45/70 Gov. vs. 500 S&W ?

[1stshot]

I'm pondering on the idea of another barrel!!!!!!....REALLY???!!! yeah well, I've been wondering wether it should be the 'ol 45/70 or the newer 500 S. & W. I'm nort sure wether the contender can handle the 500  pressure or if it would be at an disadvantage with 18" carbine barrel?  and  the slower powders of the 45/70 woulld be better in the same barrel. what do you guys have to say. which would be better woods gun and what sights would you use?

[quickdtoo]

The Contender can't handle the 500 S&W, it has a SAAMI MAP of 60kpsi with a .526" case head, it's available in the Encore tho. Stick with trapdoor 45-70 loads in a Contender and you'll be happy. 

Tim

[1stshot]

yep...my apologies as i had figured the 500 would have to be on the encore frame. probably wouldn't gain a whole lot of difference in performance and the 45/70 is pretty versatile. thanks again Quickdtoo

[Varmint Hunter]

The Contender can't handle the 500 S&W, it has a SAAMI MAP of 60kpsi with a .526" case head, it's available in the Encore tho. Stick with trapdoor 45-70 loads in a Contender and you'll be happy. 
Tim

Something I don't understand:: Why can the Encore safely handle the 50 S&W but is not recommended for the WSM cartridges? (not that I want one, I'm just curious) They both operate within the same pressure range but the S&W would seem to generate even more breech thrust.

What are the limiting factors here?

[quickdtoo]

The case head size of the short mags is .555", the 500 is .526", that's quite a difference in breech thrust even if pressures were the same, which they aren't, the highest pressure you'll find in 500 data is about 52kpsi, short mag data goes above 63kpsi. I tried a 300WSM barrel on a Handi-rifle which is stronger than a Contender, but not as strong as the Encore, I got considerable action flex with just low mid level loads, 150gr @3000fps, yet the same frame works fine with the 500 S&W barrel on it.

Tim

[Hopalong7]

If a 45-70 won't kill IT.........This ol'man ain't gonna hunt for IT.

[onesonek]

While some may disagree, I feel the .45-70 is more versatile.

Dave

[1stshot]

I too think the 45/70 would be more versatile, especially if it were in encore frame...I don't have a encore frame yet!! ( I have 3 frames ; one has no safety, one has the safety bolt in the hammer and the last one has the safety on the hammer! I'm trying to remember my uncle whom past few years ago said they were 1st, 2nd, & 3rd edition contender frames. I have not yet got a G2 or encore to finish my collection, but I also remember the t/c custom shop selling a slab-sided frame with no engraving on the side which caught my eye some time ago.....but really, when would it ever be finished!) I'm sure the encore 45/70 could be loaded hotter than trapdoor loads which I have shot from a pistol and they weren't too bad. I agree with you onesonek.

[rickt300]

Recoil is a good reason to keep loads at trapdoor levels in a G2 anyway.