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Author Topic: Handi-Rifle 45-70  (Read 1250 times)

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Offline GoodOlBoy

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Handi-Rifle 45-70
« on: August 15, 2008, 10:10:03 AM »
Well the 308 deal fell through, my buddy decided to hang onto it.  Not that I blame him.  So during vacation a couple of weeks ago I walk into a local pawn shop and there on the rack sets a Brand Spankin New H&R Handi-Rifle in 45-70 (No the buffalo gun version mind you) for $260 and well. . . . I visited it every day for about a week until my wife finally threw the checkbook at my head and told me to bring it home so SHE could spend some time with me while I was off (off on vacation not off mentally, though she does accuse me of having a mental problem when it comes to hunting and shooting)  ANYWAY the only ammo in town was a single box of Hornady Leverwhatevers and I bought it just cause I don't like ownin a gun without ammo for it in the house.  I haven't even gotten to shoot it yet and the very first thing I noticed was how much I already hate the sights on it.  I am tinkering with the idea of going to the Marbles #30 rear sight with the large peep hole, and an ivory or brass front bead, but I dunno yet.  What do you guys think?  Man I can't wait to get ahold of a couple boxes of Goex Blackpowder catridges for it.  Maybe by Christmas I can talk her into the reloading dies etc for it. . . . . :D  man it sure is a fun gun to handle though. 

GoodOlBoy
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"The gun has been called the great equalizer, meaning that a small person with a gun is equal to a large person, but it is a great equalizer in another way, too. It insures that the people are the equal of their government whenever that government forgets that it is servant and not master of the governed." - 40th President of the United States Ronald Reagan 1911-2004

God Bless America.

Offline LaOtto222

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Re: Handi-Rifle 45-70
« Reply #1 on: August 15, 2008, 10:28:36 AM »
You had better get to the doctor quick. It sounds like handiolism is starting to set in to me. ;D Look the FAQ over. There are a lot of answers to your questions right there. If you need more come on back. Even if you do not find what you are looking for there sure is a lot to read about. It helps with the shakes ;)
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Offline stimpylu32

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Re: Handi-Rifle 45-70
« Reply #2 on: August 15, 2008, 10:38:36 AM »
Once you shoot it your going to love it , some like the longer barrel of the BC , for me the 22" is just right , mine is one of 3 guns that come hell or high water I'll NEVER part with .

stimpy
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Offline quickdtoo

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Re: Handi-Rifle 45-70
« Reply #3 on: August 15, 2008, 10:40:31 AM »
Congrats, sounds like you're well hooked!! :D Them women folk just don't seem to understand, do they!!  ::) ??? ;)

Here's a good read if you're hankerin to shoot blackpowder..

http://www.castbullet.com/shooting/1871.htm

Check out the Peep and Firesights link in the FAQs, it's got lots of sights that are made for H&Rs, the front sight may be an issue depending on what scew size it has, they used two sizes over the years switching back and forth between 6-48 and 3-48.

Tim
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Offline GoodOlBoy

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Re: Handi-Rifle 45-70
« Reply #4 on: August 15, 2008, 10:53:39 AM »
Now I appreciate the replies but I had done gone an read that FAQ from one end to the other and the reason I am askin is the marbles #30 peep ain't like the williams nor no other I have ever seen.  See the pic below of the marbles #30 with the large peep (My eyes couldn't handle the small one I know) it replaces the rear sight.  Now it displays it with the fiber optice front sight, but I like the bead (which requires I buy the dovetailed front ramp I know) but considering the rear runs $20, the fron ramp runs $9 and the dovetailed bead for the front sight runs $ $12 it ain't a bad deal.  I have used the marbles front sights with the beads on three leverguns, and a bolt action 22 that I own.  BUT I used their semi-buckhorn rear with em.  This is my first venture into thinkin about this here marbles peep so I was just curious as to what yall thought of em. 

As for havin the bug, I had the bug when I was 6 and given my first H&R 20 guage.  :p

GoodOlBoy
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"The gun has been called the great equalizer, meaning that a small person with a gun is equal to a large person, but it is a great equalizer in another way, too. It insures that the people are the equal of their government whenever that government forgets that it is servant and not master of the governed." - 40th President of the United States Ronald Reagan 1911-2004

God Bless America.

Offline GoodOlBoy

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Re: Handi-Rifle 45-70
« Reply #5 on: August 15, 2008, 10:56:00 AM »
figured I might as well toss pics of the ramp and the bead in while I was at it, course these are just for example they ain't the spec for the handi-rifle 45-70 just generic pics of the items.

Here's to ya!

GoodOlBoy
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"The gun has been called the great equalizer, meaning that a small person with a gun is equal to a large person, but it is a great equalizer in another way, too. It insures that the people are the equal of their government whenever that government forgets that it is servant and not master of the governed." - 40th President of the United States Ronald Reagan 1911-2004

God Bless America.

