Author Topic: Kick of a 45/70?? (Read 587 times)

Cheyenne Ranger · « **on:** June 24, 2003, 04:31:38 AM »

Using a 30-30 or 12 gauge shotgun as baselines how does the recoil of the 45/70 compare. I know that the weight of the gun and power charge and bullet weight all affect it but, in general, please compare.
Thanks
CR

howdy doody · « **Reply #1 on:** June 24, 2003, 04:42:05 AM »

Pard, that is a tough one. I have shot trapdoors, friends let me use and I didn't think they were much more than a stiff 12ga. My own 45-70 is a H&R Handi Rifle and it kicks like a mule. I try to hold her into my shoulder tightly and it seems to help. I only use mine for plainsman events and usually only a couple of stages. My long range is a Marlin 336 cowboy with Lyman and Marbles sights. It is in 38-55 and the recoil on it is enjoyable.

Cheyenne Ranger · « **Reply #2 on:** June 24, 2003, 06:28:13 AM »

Thanks,
I had rotator culf surgery a number of years ago and for that reason have to down load the 12 ga. Doesn't sound like a 45/70 would be a good thing for my shourlder.
Cr

John Traveler · « **Reply #3 on:** June 24, 2003, 07:48:43 AM »

No, Cheyenne Ranger, the .45-70 is probably not a good thing for you if you've had shoulder surgery.

The 1873 405 grain load duplicated in modern factory loads is distinctly uncomfortable in carbine-weight rifles. Even in my Marlin 1895, extended bench sessions wear me out. I imagine that it would kick even more in the Handi-Rifle.

For reduced recoil, try 300 grain bullets at 1100-1200 fps velocities. They are plenty accurate to 200 yards, and approximate .38-55 recoil sensations.

Greybeard · « **Reply #4 on:** June 24, 2003, 09:19:11 AM »

I let my Marlin 1895 Cowboy go because my shoulder wouldn't take the recoil. With the factory level loads and loads made for CAS it wasn't too bad with a Pachmayr decelerator pad but with factory butt plate it still hurt.

GB

Holiday · « **Reply #5 on:** June 24, 2003, 10:02:41 AM »

I can't really add to what has been said, only to say that if you are looking for a long range side match rifle, I would consider the .38-55. My .45-70 has quite a bit of punch, but it can be loaded down. The .38-55 kicks less and can be loaded down even further! Plus, it is a period correct round, just as the .45-70, just not as old. There are singleshots and levers both chambered in this round.

howdy doody · « **Reply #6 on:** June 24, 2003, 10:17:07 AM »

I am back again to agree that 38-55 is the way to go in either lever or a single shot for long range.Not much recoil at all. Plenty accurate to 200 yards but a stretch at 300 yards.
I shoot cowboy silhouettes with mine once a month and that is a 40 round match, plus my sighters. I feel nothing and you could use a pad under your shirt too, beside a nice decelerator pad on the stock.
My 405gr 45-70 really rocks me backward. :shock:
Also 30-30 is legal for long range and not for plainsman, if you happen to have a lever gun in that.

Capt Hamp Cox · « **Reply #7 on:** June 27, 2003, 01:48:55 AM »

Howdy,

Have you considered removing your butt plate and filling the hole (for the bolt that attaches the stock to the action) with lead shot? The added weight will increase the inertia, and correspondingly reduce felt recoil of your Handi.

Hamp

Lone Yankee · « **Reply #8 on:** June 28, 2003, 11:21:38 PM »

I shoot a Pedersoli Sihlouette rifle in .45-70. It has a shotgun butt, pistol grip and weighs in at 11.5 pounds. The recoil is not as severe as a lightweight .30-06. I liken it to a heavy push than a snappy kick. I use 520 gr booits and 63 gr ffg GOEX,

Lone