Strength of 45-70 handi?

[txpitdog]

Can these handle more than the trapdoor loads or should I keep it to that level?   

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[revbc]

They can handle way more than most shoulders can    Up to and including Ruger loads.

[quickdtoo]

Depends on the model, vintage Shikaris(pre '87) are on cast iron frames and should be limited to trapdoor loads, but modern SB2 framed 45-70s are fine with stout loads, the Handi is factory available in 500S&W which has a larger case head than the 45-70 and a SAAMI maximum average pressure of 60kpsi which produces considerably more breech thrust than any 45-70 load. The BIG question is can the shooter handle the recoil of the heavier loads?  Most prefer trapdoor to low levergun levels for that reason. 

Tim

[petemi]

There's also a lunatic fringe element wandering around here that's not satisfied getting mauled by max .45-70 loads.  I won't mention names, but they ream them out to .45-120s in their quest for pain so they can really suffer.    Yeah, the SB2 Handi will take more than you can.

Pete

[lrrice]

Ive had the black and blue shoulder to prove it and I was nowhere near the guns limit... but I was over my limit.

[Sourdough]

My son loads a 500gr bullet for his 45-70 loads, that will knock your socks loose.  My .338 win mag pales in comparison. 

[tacklebury]

I've shot only one powder through my .45-70 except black powder and that's Reloader7.  I load it from 34 gr. for trap door level plinkers for the wife to shoot up to 52 gr. barn burners which will take you off your feet almost, with modest pressure.  The latter level is Ruger #1 and I've found it really isn't necessary for me.  My go to load is 48 gr. Reloader7 and Hornady's 350 gr. FP.  It'll shoot through any animal in North America easily and is accurate out to 250 yard ranges with about 2' hold over.    It will still push you around a bit at the bench, but very comfortable for me to shoot freestanding as I do hunting.
 

[cpileri]

How does the modern SB2 45-70 compare with the Siamese Mauser conversions?
I would be concerned not so much with the receiver face and breech thrust as with the barrel latch and lockup strength; as compared to the locking lugs of the bolt action.
 
C-

[quickdtoo]

Longevity is another matter entirely, the underlug is the weak point on the Handi, the 500S&W is known to set back the underlug when using full pressure loads extensively and the reason why I reinforced mine(see underlug improvement in the FAQs. That and flex in the action itself, although I've never had a problem with straight wall chamberings, it shows itself in high pressure bottlenecked rounds as a hard to push barrel release button and a gap between frame and barrel face after the shot(before opening the action) and brass that won't fully rechamber without full lenth resizing first, neither of which I've experienced with 60kpsi loads in the 405 Win and 444 Marlin or 50kpsi loads in 45-70 or 500S&W.

Tim

[gcrank1]

We are somewhat assuming that you know there are 3 levels of 45-70 loads, too.
1) Trapdoor safe
2) Marlin Leverguns
3) Ruger
Try a top 'trapdoor' load first, and compare it to trapdoor safe factory, if you have it. Then, if so inclined try a lower end level 2 load. You will know pretty quick what you want to shoot.

[45-70.gov]

top end trap door loads is all the fun i want

[txpitdog]

I appreciate all the responses and info.  Yes, I am aware of the 3 categories as I load for my Marlin Guide Gun.  Was also headed down the path of acquiring a Ruger #1 45-70 but skipped ahead and ended up with a 458 Lott!

I was going to shoot my Handi on Saturday when I asked the question, but the goof asses at the range wouldn't let me set up my chrony. I will try again at a more accommodating range this weekend. 

Thanks again, and I will post a complete report on my project soon!

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[gcrank1]

Sounds like you are used to big kickers............probably ones that would make me whine (or worse)  , and know a'plenty. We are anxious to hear your report.