Offline GoodOlBoy

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Re: Handi-Rifle 45-70
« Reply #6 on: August 15, 2008, 11:09:10 AM »
LOL hey quickdtoo I have a printout of that very article beside the bed at home.  Believe you me as soon as that handi-rifle was in my grubby ol hands me an google went round and round for everything I could think to search for involvin 45-70s, handi-rifles, and the lot!  Man I tell you what I can't decided weather I like shooting guns, hunting with guns, or just plain fondlin guns best.  My wifes gotten to where she douses on a little 3-in-1 household oil and burnt gunpowder to get my attention sometimes.  :D 

I had been lookin at the lyman 310 tool for reloading, problem is I suspect (but don't know yet mind you cause I ain't tried it) that the handi-rifle is gonna wanna be full length resized every time.  I hope I am wrong, but I dropped an empty a buddy gave me into the gun to test the idea and the gun wouldn't lock once it was closed.  On his gun it was shot in a 45-70 highwall.  Yea I know the chamber is different and now the brass is fireformed, but it was odd seeing that brass drop right in and then the gun wouldn't close. 

Anyway look what yall did ya got me wound up again!  Somebody reply quick before I think of somethin else ta say!
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"The gun has been called the great equalizer, meaning that a small person with a gun is equal to a large person, but it is a great equalizer in another way, too. It insures that the people are the equal of their government whenever that government forgets that it is servant and not master of the governed." - 40th President of the United States Ronald Reagan 1911-2004

God Bless America.

Offline Swampman

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Re: Handi-Rifle 45-70
« Reply #7 on: August 15, 2008, 11:39:04 AM »
Put a Nikon Prostaff 2-7X32 scope on it.  Buy some Remington 405 grain factory loads, & live happily ever after.  The LEVERevolution® .45-70 brass is not suitable for reloading as far as I know.  It's too short.  Since there is no case neck, all .45-70 dies full length resize as far as I know.
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Offline quickdtoo

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Re: Handi-Rifle 45-70
« Reply #8 on: August 15, 2008, 01:04:43 PM »
That Marbles #30 sight looks like a nice one, too bad it's not made for a 1.1XX" barrel, although the 1" could be made to work with a little effort. ;)

Depends on how hot you load the 45-70, with BP loads you'll likely never need to size them any more than neck sizing that the Tong tool take care of.  I shot a bunch of Ruger level loads this week in the new Ultra Hunter, the fired brass will fit tight in the chamber and it wll lock up completely with a firm closing of the action, but it would stick in the chamber if it wasn't an extractor which removes it fine.

Tim

http://www.marblearms.com/universalRearSights_info.html

http://www.marblearms.com/universalRearSights.html
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Offline kevinsmith5

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Re: Handi-Rifle 45-70
« Reply #9 on: August 15, 2008, 01:14:36 PM »
Forget waiting til Christmas.  Get the Lee Loader for the 45-70. $18. Order some Starline Brass from Track of the Wolf (those LeverWhatevers are a pain to load, the cases are shorter than spec). 
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Offline BBF

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Re: Handi-Rifle 45-70
« Reply #10 on: August 17, 2008, 06:19:28 AM »
You don't need to full lenght size the brass unless it was fired from another rifle. I just run the brass into the die about a 500 gr. bullet lenghts.

In some cases with cast bullets I don't even do that. With 777 the bullets rests on the powder or slightlyly compresses it. Then I run the loaded cases into the LEE facory crimp die. This holds the bullet and works great in the Handi.

btw Those 405 gr Rem Factory loads sure leave a mess in the bore.

Quicktoo: Those hot loads are not for the sensitive types like me ;D
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Offline GoodOlBoy

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Re: Handi-Rifle 45-70
« Reply #11 on: August 26, 2008, 05:07:10 AM »
Thanks guys I appreciate the input!  Anybody tried the Goex cartridge powder yet?

GoodOlBoy
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"The gun has been called the great equalizer, meaning that a small person with a gun is equal to a large person, but it is a great equalizer in another way, too. It insures that the people are the equal of their government whenever that government forgets that it is servant and not master of the governed." - 40th President of the United States Ronald Reagan 1911-2004

God Bless America.

Offline petemi

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Re: Handi-Rifle 45-70
« Reply #12 on: August 26, 2008, 08:32:56 AM »
Stimpy, you're right, the .47-70 Handi is the last rifle I'd give up.  I just say "Go do it girl." and she does.  3 yards to 300 she just seems to know what has to be done, and gets it finished.  I'd take her to bed with me at night, but the first night I tried it, I caught flak from Ponca Lady.  For some unknown reason she insisted the rifle stayed in the rack by the bed.  Funny how finicky some women can be.

