Just a question

[45north]

 i am curious as to the interest in the 45/70 over other bigger calibers. I know this has been talked about before, I have just a few quick comments or questions. If the main interest in the 45/70 is the better sectional density then say the 500 S$W then most calibers smaller than the .458 cal. will have better SD than the 45/70, such as a .338 or a .308 or .284,6.5 mm and maybe a few others. All of these will have higher SD and should in theory penetrate better than the 45/70 if based solely on SD #'s now maybe the increased amount of reloading components for the .458 is part of it.
 Just a question

 I am not trying to start any type of flame war I am just trying to understand the interest in the 45/70 over the 500S&W

45north

[LONGTOM]

It's just a neat round!
It has been around for over 125 years and still gets the job done.
It cost a lot less than the 500SW.
They don't make a BC in 500!!!
I really can't answer your question.
PEOPLE JUST LIKE IT.

LONGTOM

[STUMPJMPR]

I found the 45-70 to be more accurate with less recoil....I could also shoot it for half the price...

[Tencubed]

As has been mentioned the old 45-70 has been around for a long time.  A number of the shooters of this calibre have been doing so for many years.  The Trapdoors and lever guns that were plentiful in years past have always had a group of devotees.  In recent years there has been a surge of interest that has made our old favorite much more common on the range.

This round can be loaded up and down to suite a variety of needs and is easy on the brass.  There are a broad range of powders that work well in the straight case and the ability to use cast bullets as well as jacketed make it very versatile.

Besides all this there is something just kind of neat and fun about shooting a round that has been in constant use by many generations of riflemen.  Even the modern rifles like the Buffalo Classic can take you back many years in the shooting sports.

Mike

[LaOtto222]

The 45-70 is popular be cause of its versatility, easily available and nostalgia. It can be loaded with black powder or it's equivalent. It can be loaded down with cast bullets. It can be loaded up with cast or jacketed. It can be very accurate if down loaded or loaded up to shoulder ripping levels. As far as SD is concerned, the 45-70 will handle anything on this Continent + just about any thing else that may step in your way. I read a magazine article not too long ago where they loaded them up to full levels with 500+ grain hard cast bullets and they were shooting clean through cape buffalo. If given a choice between two guns exactly alike one in 45-70 and the other in 500 S&W, the clear winner is the 45-70 IMHO. Why not? It is just so versatile, more widely available and cheaper to shoot.

[Badnews Bob]

The .45-70 is more fun and works great, Numbers really don't matter.

 BTW in most test I've ever seen the .45-70 out penetrates everything except a .50 BMG.

[45north]

Thank you everyone for the responses. That's the information that I was looking for. I'll just get one of each. Problem solved.

  45north

[quickdtoo]

That's my motto, one of each, but you can't have too many 45-70s!!

Here's some enlightenment for those that doubt 45-70 penetration capability!! 
Tim

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BTT/is_158_26/ai_86704793

http://www.handloads.com/misc/linebaugh.penetration.tests.asp

[knight0334]

The 500 S&W is already working at near max levels..  ...where as the 45-70 has alot more potential.  Its is also cheaper too by a long shot.   It can be loaded up and down as one desires(or firearm is capable of).  And if you get bored, you can rechamber to: 45-90, 45-100, 45-110, 45-120 and to a couple 450 Nitro Express's.   The only thing you can rechamber a 500 Short & Weak to is a 500 Martin.

[45north]

I am glad that the 500 S&W is at near max levels. I would not want to shoot anything with more power in a rifle as light as the SB2 NEF handi. I am not sure the handi rifle can handle more power than the 500 S&W produces. The action will not take it.

45north

[knight0334]

lol  @^

Try some 250-275gr .458" slugs at 2800-3000fps from a 45-120 BC.

Weighing down the rifle helps.  Fill buttstock with lead..

[knight0334]

Before anyone asks, I wont give out my recipe.  All I will say is the bullets are modified and/or homemade and the pressures are around 35K-42K with recent production brass.