Author Topic: Gonna Get a 45-70 - Help Please (Read 1211 times)

35Rem · « **on:** August 02, 2005, 03:58:44 PM »

Well, I've read enough, and I'm gonna bite the bullet and buy a 45-70.
It seems walmart has the best price around here, but money talks.

Any suggestions on Factory ammo?

How about a scope under $100? What size, Power, etc?
Any preference on Rings, too?

Should I look at a check rest/pad when using a scope?

Thanks in Advance,

35Rem

Varminter · « **Reply #1 on:** August 02, 2005, 04:09:45 PM »

I don't have one but i can still help you out a bit.
Factory ammo i'm not sure but i have heard some talking about remington green box corelokts and PMC +P rounds. That prolly don't help much but theres what i know.

As for the rings....Burris Zee rings are good. mediums work

and the scope......if you want to spend just alittle more the Muellers are really good.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #2 on:** August 02, 2005, 04:40:55 PM »

Factory ammo abounds for the 45-70...this list is a couple years old, but gives you an idea....I would recommend the PMC 350gr Silver if you want a hot load at about $20 a box. The Federal 300gr is supposed to be real good stuff, too. Just about anything will shoot good in the 45-70 Handi, so pick the level of performance and abuse you want!!!

Tim

$41.54 250g @ 2200fps, 2687fpe, Barnes X Flat Nose (Conley)
$??.?? 300g @ 1810fps, 2182fpe (Remington @ Remington web site)
$20.39 300g @ 1880fps, 2355fpe (Winchester JHP, Natchez)
$20.60 300g @ 1880fps, 2355fpe (Federal, Natchez)
$29.81 300g @ 1880fps, 2355fpe (Winchester Partition Gold, Natchez)
$22.84 300g @ 2100fps, 2938fpe, HP (Conley)
$44.66 300g @ 2100fps, 2938fpe, Barnes Original Flat Point (Conley)
$32.50 300g @ 2100fps, 2938fpe, Nosler Partition (Protected Point) (Conley)
$41.54 300g @ 2100fps, 2938fpe, Barnes X Flat Nose (Conley)
$25.08 350g @ 1970fps, 3017fpe, Hornady JFP (Conley)
$34.89 350g @ 1800fps, 2519fpe, BCSP (Corbon @ Corbon web site)
$19.47 350g @ 2025fps, 3188fpe, PMC @CheaperThanDirt.com)
$39.99 350g @ 2150fps, 3593fpe (Buffalo Bore Ammo @ Cabelas)
$24.99 400g @ 1250fps, 1388fpe (Black Hills @ Cabelas)
$44.66 400g @ 1900fps, 3207fpe, Barnes Original Flat Point (Conley)
$54.46 400g @ 1900fps, 3207fpe, Swift A-Frame Flat Point (Conley)
$12.99 405g @ 1350fps, 1639fpe (PMC @ Cabelas)
$18.99 405g @ 1100fps, 1088fpe (Ultramax @ Cabelas)
$22.50 405g @ 1325fps, 1579fpe, RNFP (Conley)
$18.99 405g @ 1330fps, 1590fpe (Remington @ Cabelas)
$24.50 405g @

(Winchester @ Cascade Ammunition web site)
$35.57 405g @ 1700fps, 2600fpe, FPPE (Corbon @ Corbon web site)
$22.99 405g @ 1900fps, 3247fpe, JSP (Conley)
$39.99 405g @ 2000fps, 3597fpe (Buffalo Bore Ammo @ Cabelas)
$41.99 405g @

(Obsolete Ammunition @ Cabelas)
$50.00 420g @ 1850fps, 3200fpe (Garrett)
$39.99 430g @ 1925fps, 3537fpe (Buffalo Bore Ammo @ Cabelas)
$34.50 460g @ 1650fps, 2780fpe, HC (Corbon @ Corbon web site)
$41.99 500g @

(Obsolete Ammunition @ Cabelas)
$52.99 500g @ 1625fps, 2931fpe (Buffalo Bore Ammo @ Cabelas)
$50.00 540g @ 1550fps, 2880fpe (Garrett)
$180.00 500g @ 1530fps, 2600fpe (Speer AGS Tungsten, Garrett)

Cottonwood · « **Reply #3 on:** August 02, 2005, 04:49:19 PM »

45-70 is a good selection

I've never used a cheek rest on my 45-70 so I can't help you out there, but as far as scopes go, Simmons, Tasco, Burris etc.