A good book to read is "Forty Years with the .45-70" by Paul Matthews.  I got mine thru Amazon.com  Has a lot of .45-70 black powder info.  Good luck, good shooting and enjoy!  Pete
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The growing Handi/Sportster/Pardner/Topper Family:  .22 WMR, .22-250. 223, Two Superlight 7mm-08s and one .243, .30-30,  .308, 32-20, 18 inch .356/.358 Win., Two 16.5 inch .357 Max., 18 inch 38-55 BC Carbine, 16.5 inch .445 Super Mag., .45LC, 16.5 and 22 inch .45-70s, .50 Huntsman SS, .410, 20 ga., 12 ga., 20 ga. Pardner Pump, Versa-Pack .410 - .22
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Offline stimpylu32

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Re: Handi-Rifle 45-70
« Reply #13 on: August 26, 2008, 10:53:56 AM »
GoodOlBoy

Haven't shot any of the GOEX Gortex but have put a few pounds of True BP as well as Pyrogex RS through mine , both do very well in this round , almost like it was made for BP .  ;D

Don't see why the GOEX Gortex should be any worse , all you can do is try it .

stimpy
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Offline Swampman

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Re: Handi-Rifle 45-70
« Reply #14 on: August 26, 2008, 10:59:25 AM »
If you are going to use blackpowder in it, you might consider a lubricated felt wad between the powder and the bullet.
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"Brother, you say there is but one way to worship and serve the Great Spirit. If there is but one religion, why do you white people differ so much about it? Why not all agreed, as you can all read the Book?" Sogoyewapha, "Red Jacket" - Senaca

1st Special Operations Wing 1975-1983
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"Manus haec inimica tyrannis / Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem" ~Algernon Sidney~

Offline quickdtoo

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Re: Handi-Rifle 45-70
« Reply #15 on: August 26, 2008, 11:33:43 AM »
Quote from: stimpylu32 on August 26, 2008, 10:53:56 AM
GoodOlBoy

Haven't shot any of the Gortex but have put a few pounds of True BP as well as Pyrogex RS through mine , both do very well in this round , almost like it was made for BP .  ;D

Don't see why the Gortex should be any worse , all you can do is try it .

stimpy

Is "Gortex" that new waterproof powder???

OOOoooH, you meant Goex!!!! ;D ;D ;D  8)

Tim
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Offline stimpylu32

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Re: Handi-Rifle 45-70
« Reply #16 on: August 26, 2008, 12:11:25 PM »
Thanks Tim , had a brain fart , should do well in wet weather .  ;D

swampman 

I have been using a homemade grease cookie that does wery well and is a WHOLE lot cheaper than the felt wads , ya I tried them too and yes they do help too .

stimpy
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Offline quickdtoo

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Re: Handi-Rifle 45-70
« Reply #17 on: August 26, 2008, 12:15:12 PM »
Been there, done that a time or three myself!! :o ::) ;D

Tim
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Offline GoodOlBoy

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Re: Handi-Rifle 45-70
« Reply #18 on: August 27, 2008, 05:56:54 AM »
Yeah was thinking along the lines of vegifiber wads myself.  Doc says I ain't gettin enough veggies.  Maybe that will help satisfy him :D

GoodOlBoy
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"The gun has been called the great equalizer, meaning that a small person with a gun is equal to a large person, but it is a great equalizer in another way, too. It insures that the people are the equal of their government whenever that government forgets that it is servant and not master of the governed." - 40th President of the United States Ronald Reagan 1911-2004

God Bless America.

Offline petemi

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Re: Handi-Rifle 45-70
« Reply #19 on: August 27, 2008, 07:22:41 AM »
I've got two things on this farm that produce vegifiber wads, all you have to do is cut them and size them.  One's an Appaloosa and the other is a quarter horse!!.............almost forgot, you can put it your pipe and smoke it too!  It is very reasonably priced, just ask for a  quote.
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Keep both eyes open and make the first shot good.
The growing Handi/Sportster/Pardner/Topper Family:  .22 WMR, .22-250. 223, Two Superlight 7mm-08s and one .243, .30-30,  .308, 32-20, 18 inch .356/.358 Win., Two 16.5 inch .357 Max., 18 inch 38-55 BC Carbine, 16.5 inch .445 Super Mag., .45LC, 16.5 and 22 inch .45-70s, .50 Huntsman SS, .410, 20 ga., 12 ga., 20 ga. Pardner Pump, Versa-Pack .410 - .22
[size=7.4 pt]PLEASE DONATE TO THE GBO SERVER FUND  We're closer to the goal but not there yet, we can still use more donations, thanks

http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,191112.msg1098959491.html#msg1098959491

Offline GoodOlBoy

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Re: Handi-Rifle 45-70
« Reply #20 on: August 27, 2008, 09:17:10 AM »
 ;D  Uhmm yeah not that kinda vegyfiber.  If I wanted to get that far in I could collect all the potassium nitrate from my chicken pen and make my own powder :p  Not doing that either.

GoodOlBoy
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"The gun has been called the great equalizer, meaning that a small person with a gun is equal to a large person, but it is a great equalizer in another way, too. It insures that the people are the equal of their government whenever that government forgets that it is servant and not master of the governed." - 40th President of the United States Ronald Reagan 1911-2004

God Bless America.
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