Author Topic: 45-70 Buffalo classic (Read 839 times)

bob allen · « **on:** May 19, 2006, 10:35:40 AM »

I recently bought one of these and tried some handloads with cast bullets and was left with a lot of unburned powder (3031& 4198)using Lyman 293g and rcbs 420g GC..On slugging the bore I found it to be .455
just ahead of the throat and .457 at the muzzle.Anyone have any ideas?
Anyone know who could rebarrel one of these ................

quickdtoo · « **Reply #1 on:** May 19, 2006, 11:04:57 AM »

Marlin/H&R's bore tolerance is +/- .002", sounds like yours is a bit out of spec, I'd give CS a call, Gordon specifically, and ask his opinion, their toll free number is in the FAQ and Help.

Unless you're shooting a muzzleloader, what difference does unburned powder make as long as it shoots good? How's the accuracy? I shoot 5744 in my .45-120 BC, it leaves a bunch of unburned powder in the bore, but accuracy with my poor eyes and a peep sight is still less than 1½moa.

Using the Lee factory crimp die and mag primers has been mentioned at MarlinOwners as cures for unburned powder, specifically with 3031, dunno about the 4198.

I wouldn't go to the expense of rebarreling it when you can get a new barrel from H&R for nothing if they replace it, to $141 for a new accessory barrel, a smith will charge a bunch more than the cost of a new H&R barrel to weld a lug onto an aftermarket barrel and fit it. No one makes barrels for it other than H&R if that's what you meant.

Tim

bob allen · « **Reply #2 on:** May 20, 2006, 02:54:45 PM »

Thanks Quick;
Before I call C.S. I am going to scope it and see just what it will do at the bench.As for the unburned powder I picked up some Reloader 7 and IMR 4759 and that worked great.What is a concern to me are the pressures.In one source it mentions that loads for the old Shikari should be kept at trapdoor levels.Indications on fired brass(starline)is that case expansion is minimal,as the cases are showing lube and carbon some for half their leanth.with Max trapdoor loads.It would seem that I can go up some on the loads.With the 420gGC it's a little better due to(Ithink)more dwell for better ignition,yet I can only feel that with the slug an inch or two beyond the throat there is so little resistance.........
As for a custom barrel I am going to see if I can find a good smith who will do the work as I would like to have a stright heavy octagon fit.
Thanks again,And will post results...
Bob Allen

Lone Star · « **Reply #3 on:** May 20, 2006, 04:28:34 PM »

My Shikari has a cast iron receiver (like many an older Winchester M94 does) and should be limited to Trapdoor loads. Case expansion has nothing directly to do with this pressure limit - breech thrust does. This is a combination of chamber pressure plus the inside case area. The large diameter .45-70 case will stretch a frame long before you see traditional pressure signs like case head expansion.

Today's NEF rifles use steel receivers and can be loaded higher....but recoil will limit the power you can handle.

.

Grizz_ · « **Reply #4 on:** May 20, 2006, 05:45:48 PM »

Bob,

My 460gr CP H322 load leaves unburned powder in the guide gun, but almost none in the Buffalo Classic. That makes it appear very efficient in the H&R.

However there are slight traces of lead just inside the muzzle. I have not seen that in my other 45/70s, and it makes me wonder if the barrrel is a little deformed from the dovetail machining process.

The rifle is a shooter and I think the barrel should smooth out as it's shot more.

Grizz

dodd3 · « **Reply #5 on:** May 21, 2006, 12:42:04 AM »

grizz your buff classic sounds the same as mine tighter at the muzzel end than the breech stoped mine leading by sizing to.457 shoots more accurate as well.
bernie :grin: