45-70 BC Barrel Project Options

[mattparliament]

Hello all!

Well, recently I purchased a 45-70 BC barrel off the forum here.  I already have one that I love and is a great shooter.  I purchased the barrel as a "project barrel" with the intent of making it something else, perhaps a 45-90/110/120.  Leaving practicality behind I thought a 45-120 with some 250 grain barnes TSX or even 300 grainers would be fun, maybe push the 458 mag velocities.  I realize that isn't the purpose of the 45-120 but remember practicality is being left behind and FUN is the intent.  Anybody have any ideas on just what to do with this barrel?

[quickdtoo]

Matt,

Given the pressure limits of the SB2 frame, the 45-90 is probably the best choice if you take into consideration the cost of brass, the 45-120 is an awesome cartridge and performs well at similar velocities that the 45-70 is capable of, but at lower pressures due to the larger case. But due to the large case volume, it's not easy to fully utilize that volume without using fillers to keep the powder where it needs to be. I've thought about using Puflon to work up heavier loads in the 45-120, I tried H4895 without fillers with 500gr+ bullets and got Hodgdon's advertised velocity, but also got hang fires due to powder position sensitivity. In your shoes, I think I'd opt for the 45-90 or maybe 45-100 IF brass availability and cost are considered, there's a lot of potential there if one is careful.

Good luck in your quest!!

Tim

[mattparliament]

I thought I read somewhere that 4-70 brass could be used in a 45-90 IF the bullets were seated out far enough, is that true or am I crazy for even thinking such a horrendous thought?

[quickdtoo]

45-70 rounds can be shot in any of the bigger kin, but accuracy may suffer due to the long bullet jump and a good cleaning would be needed before shooting the longer cartridge just as the same is required if shooting 38s in a 357mag. If you're interested in shooting bigger bullets in the 45-70, just run a throating reamer into it, that can be done at home, an easy job.

Tim

[Rustyinfla]

  It's my impression from what I've seen that if you're shooting smokeless powder there's really nothing to be gained in going for anything bigger than the .45-70. The only time the .45-90/110/120 make any difference is when you're shooting black powder.

  Like I say that just a brief observation, I've never looked up the data in a manual or anything. Could someone set me straight on that? The only thing that might be gained would be slightly lower pressures, but like Tim said you also have to deal with larger cases which presents it's own set of problems.

                                thanks,
                                  Rusty <><

[rex6666]

Matt
their is a 45/120 barrel on E-BAY now, bid is at $150.00

[mattparliament]

yeah, but I've already got the 45-70 barrel.  Also, on the bay that sucker will probably fetch upwards of $200!

[cowboyup453]

  It's my impression from what I've seen that if you're shooting smokeless powder there's really nothing to be gained in going for anything bigger than the .45-70. The only time the .45-90/110/120 make any difference is when you're shooting black powder.

  Like I say that just a brief observation, I've never looked up the data in a manual or anything. Could someone set me straight on that? The only thing that might be gained would be slightly lower pressures, but like Tim said you also have to deal with larger cases which presents it's own set of problems.

                                thanks,
                                  Rusty <><

In my lyman manual it says basicaly the same thing. Not much advantage for the 45-90 couple hundred fps at the most and the brass is almost twice as much. I would go 45-120 just for the shock and awe factor. If you dont mind paying $2 each for the brass.

[Smokin Joe]

Matt, I converted one of my B/C barrels to .45-90 and I think if I were in your shoes, I would just throat the .45-70 out a little and use it for paper-patched black powder shooting.

 If you get tired of it you can always go up to the .45-90.

[RugerNo3]

Quick gave you some sound advice. Recoil is tough to endure and can lead to nasty flinch habits. Work up to the elephant guns slowly. Mind over matter is the watchword. I could let you try some 300gr at 2500 plus or 400 gr at 2200 or maybe a 500gr Hornady at 1800 from a 6 1/4 pound Ruger. You'll really fall in love with the 300gr cast at 1600 quickly. These are Ruger loads in the 45-70 Ruger chamber. Loaded long. Lotsa powder. In the later 70's Ruger went to the SAAMI 45-70 and that meant shortening the rounds up. If you throat that Handi barrel to load to 2.8" you will bring tears to many eyes with a lightweight 45-70. Remember you said fun.

[mattparliament]

I currently shoot my 45-70 300 grainers at 2400fps without any issues, I have a good redoil management system that works for me.  Maybe I should just ream the throat, get some Barnes TSX's and work them up.  I (and quick) gained some nice velocities using them on our whelens, perhaps I could get that 300 grainer up to 2600 fps, THAT would be just plain cool.  We'll see.

Matt

[quickdtoo]

Matt, if NFG can get 2700fps with cup and core bullets, the TSX should do a bit better!!

Tim

http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,94841.msg1098229367.html#msg1098229367

[mattparliament]

wow, that's just plain COOL.  I think NFG had the same intentions I do.  I'll just have to buy a box of them and try some load development I guess.

[dave hall]

I made my 45-70 Handi into the 90 after reading about smokinjoes.It more power than you'll ever want in a 7 pound gun.I had it close to start loads of the 458 Win.Your arm will give before the gun.Out of all the rifles I've had this is my favorite.You can go from light loads to brutal.

[Bear Rider]

Qickdtoo,

There is a simple solution to the powder space problem with the .45-120.

Just use the holy black that it was designed for. 

[quickdtoo]

Not interested in blackpowder or substitutes, they cost as much as smokeless, ya have to use more of it, they don't provide the same velocities for quantity used, if I want to use black, I'll put it in one of my muzzleloaders. My first shots out of the 45-120 were with T7 cuz I had some, but Goex or any real blackpowder is almost impossible to buy here unless I join a blackpowder club which isn't practical any more, since they're all too far from home. I'll reserve the Goex and Elephant I have for my flinter.

Tim