45-70 in a G2... which loads

[azmike]

Thinking of adding a 45-70 barrel to my rapidly multiplying list of G2 barrels. 

Before I do, can anyone tell me what the pressure limit would be on the 45-70 in a G2.  Do I need to stick with level one (trapdoor) loads, or can the G2 SAFELY take level 2 (Marlin 1895) loads on a fairly regular basis? 

Thanks in advance for your replies.

Mike

[Hopalong7]

TC used to say no more than trap door level.  This was quite a while ago(over 10yrs.) long before the G-2.  I love shooting my Contender (mostly in hand-gun configuration) in 45-70, but trap-door level is enough for me.  I know JD Jones said to limit the TC barrel to trap door and only go to the next level with his barrel.  That sounds like sales pitch, but, I generally found what he said to be true.  I found the recoil of my Contender carbine with a S-16 barrel to be quite punishing with the same load that I fully enjoyed shooting in the hand gun.  GOOD SHOOTIN',  Walt

[azmike]

Thanks for the information. 

Maybe I'll just stick with the 30-30 and 35 Remington for now.

Regards,

Mike

[throttleman]

Hello azmike,

It is true that the Contender in .45-70 can only go to 28,000 cup as told to me by T/C Arms.  Don't let that get you down though.
The IMR reloading manual lists a 405 grain cast bullet at 1706 fps with 48.5 grains of 3031 (21,100 cup).  The Hodgdon manual lists a 300 grain hp at 2221 fps with 55 grains of H4198(27,600 cup).  If those loads aren't more snort than you need, you better buy a Ruger #1.  I can attest to the recoil produced by loads less hot.  It will get your attention!  Happy shooting azmike!

Jeff

[quickdtoo]

The Hodgdon data is in a 24" barrel FWIW, Hornady lists IMR4198 as the best performing powder in their TC Handgun data, although they used a 16" barrel, 1600fps for the 300gr and 1550fps for the 350gr.

Tim

[throttleman]

Yes quickdtoo is right.  The manual does list the barrel lengths as 24".  That is the sweet part about the Contender.  You can buy a factory 23" barrel and get nearly the performance listed in the manual with a very short, compact and sweet handling package-all within the SAAMI specs!

Jeff