3x9x40mm or 3x9x44 are good to use as far as power goes. Some prefer a fixed power scope. That is the nice thing about them, there is a scope for everyones liking.

Best rule of thumb by several are, choose a scope that is equal in the price of your rifle.

I also own a bolt action Savage 12FV in .223 with a heavy tactical barrel. I put a Burris Signature series 3x9x40mm scope on it, not cheap either.

Datil · « **Reply #4 on:** August 02, 2005, 04:58:26 PM »

35 Rem,
Welcome to GBO Forum

Everybody needs 45-70, Fun Gun.
Slay anything in States. Get your self a Classic Lee Loader, learn to reload, save a bunch money a lot more shooting, :-D
You take Care Marv.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #5 on:** August 02, 2005, 05:09:13 PM »

Geez, where are my manners!!! :oops: Welcome aboard 35rem!!

I would recommend a scope with generous eye relief, specially if you're gonna be shootin the heavier loads. A 2-7x would be a good choice, but one that is gonna stand up to the recoil of the 45-70 should cost a bit more than $100, not that there aren't any in that price range, it's just that it might not hold up well. Some of the Simmons closeout shotgun scopes may be worth checking into, although they'll have the parallax set at 75yds instead of 100yds. My favorite for a bit more money would be the Leupold VX-1 2-7x33 for $180 in gloss or $200 in matte. They are excellent glass and worth every penney they cost, unlike their more expensive scopes.

For rings, I only use Burris Signature Zee rings, mediums usually work, highs are needed sometimes, depending on the scope.

http://theopticzone.com/searchresult.aspx?CategoryID=44

Tim

ajj · « **Reply #6 on:** August 03, 2005, 03:08:24 AM »

When I bought mine I got a box each of Rem 300, Rem 405, Win 300 and Fed 300. The Remington 300 grain CONSISTENTLY made 1.5" five shot 100 yard groups from a bench. The others were up around 3 inches which isn't bad for an iron-sighted Handi, but the one load was clearly better. Others find their rifles like other loads. You just have to experiment.
This is an ideal caliber for handloading. Many, many powders work well and cast bullets are available from dozens of suppliers. Launch 405's at around 1200fps for enjoyable, accurate shooting and terrific long range plinking. For the life of me I can't understand the desire to get maximum velocity from this round. All it does is make the gun punishing to shoot. Whoever described this rifle as having your own, private siege howitzer was right on. It's just too much fun.

35Rem · « **Reply #7 on:** August 03, 2005, 01:44:33 PM »

Thanks for the responses.
I placed my order at Walmart today, they said 3 business days. I will post when I get it in my mitts.

I have reloaded a little in the past, for my 35 Remington and some 38 Sp and 357 mags. If you couldn't tell, I like the 35 caliber.

This is probably a great candidate for reloading. I will need to pick up a set of Lee dies, no biggie. I have always saved brass, anyway.

I was looking at a Redfield Widefield in a 2-7x30mm. It's around $100, so I was wondering if anyone had anything better?

I've been partial to Millet rings. Any comments?
What height rings should I get? It's a small objective scope, so it CAN mount pretty low. I've heard of some clearence problems witht the hammer?

I think I'll also put a Limbsaver on this one as well. Not that the factory (trapdoor) loads need it, but I think I'm going to shorten the stock a little, anyway.

