Strength of Encore in .45-70

[VABearcaller]

Does anyone know which level of reloading information (trapdoor, lever action, or Ruger #1)  could be used with the Encore. I can't locate any information in my reloading manuals that specifically mentions the Encore.

VA Bearcaller

[KN]

I load #1 loads in mine with no problems. Thumps the crap out of you though.   KN

[C A Plater]

I know of some that load to Ruger #1 levels but I've heard that T/C endorses only the lever action loads.  It is probably best to stick to the middle range ones as the factory reccomends.

[Tc300mag1]

I too load to #1 loads Buffalo bore loads there ammo for the 45-70 mag and list is for only certain guns the #!-#3  tc and one or 2 leverguns  that can handle the pressure so i feel ok loading my tc to that pressure level

[Lone Star]

.45-70 loads are still - after 130 years - wrought with confusion.  Factory ammo is loaded to ca. 18,000 cup or less for safety in old Trapdoors.  Just look here for other recommended pressures in CUP:

Manual.....Trapdoor.....Lever.......Ruger #1
Speer......21,000........28,000......35,000
Lyman.....18,000........28,000......40,000
Hornady..25,000........40,000......50,000

Thus, a "#1" load from Lyman is a "lever" load in Hornady and is excessive in Speer.  A Hornady "#1" load is excessive according to the others.  So, which "Lever Action Load" pressure does T/C recommend??    Anyone??!??

It pays to be careful, and to look at several manuals before deciding what is "safe" in your rifle.

[Lone Star]

I too load to #1 loads Buffalo bore loads there ammo for the 45-70 mag and list is for only certain guns the #!-#3  tc and one or 2 leverguns  that can handle the pressure so i feel ok loading my tc to that pressure level

You are making a large and dangerous  mistake if you think #1 level loads are safe in the Encore just because BuffaloBore makes ammo safe in the Encore.  Their ammo is safe in the mid-level "lever action" rifles and can be used in the much stronger Ruger #1 - NOT the other way around!  You can safely fire factory trapdoor ammo in the Ruger - that doesn't mean that you can safely fire Ruger-level ammo in the Trapdoor.  Think about it for a minute!

Of course this is all confused by the varrying pressures within each "level".  Is that a 35,000 cup Ruger load, or a 50,000 cup Ruger load?  See post above...

[bpjon]

I for one run out of recoil tolerance long before the Encore runs out of strength.  But I would not hesitate to use some really hairy loads in an Encore, they are available from the factory in belted magnum cartridges, where pressure routinely run above 50,000cup.

[Lone Star]

..they are available from the factory in belted magnum cartridges, where pressure routinely run above 50,000cup.

True perhaps, but there is a world of difference between touching off a 7mm Magnum and a .45-70, both loaded to 50,000 cup.  The level of recoil is substantial (augmented by the reduced weight of the .45-70 - less metal in the barrel = faster recoil velocity), and this impulse may well surpass the design strength of the action, resulting in the bending or breaking of parts.  It's not all about case head thrust and chamber pressures....confusing as they may be.

I am always amused by those who seem to know so much more than the factories do about their own products.  :wink:

[bpjon]

Is there a world of difference between a 375 H&H and a 45-70?  

Bullberry makes a 416 Rigby Encore barrel.  SSK makes a 416 Taylor encore barrel.  Other maker sell 458 Winchester and 458 Lott barrels.  Still think there is a world of difference between the available calibers and a hot 45-70?

I'm certainly no engineer, and I have no idea what your background is, but I really doubt either of us is as knowledgable as J.D. Jones or Gary Reeder.

[throttleman]

I have a suggestion.  Call T/C.  They were more than happy to inform me that my G2 in .45-70 is suitable for 28,000 cup.  I'm sure they will give you SAFE information for the Encore. :idea3:

[New Hampshire]

This is not meant to be condescending or to mean hearted or intended to start an argument.  What I am curious, and have been for a while, is why people find it necessary to juice the 45/70 to such high pressures?  I read in an article by Mike Venturino about how , back in the Buffalo Hunting days, the .45/70 had the potential to exit on broadside shots on these beasts.  After all, big bullet at medium velocity has lotsa momentum, right?  So why is it the "extras" (velocity and pressure) are the rage?
Just curious.
Brian M.