recoil of 45-70

[slhays]

I am considering a 45-70 for deer and elk.  What should I expect in the way of accuracy, recoil and muzzle blast?  What type of muzzle brake might I consider and where would I get this done?

[Lone Star]

The factory 14" barrel with their brake is a good way to go.  There are other aftermarket brakes which are slightly more efficient, but I'm not certain you'd actually feel the difference.  With many loads this cartridge recoils fiercely, and I'd think hard as to your perceived "need" for this barrel.  That said, it is manageable by many, myself included, and careful load selection can reduce the recoil a bit.

Accuracy can be very good if you can manage the recoil.  It takes a firm grip and a consistent hand placement to get good groups.  My 14" barrel got 5-shot groups in the 2-3" moa range with certain loads; ditto with my 16" barrel. Blast depends on the powder used - as does recoil to an extent - but the blast is far less to my ears than a 7-08 or .30-06.  That makes sense since the muzzle pressure is far less with the .45-70.

I've hunted with the .45-70 for over 30 years and I've shot from deer up to brown bear with it.  In a handgun it is only slightly less potent on the animals, regardless of the calculated energy.   I like the 300-grain HPs for most game, although the 350 Hornady is tops for the large stuff.  Recoil is less with the 300s, and killing power is ample.  I like RL-7 and AA2015 powders for full power hunting loads, and IMR4227 for plinking and target shooting.

[wheelgun]

I have a 14" with tc brake it shoots jacketed 300 gr bullets fine.I have never got it to shoot cast at all.No groups even at 50 yards some one said it may be the brake I don't know so I just stay with the jackets.Recoil is pretty heavy with some loads but the 300 gr are not bad at all.I loaded some 500 gr hornady jacketed one time I thought it broke my thumb it kicked so hard.

[jhalcott]

This past Friday a club member shot my custom 45-70 15" contender.It has a brake. He shot a 1" group at 50 yards,4 shots.405 grain cast bullets at about 1900 fps.He WAS impressed with the accuracy ,but the recoil was too much.This is my 3rd 45-70 t/c barrel and second one with a brake. The brake CAN reduce the FELT recoil, but this one does not do a great job.Vias brakes are quite expensive ,but do work very well on my 358JDJ. SSK might cut one of their brakes into your barrel,ask JD.The 45-70 is more than enough for for deer,bear or elk. The range would have to be kept to about 150 yards till you get very familiar with the trajectory.
Also ,as range increases ,energy drops rapidly. There are many calibers that are better at long range,but few have the nostalgia associated with them that a 45-70 does.Buffalo hunters and injun killers used it!

[Bullseye]

Accuracy - the round is very capable, much will depend on the shooter.  Muzzleblast - about the same as any other rifle calibers in the Contender.  Brake - recommend one like I have on mine, which is none.  The only reason I have a 45-70 barrel is because I finally found a Super 14 without a brake.  I hate those dang things.

[Reloader]

I shot mine with the 16 1/4" barrel today.  Federal ammo with the 300 grain Sierra bullet put three shots at 1 9/16" center to center at 100 yards.

This was with a 4 power scope.  

I don't know if it will do it all the time as this is the first time I've put mine on paper at this distance.

Good enough for me. :roll: