Gents,

I'm about to pick up a Marlin 45/70.

I'm going to buy a variety of ammunition. I've shot some of it, but not these crazy loads.

Has anyone shot the Buffalo Bore Magnum loads before?

I.e 405gr @ 2000fps or 500gr @ 1625fps?

300gr at 2,250fps etc

Any first hand experience with these bad boys would be appreciated.

Yeah, I hope you have a shoulder pad if you plan to spend some time at the range.

Seriously though they're fun as heck. Never had a problem with that ammo if that's what you're asking. I did manage to blow up a watermelon at 50 yards

Yep. Both of those. We also fired a .375 RUM stuffed with 300 grain Nosler Partitions at 2,850 fps and a .458 Win Mag with 500 grain solids the same day.

The 45/70 was the most docile of the 3 rifles.

I'm only seeing positives here gentlemen!

Looking forward to it.

Since we're on (somewhat) specialized loads, what are the heaviest and lightest loads you've seen commercially?

500gr the heaviest? 300 lightest?

"I only have so much time in this earth. I want to get real weird with it."

Personally I only have experience with those two loads. Never really bothered to look for any "special" loads.

Fair enough.

I know it's a fool's errand, but I'm on a mission to prove the 45/70 is equally versatile to .458 SOCOM. (Friend has a SOCOM)

I fully realize the SOCOM most likely will have the broadest array of bullet selection.

I just like the history, action and soul of the 45/70 better, so I'm happy regardless.
Appreciate the feedback.

I've only shot Rem 405 and Hornady LeverEvolution 325.




 

Love it!

I started a preemptive thread awhile ago, and another member turned me on to leather loop wraps.

Simple things.

Shooting watermelons.

Having leather on your hand rather than metal.

God bless this site, and God bless lever actions.

Garrett has a 540 grain bullet at over 1500fps. http://www.garrettcartridges.com/4570.html

Years ago I bought a box just because... They were FUN to shoot. Didn't hurt at all when fired through my Marlin 1895, more like the recoil from a BP gun. A big slow push that you can't stop, not the sharp smack of most modern magnums.

Jesus. They also have a $7.50/round copper plated round nose.

Not all are that pricey, but they sure do have some interesting loads!

Bought some 540s on your recommendation.

Thanks Hawk!

I shot some HSM 430grain at 1800fps today.
My rifle has a 16in barrel and recoil isn't that bad but you wouldn't mistake it for a .308
    How can you not love a rifle that is the size of a daisy red rider but will put down a rhino.

 

And I have a new signature!

  I don't think I've ever been quoted ... Cool
I bought some dies yesterday to load up my own.  I'm trying to decide if I want to get into casting my own or buying hardcast.
       I think a cast 405 with some H322 will be my new coyote load

They've gone up in price a bit since I tried them. I think I paid less than $40...

And I lied about the Marlin.

Ended up going with the Henry H010CC

Blued, 22" octagonal barrel.

How do you like it? Thinking about picking one up. Pics?

Does it have the color cased receiver like this one?

Do not shoot heavy loads in the 45-70 without a shoulder pad.

Do not shoot heavy loads in the 45-70 from the bench.

Do not shoot more than a couple of heavy rounds of 45-70 in one session.

If you ignore these axioms, have your wife take a picture of your bruised body when you get home from the range and post it here so the next guy will believe.

I'm not kidding.

"Illegally bought online." (Dummy libs)

It's shipping to my FFL now. I'm thinking Wednesday? I'll update with pictures.

It better!

I believe you. I honestly do.

That being said, I'm probably going to "restaurant" it at some point.

Waiter: "Sir, be VERY careful. Your plate is EXTREMELY hot."

***ssss***

Patron: "OW! I burned myself! That plate is effing hot!"

Love this gun.


Leather wrap by Roys, thanks to soowah for turning me towards them.

These were smokey, but powerful. Your big slow unstoppable push was a great analogy.

I think that the heavy loads get a little over hyped on recoil.
I'm not saying they aren't stout but a grown man with no shoulder issues shouldn't be worried.
  That steel Henery is nice

Nice! What sling is that?

I can't decide between this and one of the all weather hard chromed versions coming out this year with a 18"barrel. This one is pretty as hell, but a pound heavier. Would be a hunting rifle

Montana 1.25" Sling

I don't know about the new ones...but I love mine. Action is great, shoots true, and the recoil pad is effective.

Yes, I shoot the 405 grain Buffalo Bore .45-70 Magnum ammo, but in a stout single shot for our "primitive weapons" deer season here.  We are limited to single shot, exposed hammer rifles, but can use modern optics.  The rules don't permit lever guns, though, or I'd have a Marlin Guide Gun or 1895.

My H&R 1871 Buffalo Classic has a long 32" barrel, so the ammo actually exceeds 2100 fps.  Recoil is "brisk" but manageable with slip on Limbsaver recoil pad over that curved steel buttplate! Muzzle energy is over 4,000 ft. lbs.  I also handload 400 grain Barnes Originals to that velocity.  Deer drop where they stand at sensible distances.

I didn't listen. (But didn't completely disregard.)

I've been absolutely enamored with my Henry 45-70. It's becoming a favorite of my collection. I've shot a ton of stuff through it, from Garrett Cartridges of Texas, Buffalo Bore, DoubleTap, Federal, and Hornady.

I found a good deal on a few cases of Hornady 325gr (NOT a hot load) so I've been shooting that recently to save coin.

(My favorite two loads are from Garrett, but they're pricey)

Anyway, I went through 40 rounds of the stuff, and thought:

"You know you've only shot this puppy standing. You should shoot some from the bench. Don't be a little girl, commit to shooting your last 20 round box from the bench."

Hammer fell on the first cartridge. Wow. What a difference in recoil. Felt recoil, while subjective, felt almost twice as much as standing shots. I only did 10 from the bench and finished the box standing.

I cannot imagine what that would have felt like with hot loads. (Well, I can, but you get my point.)

Clearly, I like the gun enough and find the recoil decent enough to bring three boxes of 45-70 to the range. That being said, the difference is dramatically different when bench shooting.

I'm glad my Buffalo Bore and Garrett stayed at home today, and I am re affirming to the firearms community RugRat's warning was valid.