45/70 Handi - can they take level 3 (Ruger # 1 or Siam Mauser)

[Downeaster]

I looked in the FAQ but didn't see any info on this.  Anyway, Can the Handy take the high pressure level comparable to a Ruger #1 or are they  level two (Marlin 1895.)  I'm just curious, I see no need to ever shoot level three in North America anyway.

[Mac11700]

I looked in the FAQ but didn't see any info on this.  Anyway, Can the Handy take the high pressure level comparable to a Ruger #1 or are they  level two (Marlin 1895.)  I'm just curious, I see no need to ever shoot level three in North America anyway.

It would depend on which reloading maunal you are going out of...since they all vary to 1 degree or another...but...loading up to level 2 Marlin loads would be a smart place to stop..( your shoulder will thank you )...and especially if you are loading from Hodgdon's data...because their top velocity level #2 loads are well into a-lot of the others Ruger #1/3 loads..

Mac

[cwlongshot]

I fully agree with MAC!!

The level 2 loads are the smart place to stop. Personally, I don't even go that far with my handi, I load the 300gr's and leave it there. if I want more I have other 45-70's that will better handle the heaviest loads.

CW

[handirifle]

Very few of us (I'm not one) can handle the loads above what a handi can take.  I for one would not like to shoot one above the marlin levels.  I pushed 400gr speer bullets to just over 2000 from my BC, and it was filled with lead in the stock.  That just plain hurt.

Now with a good recoil pad and faced in a hunting situation, it might be different.  but after 4 shots, standing, shooting off hand, I just unloaded the rifle.

More power to you if you can take it.

[enj13]

I loaded up some 410gr 4570 cast bullets to 2000 fps, then wrote "OUCH" in my comments. The gun takes it fine
but it hurts......now back down 1750-1800 and it's tolerable........Norm

[Mac11700]

Very few of us (I'm not one) can handle the loads above what a handi can take.  I for one would not like to shoot one above the marlin levels.  I pushed 400gr speer bullets to just over 2000 from my BC, and it was filled with lead in the stock.  That just plain hurt.

Now with a good recoil pad and faced in a hunting situation, it might be different.  but after 4 shots, standing, shooting off hand, I just unloaded the rifle.

More power to you if you can take it.

Mine had 2 lbs of lead in the stock..a good soft cheek piece..and a Limbsaver recoil pad..It's...well...manageable and not too punishing with my 2400fps + 300 grain Nosler partition 45-70 loads...but it is way too much for some folks...and I wouldn't shoot it in a factory issued Handi...It's way too  light..and the stock is way too low for me...and the factory recoil pad isn't a magnum rated recoil pad...or worse yet...that curved metal butt plate...YEEOUCH...No thank you...In all of my 45-70's the Partitions get the best accuracy when pushed to 2300-2400 fps...I've shot a-lot of the 405 grain Cast Performance loads as well...from many different rifles including the Handi...I've pushed them harder than 2000fps in some rifles and they hurt..plain hurt...and your really not going to gain enough to warrant doing it...Factory loads are real creme puff loads as compared to these 2 loads when shooting in my rifles...but...even they can get to you when shooting off the bench if you are shooting in a low position...and not sitting completely upright so your body can roll with it...I cut my teeth with the big magnums...so I'm one who  know how to handle them real well..They aren't as pleasant as say a mid 30-06 load...but then they aren't designed to be either...Trapdoor loads are plentiful...easier on the shoulder..and on the pocketbook..and a-lot of fun for plinking...but..for the times you want or need near magnum performance...the good ole 45-70 can be had that way...factory or hand loads...you just have to be set up for them in a Handi...that's all...

Mac

[rbergum95]

i did try some level 3 pmc +P++ loads in a standard barrel handi. i set it up with choate stocks and a bushnell shotgun scope. they were accurate but............... i dont think ill be trying that again anytime soon. i personally would stop at level 2 loads as well. unless of course you have some rogue tyranasaurs running around the neighborhood.

[nomosendero]

i did try some level 3 pmc +P++ loads in a standard barrel handi. i set it up with choate stocks and a bushnell shotgun scope. they were accurate but............... i dont think ill be trying that again anytime soon. i personally would stop at level 2 loads as well. unless of course you have some rogue tyranasaurs running around the neighborhood.

Hmmm, I am aware of the 350gr. PMC load at about 2,050-2,100fps or very close to the same vel. as the Horn 350gr. flatnose load for the 450 Marlin, within 50-100fps at least. This PMC load is Marlin level. Are you saying they had a hotter load than that ? If so, which bullet & at what velocity?

[rbergum95]

they did, was a short run before it was discontinued. 350 flat point velocity was 2350. when i asked about more of that load i found out it was pulled because it was percieved to be a git unsafe and uneccessary. now the marlin load is their highest. im kinda glad for that, the other load was brutal.