Hunting Grizzly with the 45-70

Weatherby2 said:
I just got my hands on 2 boxs of 300gr ballistic silver tips not planning to use them on grizzly but are they a decent bullet?
Click to expand...

You can expect them to perform at a level similar to the 325 FTX bullet... great for deer and black bear.
 
Last edited:
An innovative design, the Woodleigh Hydrostatically Stabilized bullet. Maximizes the lethality of the Marlin 45-70 on big Bear?

"These new generation hydrostatically stabilized bullets deliver tremendous shock transfer with deep penetration and extremely reliable straight line performance."

http://www.woodleighbullets.com.au/products/hydrostatically-stabilised

Appears 400gr are available for a lever 45-70 -

http://www.woodleighbullets.com.au/bullet-lists/hydrostatically-stabilised

https://www.tradeexcanada.com/content/h4570-hydrostatic-stabilized-projectiles-4570--
 
Last edited:
Geez how did hunters at the turn of the century ever kill animals with the technology available back then? Today's wildlife must have evolved from nuclear testing like Godzilla if we need such technologically advanced bullets in yesteryears calibres to get the job done today?! :rolleyes:
 
Hunting experiences with a Marlin 45-70 using jacketed lead bullets have demonstrated to me it isn't the penetrator it's perceived to be. The Woodleigh HS bullet offers hope! :p
 
Last edited:
Just read a article on how Ernest Hemingway used a 30-06 to double lung a Rhino at 300 yds. with open sites
But after failing to stop a Cape Buffalo charge with the '06
He switched to a .577 Nitro Express with a 750 gr. at 2050 fps on his 2nd African safari
At that time anyone could plead ignorance about ballistics but with todays knowledge there is NO reason to be under gunned
 
Interesting write up in the Woodleigh Bullets Reloading Manual on the development and effectiveness of the HS bullet. Also, they are aware of what the future may hold for the sporting use of lead bullets. Page 34 -

"Finally the homogeneous construction is environmentally sensitive which will help preserve the game fields for future generations of sportsmen and women."
 
Slamfire said:
An innovative design, the Woodleigh Hydrostatically Stabilized bullet. Maximizes the lethality of the Marlin 45-70 on big Bear?

"These new generation hydrostatically stabilized bullets deliver tremendous shock transfer with deep penetration and extremely reliable straight line performance."

http://www.woodleighbullets.com.au/products/hydrostatically-stabilised

Appears 400gr are available for a lever 45-70 -

http://www.woodleighbullets.com.au/bullet-lists/hydrostatically-stabilised

https://www.tradeexcanada.com/content/h4570-hydrostatic-stabilized-projectiles-4570--
Click to expand...

Those are non-expanding correct?
 
Not exactly. The nose opens up slightly. As I had mentioned in an earlier post I believe the best bullet to use in a lever 45-70 on big Bear is a heavy flat nose solid but BC regulations don't permit non-expanding bullets.
 
Slamfire said:
Not exactly. The nose opens up slightly. As I had mentioned in an earlier post I believe the best bullet to use in a lever 45-70 on big Bear is a heavy flat nose solid but BC regulations don't permit non-expanding bullets.
Click to expand...

BC defines Hard Cast bullets as "non-expanding?" In every application of non-expanding that I have seen the intent and reference was to Metal Jacketed bullets.
 
Slamfire said:
A heavy 458 flat nose solid would seem to be the appropriate bullet to use in a Marlin 45-70 on big Grizzly however BC hunting reg's don't permit these -

"It is unlawful to hunt or trap with a rifle using a full metal jacketed non-expanding
bullet, or a tracer, incendiary, or explosive bullet"

Page 17 - http://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/sports-recreation-arts-and-culture/outdoor-recreation/fishing-and-hunting/hunting/regulations/2016-2018/hunting-trapping-synopsis-2016-2018.pdf

Actually an explosive bullet - say a 20mm Vulcan cannon round - would be much more appropriate if allowed! :p
Click to expand...

hoytcanon said:
BC defines Hard Cast bullets as "non-expanding?" In every application of non-expanding that I have seen the intent and reference was to Metal Jacketed bullets.
Click to expand...

BC reg's as stated above. My Marlin would not shoot cast bullets with consistent accuracy - too many fliers and key-holers - so I've dismissed these for hunting. Someone else mentioned that about Marlin's in this thread. The Woodleigh HS bullet would seem to perform well.
 
My choice would not be a 45-70.

The gun you should use should be the one you shoot most accurately and are comfortable with. Any gun equal to or larger than a 30-06 with a bullet which will stay together (i.e. mono metal) is a good choice. I personally like the 300 win mag with a 175 Barnes bullet. I shot a 800 lb plus coastal grizzly at 250 yards with a 175 gr Barnes with one shot right through the heart. He walked 6 steps and fell over. Shot placement is always the most important in hunting.

Unfortunately people think bigger is better and they cannot manage the recoil and end up making a bad shot.

Many northern guides carry a large bore for self defense in the bush (the hunter is doing the hunting, the guide has his gun for back up and protection). The majority of guides I have seen carry a 375 H&H or a 416 or even a 12 gauge with slugs/000.
 
405 grain woodliegh weld core would be my choice for for the marlin or for any lever gun @2100 fps I think it would take down any grizzly bear with proper shot placement and with in 100 yards.

DSCN24171.jpg
[/IMG]
 
Here is another pic 405 woodliegh
I shot these out of my 45-70 1885 Miruko Winchester high wall. They were traveling @ 2100 fps 4-1 gallon water jugs 5-2X6 s so 10" of wood and a 1 gallon water jug filed with sand @20 yards load 56gr H-4895 min load
DSCN2419_640x480_.jpg
[/IMG]
 
Barnes 300 gr bullet.The sand jug with all of the bullets test for the 45-70 that I did was the only way to collect the bullets with out using 15 +milk jugs.
I shot these out of my 45-70 1885 Miruko Winchester high wall. They were traveling @ 2350 fps 4-1 gallon water jugs 5-2X6 s so 10" of wood and a 1 gallon water jug filed with sand @20 yards this load was min powder charge 49 grs IMR 4198.

DSCN2426_640x480_.jpg
[/IMG]
 
577-450 said:
Barnes 300 gr bullet.The sand jug with all of the bullets test for the 45-70 that I did was the only way to collect the bullets with out using 15 +milk jugs.
I shot these out of my 45-70 1885 Miruko Winchester high wall. They were traveling @ 2350 fps 4-1 gallon water jugs 5-2X6 s so 10" of wood and a 1 gallon water jug filed with sand @20 yards this load was min powder charge 49 grs IMR 4198.

DSCN2426_640x480_.jpg
[/IMG]
Click to expand...

Impressive... I have zero experience with Barnes bullets in the .45/70... and nothing that I hunt with a .45/70 would require that level of performance, but if I were considering the .45/70 for grizzly, I would think hard about those TSX bullets.
 
Last edited:
577-450 said:
Barnes 300 gr bullet.The sand jug with all of the bullets test for the 45-70 that I did was the only way to collect the bullets with out using 15 +milk jugs.
I shot these out of my 45-70 1885 Miruko Winchester high wall. They were traveling @ 2350 fps 4-1 gallon water jugs 5-2X6 s so 10" of wood and a 1 gallon water jug filed with sand @20 yards this load was min powder charge 49 grs IMR 4198.
Click to expand...

I've shot Elk with the 300gr X bullet in my Ruger No.1. Works great. I can load these to 2600 fps, I would imagine your 1885 could also?
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom