45/70 Handi Cowboy Load Hunting

[Francis]

Hello, I have a 45/70 handi. I have been shooting targets with the "Ultramax" cowboy loads. I have it sighted in, at 100 yds. I plan on getting the reloading equipment next year, as I am knee deep into slug/shoshell loading right now. Then I can work loads that I want, based on thier functions. I am taking my son deer hunting tommorrow, and plan on letting him use the ultra slug gun/Hasting 3" magnum sabot. I will use the 45/70. Since I have quite a few of the cowboy loads, and am not shooting further than 140 yds, figured a clean shot with those rounds will be satisfactory. I had called the company that makes the shells and asked them if they have any ballistic drop data for the 45/70 loads. They told me they did no ballistic testing since they sell the rounds for target shooting only. I understand their point, but from my perspective, they are going about the same rate as an old muzzle loader went, which took many a deer, for many years. I believe the potential for a take down is probably more dependant on the shooter than the caliber being shot, but just an opinion. Does anyone have any ballistic data on these "Ultramax" loads? If so, could you please let me know them? Thanks.

[quickdtoo]

The best way to find out how they shoot, is to shoot them at the ranges you anticipate you'll encounter hunting, each rifle is different so that's the best. The 405gr Remington load is most likely close to what the cowboy loads are loaded to as far as velocity, being trapdoor loads, this chart will give you an idea, but the only sure way for a comparison would be if you knew the muzzle velocity of both.

Tim

http://www.remington.com/products/ammunition/ballistics/comparative_ballistics_results.aspx?data=R4570G

[Francis]

I agree, but I live in the Memphis Tn area. Their are no rifle ranges, except for the one which cost 400 to join and 225 a year. (And when I checked it out they were more concerned with my political viewpoint/stand than my weapons experience) I joined a club in Jackson. Great club, good people, but it is 1.5 hours away and only has a 100 yd range, hence the reason I have no drop data from 100+ yards. I grew up in the country. I married a "suburban princess", so I am land locked by city.

[quickdtoo]

I would shoot it at 50yds to see how it compares to the Rem loads, that will give you an idea where to hold for close shots, if they're slower than the Rem loads, you could be much higher than 4" at 50yds, knowing may make the difference on a closer head or neck shot.

Tim