Author Topic: NEWBEE got ???'s (Read 369 times)

pistolfan · « **on:** April 19, 2005, 11:12:55 AM »

Hey guys: i've been thinking about getting an Highwall or a Rolling Block for both shooting in the Silohute game and ASSRA shoots or just shooting. My question, one of about a thousand, is what caliber should I go for I'd like to get one in 45-90 but I am a little recoil sensitive meaning I don't like bruising my shoulder if I don't have to. Would a 45-70 be a better choice. I guess I just don't know how much of a pounding BPCR give you. Thanks for any input, I'm sure I'll be back with a bunch more questions. Oh bye the way I'm not new to shooting or reloading, been doing both for 35 years or so since I turned 16. Thanks agin. Peter

leverfan · « **Reply #1 on:** April 19, 2005, 11:47:44 AM »

How about starting with the 45-70, since it's easier and cheaper to come by dies and components. There's no shortage of loading info, either. Later on, if you want, you can always have your chamber lengthened to 45-90.

If you want to go ahead and start with the 45-90, and the kick is unpleasant for long range sessions, put in less powder and more wads, until you make a 45-70 out of it. I can't tell you about kick, because it's just too subjective, and I also don't know how heavy a rifle you're planning to get.

popgunbpcr · « **Reply #2 on:** April 20, 2005, 01:11:47 AM »

I have 40-65's 45-70's and 45-90's.

Why not start off with the 45-90. If your sensitive to recoil start off with a mould from Steve Brooks. Get a .459 creedmore mould with five lube rings. It will seat deep, and you will be shooting a 45-70 load out of your 45-90. Then if you find you can handle the recoil, then purchase another mould that will seat out further for more powder capacity. This way a mould is less expensive than have your 45-70 chamber re-cut. Starline brass is great as long as you anneal the cases. Check out Shiloh's when considering your first rifle. Have a great day.

pistolfan · « **Reply #3 on:** April 20, 2005, 12:39:59 PM »

Thanks Guys: You both make sense, I know a man at the range I shoot at that has a 45-70 lever gun. He said I could try it out and see if I like it as far as recoil is concerned. I figure if it doesn't bother me in a lever gun which I assume is a little lighter than an Highwall or Rolling Block I'll go with the 45-90. Thanks again. Peter

leverfan · « **Reply #4 on:** April 20, 2005, 09:24:08 PM »

Quote from: popgunbpcr

This way a mould is less expensive than have your 45-70 chamber re-cut.

Depends on the mould. Most moulds worth owning for competition cost more than chamber lengthening. If you're having the barrel set back and the chamber completely recut to match specs, then yes, the extra mould is no doubt the way to go. What the heck, you'll end up with a bunch of moulds anyway, so that's really more of a coin flip situation.

Peter, you may want to make sure that you order a shotgun style butt stock on your eventual purchase. It will help make the recoil less punishing than a crescent style stock. That lever gun you try out won't fit you the same as your eventual single shot, so if you can track down some black powder cartridge shooters, you might try before you buy. The lever gun may also have a soft recoil pad that tames recoil far more than the 7.5 pounds of gun weight (if it's a Marlin 95). In other words, don't expect to learn much from shooting a lever gun with (I assume) smokeless loads. Still, it's always fun to shoot a rifle that you don't have to bother cleaning, so I'd still do it. It's sort of like spoiling grandkids and sending them home to their parents.