I was wondering if there were any problems seeing the scope with the straight stock, as opposed to the monte carlo. My concern is lifting my head off the stock before I touch off some +P something. I figure that might not feel too great. Any thoughts?

Thanks again.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #8 on:** August 03, 2005, 02:03:11 PM »

For most people the straight stock won't work well for a scope, just depends on your anatomy.

I don't care for Millett windage adjustable rings, it's too easy to tweak a scope tube with em unless they're properly aligned and lapped. That's the beauty of Burris sig zees, no lapping and never a misalignment problem with them, no ring marks keep my scope values at their highest.

Hammer clearance will be the key issue, I can usually get away with medium burris rings, just depends on the power ring/ocular bell positioning and size.

As for Redfield, if it's one of their Japan built models, or the original US built scopes, it's probably a pretty good one, but their PRC built scopes may not be a good choice.

Limbsavers are the best, I have several of em.

Tim

tanoose · « **Reply #9 on:** August 03, 2005, 02:13:00 PM »

Welcome 35 your gonna love the 45/70 handi rifle mine shoots well with 300/350/and 400 grain bullets with the factory winchester 300 JHP super accurate and a pleasure to shoot. If you reload NEF would reccommend the lever action data for there handi rifle. A recent talk with there customer service they do not reccommend high pressure loads from companies like Buffalo bore , etc. Besides if you wanna take cape buffalo then go get a 458 Lott. As far as a scope i haven't tried the new Leupold riflemen scopes or the VX1 but a 2x7 or 3x9 should be fine and the price isn't up there. My dad uses a 35rem and he just loves his 1x5 bushnell trophy scope which can be had for around $85.00. And i plan on putting my 3x9 trophy on my nef 12 guage. Good luck and have fun Tanoose

mr.frosty · « **Reply #10 on:** August 03, 2005, 03:02:02 PM »

The Remington green box of 300gr at Midway's site is 20 bucks a box.
I just ordered 2 boxes of the PMC 350s for my 1895 and cant wait to try them.

jason280 · « **Reply #11 on:** August 03, 2005, 03:27:56 PM »

You'll love the .45-70! Of all the guns I shoot, the .45-70 is by far my favorite. Try the PMC Cowboy loads, which load a 405gr lead bullet at around 1300 fps. They're cheap, and accurate to boot!

If you want to shoot heavier stuff, I highly recommend handloading. I also agree with Burris Zee rings, which work very well. The only problem is you will need higher than normal rings to clear the ridiculous hammer spur on the Handi!

poncaguy · « **Reply #12 on:** August 03, 2005, 05:15:10 PM »

I have a Mueller 2x7 on mine, perfect fot the 45-70, 300 Remingtons very accurate in mine, trying 405's next

quickdtoo · « **Reply #13 on:** August 03, 2005, 05:44:36 PM »

Other than the parallax being set a 75yds, the Mueller Multi-shot would be an excellent scope for a 45-70.

http://theopticzone.com/detail.aspx?ID=2310

http://www.muelleroptics.com/multi-shot.htm

Tim

J-Train · « **Reply #14 on:** August 04, 2005, 10:22:29 AM »

I got my .45-70 Handi a couple months ago, used, from a pawn shop. It loves everything I've shot in it so far--all handloads I had made up for my Marlin Guide Gun. Nothing hot, just mid-level loads with 300, 350 and 405 grain cast bullets. I got a Weaver 2.5X scope for my Guide Gun from Natchez last year for under a hundred bucks. I like the eye relief, and it has performed well. I might install it on my Handi, at least for load development. Anyway, it's a neat little scope that would look good on a Handi. :grin:

35Rem · « **Reply #15 on:** August 05, 2005, 06:53:58 PM »

The 45-70 Handi came in today! I'm excited. I'm gonna get it cleaned up tomorrow and ready to shoot. I can't wait to stuff one of those cigars in the chamber! Thanks for the help.

cowkiller · « **Reply #16 on:** August 06, 2005, 08:18:57 PM »

