Barnes bullets for 45/70 ??
- Thread starter Poguebilt
- Start date
- Location
- Kitchener, ON
Poguebilt said:
Hello There!
Just a suggestion, but I cannot think of an instance where you might really need a premium bullet in a 45-70 for any North American game. I like the idea of premium bullets in a .270 to .30 caliber high velocity cartridge because it gives the controlled expansion and keeps on trucking, instead of blowing up prematurely and not penetrating to the vitals. However, velocities are low enough in the 45-70 (1700 to 2100 fps) that the bullet of regular construction will still hold together well enough completely pass through light skinned game and smash through the tough hide and bones of dangerous game. Remember, the 458 cal is at about the same diameter that a .30 cal bullet will eventually expand to in an animal, with about twice the weight and momentum. The 458 doesn't really need to expand all that much to work, if any.
I have found that the Hornady 350gr. FP #4503 is plenty of power in a Guide gun. You could also try the Hornady 300gr. HP #4500 in your Marlin for plenty of accuracy and knockdown power, although that may be a bit light and too expansive for grizzly bears. I have been lucky and found that Reloader 7 works very well with any jacketed bullet from 300gr to 400gr in a Marlin Guide Gun.
I do have a box of 400gr. Barnes Originals sitting on my bench, but at a buck a pop, never felt the need to do serious development with them. 500gr banded solids are more for dangerous African game, IMHO. Fun to try maybe, but punishing for an afternoon at the range.
