Handi- Rifle .45-70 questions

[Rat Rod Mac]

 I have been kicking the idea around about buying a Handi-rifle in .45-70. I need this rifle like I need a hole thru my head, but thought it would be fun to play with it with some black powder and cast bullets. Have any of you guys tried this before? With a scope of say 6 power would two inch groups be out of the question at 100 yards? Thanks in advance for your thoughts and ideas.   RRM

[mechanic]

I've shot a lot of black, or at least black subs through my Buffalo Classic.  They shoot great.  I use a 405 grain hollow base bullet that I cast.   As for the 2" groups, you should be able to cut that in half.  My 22" 45-70 with smokeless reloads moving about 1700 fps. is more accurate that I am able to take advantage of.  From a sled, it will almost cut a ragged hole.  Off my shoulder and a rest I can shoot 1".  A young fellow with good eyesight and steady nerves should beat me all day!

You will enjoy the Handi, but make room in your safe.  There are about 20 more you will want.........

Ben

[quickdtoo]

Everyone needs at least one H&R 45-70, I have six plus a 45-120, three of them are Buff Classics, go for it!! Check out the BP Handi article from the FAQs. 

Tim

http://www.castbullet.com/shooting/1871.htm

[Flemc1]

I agree with Quick ,  " need at least one " I have 8 Handi's in the stable . I had a 45-70 Brl sent to my Brother in KS a year ago , He is now a card carring Handiholic . Get one , shoot it often , and enjoy !  

Chris

And Yes they will shoot cast boolits , mine is topped with Truglow fiberoptics , it will cut a ragged hole in the paper @ 100 yds with 350 Hornday RN , also 405 cast . Havent tryed BP , but several members here have with good results .

[dangerranger]

Im new to loading the 45 70. with factory jacketed my Bufalo Classic would put 3 touching at 50yds. best Ive done with cast is 2" at 100yds. that was with a 10x scope. Im trying to cut that at least in half. these were shot with a soft lead bullit, Im going to cast up some with a harder alloy, may work better in the handi rifling. but 2" was easy to achive. DR

[quickdtoo]

Mine shoot jacketed very well, haven't shot much cast tho except in the 45-120.

Tim

[sANTAMOUR123]

I shoot the leverevolutions at 1' @100

[thejanitor]

I hate recoil, but my son bought one and after seeing how accurate his was I bought a barrel here in the classifieds... these are THE most accurate rifles we own. And the hot 405 gr jacketed load touches holes at 100 yds and the Trail Boss loads with 405 cast dance a pop can all over at 100 yds. with the recoil of a 410 ga. You can have all the fun you want with one, on pretty much any continent with the right loads.
My son and I are going to take the 45-70s loaded with Trail Boss loads for rabbits this year instead of the .54 Muzzleloaders. There is a lot of fun waiting for you...... Sorry I have not used Black powder in it, but I am sure it will be fun for you. Hope you get one. Let us know how your BP shooting goes.  thejanitor

[Spanky]

I shoot the leverevolutions at 1' @100

A 12 inch group at 100 yds. ain't much to brag about.
It should shoot alot better than that.
Even my old overbore 44 mag would shoot 4 inches at 100 yds.



Spanky

[LONGTOM]

Right now I own 4 BCs, a Win 1885 takedown, a Win 1885 HighWall, a 22" Handi and an 18" shorty.
None will shoot the leverloutions under 2" at 100 which would still do the job on deer but all of them except the shorty loves the Win 300gr HPs.
They all shoot under 1.5", even the 86 with open sights.
The 22" Handi will cut holes with ease and a couple of the BCs do almost as well.
Havn't tried BP yet but really want to.
For this I would like to use nickle brass to help cut down on the corrosion.
As soon as deer season is over I want to work with the shorty first and find a load that it likes.
Maybe this summer I will try the BP route.



LONGTOM

[nframe]

Once you get one 45-70, more will follow you home.  Much like if you adopt a stray animal, more inevitably come to your door.  I think I have six now and none are Handi's.  There is an as new one owner at the local pusher for 229 and a BB ser# 357 Max for 289.  Who knows what might happen?

I shoot almost exclusively cast bullets in all of them from 300 to 525 gr.  420 Ranch Dog may be my favorite with 2400 or 5744. at 1200-1400 fps.  I'm mostly past the BTTW phase after near 30 years of playing with 45-70s.  Probably my favorite rifle cartridge.  358 Win for a bottleneck case.  What can't you do with a 45-70 and a 22

[whiteoper]

One real problem with a 45-70 is the fun factor.  My 45-70 goes through my lead supply, my trail boss supply, my BP supply and eats into my smokeless supply.  You have to becarefull with the old girl as she is very addictive.

[petemi]

I shoot the leverevolutions at 1' @100

A 12 inch group at 100 yds. ain't much to brag about.
It should shoot alot better than that.
Even my old overbore 44 mag would shoot 4 inches at 100 yds.



Spanky

Spanky, the guy didn't hit the "shift" key.....it's supposed to be inches.

Pete