Looking at two fun rifles

[Redhawk45]

I have recently picked up a shikari in 45/70, but the weird thing is I have read they came in a 28'' barrel, this one is 24''   Anyway I have been thinking of getting a few more long range single shots.  I have looked and thinking of getting a H&R Buffalo Classic Rifle and the target model in 38-55.  Anyone have one of these?  How far have you shot yours?  Do you like it? I reload and wonder what people have been using as far as powder and bullets?  Would I have to follow trapdoor loads with these rifles?  I know a lot of questions, but my shooting buddys don't shoot stuff like this   Thanks everyone!

[quickdtoo]

The BCs are real popular here and to a lesser degree, so is the Target. But for long range, the BC is king, dodd3 shoots his to 800yds using a Smith long range sight. Unlike the Shikari, the BC can handle loads well into Ruger data with proper load development, but long range loads are usually quite mild in comparison as long range matches to 1000yds are shot with blackpowder.

Tim

[mt3030]

Redhawk45:
The Shikaris were all built on the older H&R receivers. Thus are limited the "Springfield" loads. That being said, they still work very well for deer. One nice thing about these older rifles was that they had cut rifling, and I think showed better accuracy, especially with cast bullets. If you want long range, you need one of new models on the SB2 action. And of course the BC has that long barrel.

I've owned two that were factory original, and they had 28" barrels. Later I found one that some idiot had taken a hack saw to and hacked at about 21". The barrel was a mess, but the rifle was very cheap so I picked it up and had the barrel properly done at 20". Had the original sight relocated and had a recoil pad added at the same time. Has turned out to be my favorite 45-70 for packing.

[Redhawk45]

I picked up a box of federal 45/70 in the "old school" box.  They are 405 castlead bullets.  I wonder how they will shot.  I will post my results after the weekend.

[mt3030]

I have not had a chance to try any commerially loaded cast loads yet. So far my favorite Shikari loads are the Remington 405 factory loads or the same bullet handloaded to factory duplicated levels. Will be interested on how they work for you. Thank you for posting the data.

[Redhawk45]

Hey no problem.  I was surprised how heavy a crimp they have on the round.  I mostly shoot out of wheelguns is castbullets and I don't see why I would change for these fun rifles