Suggestions to complete Cowboy Silhouette battery

[Ned]

I've dabbled a bit in Cowboy Silhouette but hope to get more serious this year.

I currently have a Winchester Model 94 in .45 and a Model 9422 (.22 rimfire).

Uncertain as to how to proceed: for the rifle cartridge class kind of vacillating between 30/30 and 45/70. I do not hunt so that's not a factor. Kind of like the idea of the 45/70 but would welcome the opinions of experienced shooters. Is some other caliber favored?

Also: would I be better served getting a .357 for the pistol cartridge class and letting the .45 go?

I don't reload at the moment if that is a factor in your choice.

Thank you.

Ned

[Nobade]

It's really hard to beat the 30-30. I shoot both, as well as a 38-55, and my scores with the 30-30 are usually better. It shoots flat, recoil is mild, and uses less lead and powder (once you reload for it) than the other two. After 40 rounds behind the 45-70 I've had enough and start to flinch. And don't get a 38-55 until you are an experienced reloader, they do have their quirks you probably don't want to deal with yet.

As for pistol ctg., if your 45 shoots well keep it. There's nothing a 357 will do that a 45 won't. My 357 is so much pickier to make work than the 45 it's not funny. I like both, and the 357 is cheaper to shoot, but the 45 will outshoot it any day.

[GTKF]

If you reloaded I'd say the 45-70. With a VERY LIGHT load it will take everything down with little recoil, and you can get it with a 26" barrel, giving a longer sight radius than than most 30-30s with a 20" barrel. If you don't reload get the 30-30 or maybe a 35 Remington.

I'd also stay with the 45. I shoot a 44 mag in PC with 200 grain bullets and light loads and a sometimes in rifle with heavier loads

Ken