin GBL with reloads for my last moose at 74 yrds. I use 350 gr Hornady Flat points reloaded with 54gr of 4198 running average 1985 fps. Tipped the little fella over in his tracks. This could also work for gophers if are so inclined.
 
When I did hunt with it I used a 500 gn, pure lead paper patched bullet on top of IMR4895 I think. Pushed it around 1200-1250fps
 
My 1895 CB is loaded with 405 grain cast @ 1915 fps. I reload my dad's 1895 GBL with 340 grain cast @ 2200 fps.

Way more than a fellow really needs for anything, but we have to get over 2800 ft/lbs for legally hunting bison up here, which is way past the 45-70 load that actually killed millions of them...

Just another case of "energy" meaning squat in terms of killing power...
 
Here is my 2014 white tail buck shot with 1885 high wall 350gr Speer hot core @2300fps the deer was 111 yards. bullet was a pass through in the ribs out the shoulder. It fell like it was struck by lighting.
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Northman999 said:
My 1895 CB is loaded with 405 grain cast @ 1915 fps. I reload my dad's 1895 GBL with 340 grain cast @ 2200 fps.

Way more than a fellow really needs for anything, but we have to get over 2800 ft/lbs for legally hunting bison up here, which is way past the 45-70 load that actually killed millions of them...

Just another case of "energy" meaning squat in terms of killing power...
Click to expand...


Bit off topic but the energy limit considering the 45/70 and buffalo. Are hand loads an issue. For example factory trapdoor loads would fall short. Garret offerings would exceed it. How do you prove the load? Who has the onus of proof in this case?
 
November 25th, 2014 buck taken with leverevolution 325gr, 45-70 at less than 40 yds. Quartering to me a bit but went in behind the front shoulder and exited near the back of the rib cage. He went about 50 yds but left blood the whole way.

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RC
 
brybenn said:
Bit off topic but the energy limit considering the 45/70 and buffalo. Are hand loads an issue. For example factory trapdoor loads would fall short. Garret offerings would exceed it. How do you prove the load? Who has the onus of proof in this case?
Click to expand...

Reloading is the means to customize and optimize a load for your rifle. Most people do it for accuracy and it is very addictive.

Always use a reloading manual and follow the recommended limits. For example use Hodgdon manual for reference http://www.hodgdonreloading.com/data/rifle. There are different loads for different types of 45/70.

The responsibility is always on the reloader. At all times start at the lower limit and work yourself up ½ gr a time and never exceed the book max.

You may also want to use a shooting chronograph to measure the bullet speed to ensure it is being loaded within the safety limits. Watch for signs of excessive pressure.

If you are a beginner, ask someone to help you to select the right equipment and components, and go over the reloading process with you the first time.

Have fun and play safe!
 
Nice buck DB I've passed on 6 spikes this fall haven't been able to find anything bigger yet and the season has only 2 weeks left...

Haven't hunted with my 45-70's this year brother has my Marlin 1895GS for fishing trip protection I still have my 22" and 14" barreled T/C Contender carbine barrels here but been to busy hunting with other Contender carbines in 6.8SPC - 7-30 Waters - 35 Rem - 375JDJ to take them out this year.

I am getting ready to use the 45-70 Contenders again next year especially the 14" barrel I plan to take this short little 29.5" OAL thumper on all my hiking/camping/fishing trips.

I also just ordered 200 of jethunters .459" 350gr cast/gas checked/WFN bullets found them on his ad in the EE Reloading section if they work out these will become the only bullets I use in my 14" barreled Contender 45-70.
 
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