Author Topic: Factory 45-70 ammo for whitetails-suggestions please! (Read 1046 times)

Bamasnyper · « **on:** June 12, 2006, 02:38:18 AM »

I just traded for a brand new Handi in 45-70. I don't handload which puts me at a disadvantage for this cartridge I know. I'll be using this gun for whitetails primarily in close range situations, but there may be an occasional shot in the 150 to 200 yard range. Can anyone recommend a factory load that will fit the bill and provide good accuracy in this gun? I may try the new Hornady Leverevolution ammo but don't know how it would perform in a Handi. Thanks in advance for your help!

dodd3 · « **Reply #1 on:** June 12, 2006, 02:51:01 AM »

Bamasnyper i would go with Hornady Leverevolution it will out prform all the outher factory amo.
bernie

Grizz_ · « **Reply #2 on:** June 12, 2006, 05:17:43 AM »

I was going to suggest the old standby 405gr, but I don't know about 200 yards. I would try it, and compare to a 350gr load, which will print higher. The 405's are accurate and low recoil.

I wouldn't use hollowpoints on game, but that's just me.

Grizz

myarmor · « **Reply #3 on:** June 12, 2006, 06:44:02 AM »

I don't have a 45-70...yet

...but here are a couple that are on sale or lower priced:
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=269092

http://www.natchezss.com/ammo.cfm?contentID=productDetail&prodID=FA4570AS&CFID=3285980&CFTOKEN=86296603

http://www.natchezss.com/ammo.cfm?contentID=productDetail&prodID=RTR4570G&CFID=3285980&CFTOKEN=86296603

http://www.natchezss.com/ammo.cfm?contentID=productDetail&prodID=RTR4570L&CFID=3285980&CFTOKEN=86296603

Hope this helps a little.
-Aaron

CyberSniper · « **Reply #4 on:** June 12, 2006, 08:02:04 AM »

The 300 grain loads will have the highest speeds and the best
trajectories at 200 yards. That's the thing, since you mentioned
longer range shots. If not for that, I'd also lean more towards
the 405 grain load.
At closer ranges, those 300 grain hollow points might get a bit
ugly. Try not to put one of them through the shoulders, or you
might end up losing both.That was my experience using
Remington 300 grain hollow points in reloads anyway.
I'll say this though, the darn things really knock the deer down
in a hurry.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #5 on:** June 12, 2006, 08:22:52 AM »

If you can find the PMC 350gr ammo which has been discontinued, it shoots real good in my .45-70 Handi, 4" high at 100yds puts it 5" low at 200yds, it's a +P load, so it's not for the faint of heart.

Buffalo Bore has a new round loaded with the 300gr Speer Uni core at 2350fps, it should be a good one for 200yds and a bit more, but at $45 a box, it's not for the faint of pocket book!! :eek:

http://www.buffalobore.com/ammunition/default.htm#4570

For even more money, the Garrett Hammerhead ammo would also work at 200yds...

http://www.garrettcartridges.com/products.asp

You might want to check out some of the recent posts on recoil management, these loads are going to be punishing on both ends of the rifle!!

Tim

OHHJIMMY · « **Reply #6 on:** June 13, 2006, 02:04:29 AM »

I am using Federal factory ammo and it works fine on deer. My shots are less than 100 yds. It's like the guy at my local gun shop said when I asked what bullet he liked for deer "it don't matter". For shots over 160 yds, you're going to need a range finder.

Bamasnyper · « **Reply #7 on:** June 13, 2006, 02:42:37 AM »

Thanks for the help guys. I bought some 405 gr. Remingtons yesterday and have some Leverevolutions ordered, so we'll see how it goes.

45/70fan · « **Reply #8 on:** June 13, 2006, 08:00:59 AM »

I found the 405's very accurate and light recoil, they just don't expand much, they do go thru about anything though. Like cybersniper said the 300's knock deer silly and are better for longer range.