Author Topic: New Member/ New Rilfe/ Buffalo Classic (Read 678 times)

Lucky · « **on:** January 03, 2005, 12:40:22 PM »

Hope I'm at the right place. Just got one of the H&R Buffalo Classic rilfes in 45-70 and am in need of advice so I figure someone here can help me. I assume this rifle will shoot standard factory loads and since I'm a handloader I should stay away from any of the listed loads for the Marlin or Ruger rilfes in that caliber, is this correct. I realize some folks even shoot black powder loads in these rifle. I'm not into Cowboy Action shooting, although I'll bet it's fun, I'm mainly a bolt & lever gun man. So this is my first single shot with the exception of muzzle loaders. Any advice on what others are finding to be accurate factory or handloads will be much appreciated. My plans are to have fun with this rifle and perhaps deer hunt with it.

MSP Ret · « **Reply #1 on:** January 03, 2005, 12:45:27 PM »

Lucky, you lucked out!! You are at the right place and Welcome aboard!!! This place will most likely have so much info for you that your head will be swimming!!! Congratulations on your GREAT new purchase. Settle back, relax, and enjoy the ride....<><.... :grin:

and yes, your gun will shoot all the factory rounds as well as BP and those rounds designated as #2 level or "Marlin" or Lever gun rounds. It is a great fun caliber and with it you can reload rounds from patched round balls for squirrel and rabbit to heavy solids or hard cast bullets suitable for Elephant, Water Buffalo and Rhino, as well as our native big bears and Bison!!! (See Garrett cartridges). So, have a blast!!!

quickdtoo · « **Reply #2 on:** January 03, 2005, 01:05:58 PM »

Welcome to GBO, lucky!

You're gonna have a blast with the BC, I don't have one but I have a .45-70 handi and it is one of the best "toys" I own, right up there with the .17hmr as far as the fun factor goes! Be forewarned though, as I was, the recoil of the heavier loads can be fiercesome and the BC stock doesn't help, but you'll have fun learnin!! :wink:

Brett · « **Reply #3 on:** January 03, 2005, 02:23:32 PM »

I can't offer you any advise on the 'Buf' or the .45-70 but would like to say welcome to the forum Lucky.

handirifle · « **Reply #4 on:** January 03, 2005, 02:37:45 PM »

Lucky,
Welcome!
As for the BC, nice start there. It will safely handle the Marlin loads, this directly for NEF and many of our board have pushed to that level and some beyond. Should you desire to go beyond you are on your own and more man than most of us. Your shoulder will usually tell you to stop before the gun will. That metal buttplate sends a real loud and quick message when you push a 400gr or more in the 1700-2000fps range.

I pushed some out the barrel VERY close to 2000 (400gr Speer) and I'll tell ya it ain't fun. Never got to hunt with mine, but those that have ALL say it's not necessary either.

I will ad that I once read an article on calibers for elk hunting. this guy covered everything from 270 Win to 375 H&H, and the 45-70. He gave accounts that matched everything I've read about all the other calibers. When he mentioned the 45-70, he basically said, that when you see and elk shot with a 45-70 using a 400gr bullet at 2000fps, you have to see it to believe it. He called it devastating. I have no reason to doubt him, based on the amount of recoil it produces.

Welcome, again, and enjoy that BC.
This was mine.

Ed Hill · « **Reply #5 on:** January 03, 2005, 04:16:37 PM »

Lucky, welcome! My Buff likes the 350 or 405 grain factory loads. As mentioned in another post, lead bullets without a gas check perform best at less that 1300fps. I have good luck with the AA 5744, although it is a bit dirty.

E.D.

Mac11700 · « **Reply #6 on:** January 03, 2005, 06:20:43 PM »

Welcome Aboard Lucky

Your in the right place alright...congrats on your first Handi...I'm sure your going to like it very much...watch for the Montanan...he has a-lot of good info on them and is a great help to all...

Mac

Lucky · « **Reply #7 on:** January 04, 2005, 12:55:28 AM »

Thanks guys for the big welcome. I find it very interesting that the BC will handle the Marlin loads, that surprised me as I figured it was made only for standard ammo, but that's good news. I like the Williams receiver sight that came on this rifle, as I have peeps for all my lever rifles. I'm not new to the big bore club as I have a Winchester Timber Carbine in .444 Marlin and I also own a .350 Rem Mag & a .300 WSM so I'm some what accustomed to recoil. I have a feeling this rifle will be one of those dual purpose guns i.e. fun & hunting and now I need to order up a set of dies and get started. Anyway once again for the replies.

Leftoverdj · « **Reply #8 on:** January 04, 2005, 08:38:46 AM »

Always glad to get another .45-70 shooter. It may have the biggest fan club on the board.

For fun shooting, you can't beat a 405 grain cast over 13 grains of Unique or 27 grains of 5744. If you buy cast, don't buy anything smaller than .459 and .460 is better in most rifles. If you cast, Lee 459-405-HB is a mighty good place to start.

Lucky · « **Reply #9 on:** January 04, 2005, 12:33:05 PM »

Quote from: Leftoverdj

Always glad to get another .45-70 shooter. It may have the biggest fan club on the board.

For fun shooting, you can't beat a 405 grain cast over 13 grains of Unique or 27 grains of 5744. If you buy cast, don't buy anything smaller than .459 and .460 is better in most rifles. If you cast, Lee 459-405-HB is a mighty good place to start.

13 grains of Unique is not much, I'll bet that that would be an easy shooter..I'll have to buy cast because that is one thing I don't do or at least haven't yet...Do you get much leading from that load?...

el_rey_lobo · « **Reply #10 on:** January 05, 2005, 06:29:41 AM »

Well, I got my Buffalo Classic and a Smith Enterprise Buckhorn Ladder Sight from Buffalo Arms - but has anyone experienced any difficulty with the Smith screws being too long? There appears to be some kind of plug or a very shallow tap on my rifle. If it is a plug, it does not appear to be slotted so I am at a loss as how to remove it.

Any ideas?!?

Thanks!