Why 45/70 ?????

X-fan said:
I understand the stopping capabilities of the 45/70, but why on earth would anybody choose to hunt with one?

I don't really understand all the 45/70 recommendations in a recent black bear thread???
Is there allure in the dismal range characteristics of the 45/70??
Do we choose it to protect ourselves from the black bear?

If I want a challenge I hunt with a recurve or compound bow and maybe (someday) a black powder rifle.
If I'm serious and want to get the job done I bring a rifle chambered in a cartridge with some performance.

If I want history I bring a 7X57, 30-06, 375 H&H, or 416 Rigby.....All of which are much more logical general purpose rifles.

Just my opinion and all in fun of course.:D

What interests me is why do you choose to hunt with the 45/70 and why do you recommend it??
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Why the 45/70? Because the 45/120 was a little too much for smokeless powder :)
45/70 on the left.
45-120SharpsStraight.jpg
 
Whatever I hunt with I do it because it is FUN.
I could care less about "what is better" "flatter" or "more historical"
I've hunted with the 45/70 falling block, 577/450 Martinis, .577 Sniders, rolling blocks, 7x57's , long bows, muzzle loaders, and all manner of weird and wonderful things.
I've also hunted past 1,000 with cutting edge wildcats ( for their day) , and with a 308 palma rifle.
My main rifle at the moment is an open sighted O/U in 6.5X55, and I don't care who says it's no good.
The only things I haven't hunted with is one of those zombie killer semi autos, a stainless /synthetic stocked rifle or an inline - and I'm not about to start.
I don't like those guns, so won't own them.
i don't care if somebody else does however, and I certainly won't try to figure out why!:D
Cat
 
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For three seasons I hunted flatlands prairie mule deer and white tail deer with a Ruger #1 in 45-70, loaded with 300 Hollow Points running at maximum velocity. I filled the freezer every year and even scored a couple of nice bucks out of the deal.
The 45-70 is an awesome performer in a strong action (Ruger #1), I have no experience with the Marlin though.
Cheers
 
If you check the history,the 45/70 has been around a long time.In a Marlin or 86 you can load the 45/70 to do almost anything.I have shot my best W.T. with my Guide Gun (170) I have also Finnished bear's that people have wounded with bow's and rifle's.
I would say the 45/70 is one of the best.
 
Seabass said:
So I hope you learned not use cheap bullets and wound game. Remington 405's cannot be pushed that fast and be expected to hold together. You should have done some bullet reserch prior to your hunt and used a proper bullet. There are plenty of .458 bullets that would have passed thu the Elk on any angle. I do agree with the 300gr Nosler Partition being a great .458 bullet, one of the best, too bad Nosler dropped it.

Better luck next time.

Cheers

Seabass
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Yeah I learned not to listen to a lot of experts on the web and do my own research and testing. This was an eye opener that worked out because I had a partner with me. I still hear people saying these are hard bullets and real good for going fast in the GG. I was posting to share a bad experience. I have learned much since then, and filter info on the net a bit better too:cool:
 
Why do I hunt with the 45-70 Govt?

a) Fun round to hunt with
b) Forces me to be a hunter, not a long range shooter due to the trajectory.
c) The history of the 45-70 Government and the leverguns associated with it.
d) Handloaded properly, it damages less meat and drops big game with authority when I do my part with good bullet placement.
e) Easy to handload.
f) One of my favorite go-to rounds.

Why I recommend it?

Pretty much the same reasons as above.
 
I wanted a rifle that I would use at ranges where iron sites are a better choice then a scope. A lever action rifle was the best option, so the choices are simple, .444, 30/30 or 45/70. Why buy a 30/30 when you can buy a 45/70?
 
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