ITS HERE...COMBO HOME TONIGHT

[Cookiemann]

Finally, after all the hassles, I have my Combo 243/20ga.  Picked it up this evening.  Big surprise, the stock set is real nice and is the USH Youth monte carlo stock set with swivel studs.  Wally World pics and also the pics in the H&R online catalogs show this combo with youth squire stocks.  Boy, was I surprised.  AND PLEASED!  The LOP is perfect for me.

Now for the hard part.....when I send it off for my Tracker I barrel, do I get the 45-70 or a 30-06 UltraComp.  Yeah, I know, but I can't afford both right now.  Its decision time, help me out here.

[quickdtoo]

Well, from Mac...." a picture is worth a thousand words".....these groups shot from his .30-06 UltraComp...I'd recommend you go for the .30-06 UltraComp while you can get them!!

[Cookiemann]

I think I am leaning that way.  Also, it would be cheaper to shoot factory ammo, since I don't re-load.  YET!!

[quickdtoo]

The factory Federal Fusion ammo is what Mac shot those groups with...

http://www.wholesalehunter.com/product/federal/feddesc/fedecenterfire.htm

http://www.outdoormarksman.com/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=fusion&search_in_description=1

[Mac11700]

Thanks Quick:

I hate not being able to post from work

Mac

[Cookiemann]

Just couldn't help myself.  The 45-70 BUG won!

I think I am leaning that way. Also, it would be cheaper to shoot factory ammo, since I don't re-load. YET!!

I may kick myself for not gettin' the 06, but for now, I am happy with my decision and really looking forward to getting my 45-70.

[MSP Ret]

Cookieman, do yourself a favor and get a Lee Loader for the 45-70. They can be had new for about $13-$14 if you shop around on line. It is a straight sided cartridge and VREY EASY to load for. Get some Hornady 350 grain bullets and some 2400 powder (28.0 grains), a set of Lee powder measure scoops ($7-$8 ) and a few primers.  POOF!!!, your a reloader!!! There are other powders that shoot well out of the 45-70, including black powder, but the 2400 is clean burning and the load is accurate and easy to shoot. It don't get much better than that!!!....<><.... :grin:

[Cookiemann]

I was looking on ebay at them, just now.  I also have been on the Lee site.  Are you talking about the caliber specific kit which you use a mallet to seat the bullets or the Hand press reloader?  They are the least expensive.  I also was looking at the kits and specials with the presses.  They seemed like good deals too.  Yes, I want to reload.  Especially after seeing the prices quick posted on another thread for the 45-70 factory loads.  Damn, those are more expensive than I thought.  But, there sure are a lot of different loads, all of which I could reload.  Am I right, the biggest initial investment would be the brass?  
This was another reason for my choice.  45-70 looks like a breeze to reload.

[quickdtoo]

Rich, MSP is talking about the Lee Classic Loader, available at Cabelas for $12.99....You can get brass bullets and the Lee Loader from them for less than $70 shipped!!! Powder and primers are best bought locally to avoid hazmat shipping...primers are $2 per 100 and powder is ~$18 a pound.

Lee Loader

[Cookiemann]

Yep!  That's the one!  I read here about this kit and they list a couple other items from Lee to make it more versatile.
http://www.beartoothbullets.com/tech_notes/archive_tech_notes.htm/51
I was surprised at how complete these instructions were.  All the load bullet and powder info is available from the manufacturers and the variety of books you all have talked about.  I now have a Lymans Manuel, too.  Should be a piece of cake.  I don't need to get exotic until I have loaded and fire a couple thousand rounds and done some reading, but for a few of the more general purpose loads I will be able to start right out loading.