I am new here. I am buying a 45-70 Handi- soon and what is the price at wal-mart? I am looking at the synthetic cause it don't have to be pretty. I hope to accurize, it plans call for a nikon turkey pro scope. should I be looking for monte claro stocks? camo laminated anyone? I have a 12 ga. stainless? survivor now and have killed some grouse with it. the rem. 870 stays home now.the 12 ga. is why I am going to a 45-70
I am that happy with it. the plans for the 45-70 is for Elk and then as a pack along back-up gun.Maybe some bear
this site is a wealth of information

thanks CK

myarmor · « **Reply #17 on:** August 07, 2005, 07:05:32 AM »

Welcome to the forum. :grin:
Here ya go:
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=3138443

Mac11700 · « **Reply #18 on:** August 07, 2005, 07:28:42 AM »

I will recommend the Noslers 300 grain partitons...and now the 300 grain Speer Uni-Cores for the Handi...my recent outing proved these bullets very accurate...and shooting close to the same point of impact.I'll use the Speer for practice...and the Noslers for actual hunting...even though I'm sure the Speers will do just fine on deer..The partitons are loaded on the warm side...and the Speers were in the Federal factory load,you can try out the Partitons in factory Winchester Supreme loads as well...as too scopes...my choice for the 45-70...Leupold VX-1 2x7x33...bright clear..and strong enough to handle any loads you want to shoot across it.I've also heard the Atecs have great eye relief...so you might want to check on some of the close out sales going on..I have had a bunch of the Leupolds on several 45-70's and have never been dissapointed.

Get an Uncle Mikes shell holder and put a little foam under it...it will make all the world of difference in how you handle the recoil...I use Rubatex insulation foam which you can pick up at any A/C shop or Lowes-Home-Depot...I use this set up on my Marlin Guide Guns with their straight stocks...it will get your head up to the right height for scope usage..The Limbsaver recoil pad is a very good idea...your shoulder will thankyou after firing a couple of boxes of shells...also...put some lead in the stock to make it heavier...especially if your going for the 300 grainers over 2200fps...it's not a 22 rimfire...and if shot unaltered it will.. kick you pretty bad ...using the heavy loads...but if you take the nessascary precautions...it isn't bad at all...and is down right fun...lots of power.... lots of penatration...normally very accurate...

Good Luck..

Mac

TOMMYY01 · « **Reply #19 on:** August 07, 2005, 07:40:44 AM »

Those 45-70s are an addicting caliber aren't they? Every gun I have I love the 45-70. :grin:
tommy

cowkiller · « **Reply #20 on:** August 07, 2005, 08:56:20 AM »

Thanks for your help

DPRinks · « **Reply #21 on:** August 07, 2005, 05:02:09 PM »

My .45 70 has never had a factory load in it, 220, 325, 405 and 500gr cast with gas checks, 2000fps + with the 220, 1600+ with the 500, but that is too much for my bad shoulder, now down to 1400fps.
For a scope, a necessity with my eyes, I got Simmons 2.5x shotgun scopes from CDNN, $20 , low mount rings, $5, plus shipping, lifetime guarantee, 5 to 10" eye relief, with the Weaver mount from MidwayUSA, $5, and a few minutes with a hacksaw and file to make another slot and the scope problem is taken care of at a very reasonable price.
Any scope intended for use on a 3 1/2" 12 ga should not have a problem with a .45-70.
Nicest part is the intermediate eye relief allows the scope to be mounted far enough forward the hammer extension is not needed.
Don

James B · « **Reply #22 on:** August 08, 2005, 06:58:16 PM »

Welcome to the new commers. I have two Handi 45-70's, The 22 inch Handi and the BC. Both shoot very well. I shoot mostly 405 grain cast bullets but have some 500 Grain Government bullets that I am playing with. Good Luck. I am still shooting the 13 grains of Unique load with the 405's. My gun loves them.. About 1200 fps from the 22 inch.