45-70 subsonic loads

[howard NZ]

As you know I am getting a 45-70 barrel, am going to when I can afford to, is get a suppressor/silencer fitted to it to quieten full loads and reduce recoil but will like to fiddle with a subsonic loads with the big projectiles, has anyone played around with subsonic handloads, the thought of creeping close to some feral goats and knocking one over without the rest of the herd bolting in every direction into the bush does appeal to me or when I see a opossum (national pest in New Zealand) up a tree I can shoot it without scaring every other animal out of the area, any info much appreciated,
thanks Howard

[Cottonwood]

I don't believe there has ever been any development for sub-sonic loads for the 45-70, hence because the case length is 2.1" inches.  Now if you can get your hands on either Accurate Arms 5744 or Unique Powder you are probably not going to get the reduced loadings that you want... don't know.

On the supressor issue, I won't even discuss it.  Its outlawed here for hunting and besides its way un-ethical as well, at least in the United States it is  

[Fred M]

If you give me the water volume of the case in gr, the length of the bullet, the bullet weight, bullet make, the barrel length and the approximate velocity you are looking for. I can make some predictions with Quick Load. The program will come up with some very close approximations.

The lightest available bullet would use the lesser amount of powder for less noise. Guess would be about 250 -300gr bullets.

All these loads would be with fast pistol or shotgun powders. Best results would with the use of a chronograph.

[quickdtoo]

Here's a heck of a good start for ya, load data included!!!!

http://missoula.bigsky.net/western/cbip/b457130.html

Tim

[Dr. A]

My favorite close to what you are talking abou tis 10gr. of Titegroup with a Winchester pistol primer and a 405gr. cast bullet.  Lots more data here.  The sight also describes the differrent ignition technique (convective vs. conductive) and why fillers are not appropriate!  Unfortunately, they are usually only CLOSE to subsonic...

http://www.gmdr.com/

[glock29]

Ethics-Schmethics.......
Booooooooooooorrrrrrrrrriiiinggggggg.
I don't want anyone ELSES or any other GROUPS ethics/morals having ANY impact on the decisions I can make for myself, thank you.
The only ethics/morals that should come into play in ANY situation including the use of a suppressor for hunting (where legal, but it SHOULD be EVERYWHERE) should be left up to the INDIVIDUAL hunter/shooter.

[quickdtoo]

Longcruise has some interesting loads that you may be interested in, too...

http://www.mikeswillowlake.com/45-70_fun.htm

Tim

[howard NZ]

Thanks guys, this will give me a head start. My hunting dog thinks suppressed guns are way better, when he is pointing an animal and I am shooting over the top with a 45-70 not to mention my ears, yeah I reckon in New Zealand we are lucky to be able to use suppressors otherwise I might have to consider a bow and arrow :grin:and they really arn't so handi
Howard.

[quickdtoo]

Or even a big bore pellet rifle!!!!

http://www.pyramydair.com/cgi-bin/model.pl?model_id=516

Tim

[pascalp]

You may find valuable informations here:

http://www.gmdr.com/lever/lowveldata.htm

http://www.leverguns.com/articles/paco/small_charges.htm

Go ahead, light load and suppressor (when legal) give a lot of fun. Hunting or varmiting, i don't know. I only practice at range, 22lr, 30-30 and now 22Hornet (next will be a 45-70). One of my buddy had a lot of fun with a 300savage, his silenced load give him 2" at 200 yards and he could improve.

[howard NZ]

Beento the sites given and now filed in favourites, so will be no problem to do,
thanks Howard.
ps I am a member of a number of internet groups and I must say, how helpful you guys are and when I can offer help to any of you, it will always with pleasure.