.45-70 accuracy in the M1995

[bufflernickl]

Well, this new subscriber sees that there are some lively debates here :wink:  :wink:

I am interested in getting a .45-70 rifle, and the M1895 seems to be a great combo of capability and price. I've never owned a CF lever action rifle, but it seems that it is about time to correct that deficiency. However, I'd like to get some "road tests" on the accuracy of the box-stock rifle. I hope this is as interesting to the forum as the questions about pressures :lol:

I'd be interested in knowing what sort of groups you get with factory ammo in both 300 and 405 gr. though I will mostly shoot the lighter one, I expect. I've read through past posts and found a few tales, but not many specifics (except about pressures)

I am a handloader, so I'll definitely work up loads for those bullets plus likely a cast bullet in the 340-385 gr range. Anyone have information on what groups you get with a tuned rifle and loads? Also, if you've found that certain brands shoot better than others, that would be helpful.

I don't expect the M1895 to shoot with my Ruger #1, but I don't want a rifle that won't shoot under 2 1/2" @ 100 yds right out of the box. I would hope to handload to under 2" and would be tickled pink with anything under 1 1/2".

I have read here and in other places that if I get an early model with shallow rifling, I can't expect good results with cast bullets unless they are paper patched. Any other deficiencies to the shallow-groove models? I hope to find a 22" or 24" bbl, but will likely accept a G model if that's all I can find locally (Knoxville TN USA)

Your wisdom is eagerly sought.

[Coyote Hunter]

buffernickl -

Getting handloads to group under 1.5" at 100 yards is no big trick, and quite a few get them to group under 1.0".

One of my better groups used my hunting load (North Fork 350g FP over 51.0g H4198 and a CCI 200 primer for 2183fps).  Center-to-center group size at 100 yards was 1.04" for 4 shots, with 3 of the 4 shots going into 0.65" center-to-center.

TSince you are a handloader, let me recommend www.gmdr.com for some light plinking loads.  Using information from that site I developed loads using 300g and 350g hardcast over 13.5g HS-6.  Not only can I shoot these loads all day long, they are deadly accurate at 50 yards and only cost around $2.50 per box to build.

Get a Marlin and have fun!

[bufflernickl]

Best,

thanks for that good information. I went to the local dealer today and looked at the 1895G, only one he had, but he priced the standard model at $450, which seems fair. However, I've gotten mighty interested in the Cowboy .38-55 @ $650. However, It doesn't have quite enough poop for some of my  intended hunting (like hogs) so I'm getting ready to post a query about rechambering it for the .38 Krag Imp wildcat. I'm wondering if that cart is too long to work through the 1895 action. If it would, I'd use it as a .38-55 for a while , then rechamber.

Cheers/buffler

[TennesseeNuc]

bufflernickl,
My #1 Ruger in 45-70 can't keep up with my 45-70 GG.  In all fainess, I haven't spent the time to tune up a load for the #1. Shooting the same loads in both, the GG outshoots the Ruger.  I use a low powered scope on the GG and the crosshairs cover the group @ 100 yds. (~1 1/2").  On a good day when I'm a little more careful I can shoot a little inder an inch.
The only factory ammo I've shot has been Remington. I only shot a handful of rounds when the gun was new so I can't say much about the performance with factory ammo.  I don't think my experience with the Marlin is unusual, most posters I see report the same or better.
Best of luck with your choice.
Later,
TnNuc

[Coyote Hunter]

bufflernickl -

Before you go spending good money on a .38-55 with the intent of rechambering, you need to be aware that the Marlin .38-55 has a bore diameter around .377" or .378".  That's OK for lead bullets, which can be purchased in the appropriate size, but not so good if you plan to shoot jacketed bullets.

Had a friend pull a bunch of Hornady 220's he had loaded for his Marlin .38-55 - he couldn't get any accuracy with them.  I loaded them up in my Marlin 375 and they shot superb groups.

[bufflernickl]

Coyote,

WOW!!! I would never have figured that a company would produce a rifle that wouldn't shoot with the available factory bullets!!!

I appreciate your warning. It means that I'd have to bump up jacketed bullets, and also that i can't use one cast bullet I'd planned, a 248 gr .266" diameter that I'd planned to try with thick paper jacket (patch).

Do you know offhand what moulds are available at .377-.388 diameter?

Also what moulds are available for use with that bore diameter and paper jackets?

[oso45-70]

Bufflernicl.
Let me jump in here and say a few words, First i think any of the new marlins will without a doubt shoot one inch groups at 100 yds. if you can put them there. I have four 45-70s the gg and the cowboy winchester
1886 long octg. barrel and a ruger#1 and they will shoot one inch at 100
yds. the two marlins have lyman peep with hi viz front sights. I'm not as young as i used to be so i must use either peep sights or a scope. Any way my point is the two marlins out of the box shot great. I would think if i had a scope on them i could keep them all in a one inch group. my shooting has went way down hill since i hit 70 in feb, But it don't keep me from enjoying something i have done all of my life, Good luck and enjoy
life to its fullest, Joe

[Coyote Hunter]

buffernickl -

I'm not into casting bullets, bu t I know that you can get appropriate molds for the .38-55, and you can buy cast bullets that are properly sized.  To do so, however, you need to buy your rifle and slug the bore so you know what size to buy.

[Lefty Behind]

I did have one, but sold it.  It would keep the 300 and 350gr. bullets right around and inch at 100yd.  Of course, at about 3/4" the holes were all touching!  I killed several deer with that gun.  It was very easy to shoot well.
Anyway, mine didn't like the 400 or 405gr. bullets nearly as well as the lighter ones.  
I sold mine and bought a Martini Henry with a Shilen 45/70 barrel on it.  It's not nearly as handy as the Marlin was, but fun to shoot nonetheless.
   TDLefty