Author Topic: My 45-120 ROCKS! (Read 7245 times)

AtlLaw · « **on:** March 05, 2009, 02:34:13 PM »

Here she is, ready to go! You will note the butt is equiped with naught but a hard rubber (plastic?) butt plate! WE DON'T NEED NO STINKIN RECOIL PAD!

Ain't no girly men here in Jawja!

'scuse me, gotta take a break.

My right arm doesn't seem to be workin real good for some reason...

dpe.ahoy · « **Reply #1 on:** March 05, 2009, 03:19:48 PM »

Long as you got a secretary to do the typing for ya, "get er done". Did Kathie lay in a good supply of IcyHot? Ifen ya tuck them ears up under the hat, might help keep it on. Lookin forward to hearin all about it, Richard. DP

tykempster · « **Reply #2 on:** March 05, 2009, 03:44:14 PM »

Tell me more! What load? Is your eyebrow intact?

quickdtoo · « **Reply #3 on:** March 05, 2009, 03:49:56 PM »

stimpylu32 · « **Reply #4 on:** March 05, 2009, 03:55:11 PM »

Richard

I thought only us Ohio boys used stacks of 2x4's for shooting rests , guess you all have REDNECKS down south too .

stimpy

PS -- Were did you hide the slip-on limbsaver pad for the pic .

Smokin Joe · « **Reply #5 on:** March 05, 2009, 04:02:20 PM »

You know, a couple or eight or nine shims will fix that shoulder!

brennemanj83 · « **Reply #6 on:** March 05, 2009, 04:06:04 PM »

I heard that Cannon go off all the way yup here...........after each you could hear say OUCH......

AtlLaw · « **Reply #7 on:** March 05, 2009, 04:16:21 PM »

I'll post more tomorrow as I am currently self medicating as SmokinJoe suggested!

Gonna be a good supply of shim material in the mornin!

Can't wait for the next outing with that bad boy!

And they say size doesn't matter!

BTW, Ave. Velocity 2079 fps (405 gr. bullet), Ave deviation 13 fps, group size 1.79 inches. Actually a pretty tame load. $:-\$

brennemanj83 · « **Reply #8 on:** March 05, 2009, 04:23:00 PM »

Richard I think your next step with is to bring it up here so in I can shoot er right...................right ..........oh come on now.

LONGTOM · « **Reply #9 on:** March 05, 2009, 05:50:37 PM »

Way to go Richard.
Glad that the barrel worked out for you.
The guy I got it from was a die hard JHP bullet shooter and couldn't get the thing to hit the side of a barn with them.
Although he did say it shoot lead pretty good, just he wasn't a lead man.

I got two BCs and one of them loves JHPs and I think I am going to turn the other into a BP only cartridge gun.
Haven't decided yet weather to leave it as a 70 or take it to 120.
Oh well, might as well go for it!
After all I already have the brass.
What dies do I need for 120?
Can I still use my 70 dies?

LONGTOM

JerryKo · « **Reply #10 on:** March 06, 2009, 12:14:14 AM »

Allright, way to go , glad to hear you had lift off. I remember the first time I pulled the trigger. I really wished I could still contribute will range writeups. I remember filling the case up with BP sub and seating a 405 on top of it. I recall only 1700's, but with a 45-70 full case and 405, it was in the 1300's. I remember the 120 as being a pussycat with the bp loads, and still cant figure why my Dad said his 45-100 C Sharps kicked too much. Course he was shooting the 500's, but.....

Long Tom, It is easier to get the dies. The Lyman do a great job and are not very expensive. I think around $40. I think I remember trying to use 45-70 dies and the case is so long it bottomed out in the die before a full ram stroke. If just neck sizing, maybe, but then seating a bullet would not be consistent. The Lee Fact crimp die, could be used as per Tims suggestion of using some metal tubing over the case and resting on the shell holder to actuate the die in the correct part of the up stroke of the ram. That part did work for me.

Still cant wait to here more!

Jerry

PHATINJUN · « **Reply #11 on:** March 06, 2009, 04:01:01 AM »

Richard what weaver is that ? Kurt

AtlLaw · « **Reply #12 on:** March 06, 2009, 04:53:00 AM »

Okay, I'm at my office now, still basking in the "afterglow"...

That was really fun! And let me tell you, "Yea though I walk thru the valley and the shadow of wood, I shall fear no Bambi, for I got the badest thumper in the woods!

After I fired those 45/70 loads for Andy (MSP Ret) I changed the barrel and mounted the scope on the 45-120. It is an old, but post El Paso, Weaver K2.5 with lots of eye relief and since I was starting with a "light" load I wasn't to worried. People use scopes on Lotts don't they!?

I had loaded 6 rounds; 3 to sight in and foul the barrel and 3 for a group. After shooting Andy's pussycat loads, when that first 120 went off all I could say was "holy crap!" Fired 2 at 25 yds, one at 50 then the 3 shot group.

I really wouldn't want to fire anymore then that off the bench!

Not much muzzle jump, but a heck of a backward punch!

And this is my 2079 fps "starting" load! I can't imagine what 2300 fps would feel like!

With the rifle in that configuration anyway... $:-\$ One of the first 3 rounds I fired reminded me of some advice my old boxing coach gave me a long time ago, "Keep your jaw closed tight!" My teeth still hurt from being slapped together!

So, I've decided I'm going to make some changes before further load development!

I've got an extra stock set which I'll cut down to a reasonable 13.5 LOP and add a recoil pad; Limb Saver? I'll also add enough weight to the butt to balance the rifle a little better. Maybe even a mercury recoil reducer if I've got room after adding the lead.

I could continue shooting it the way it is, $:-\$ but really, I just look stupid...

And even if I didn't do anymore load development I'd be perfectly happy with this load for Bambi!

Hi-ebber, and day always be a hi-ebber, I still want to try a 500 gr. bullet at 2150!

AtlLaw · « **Reply #13 on:** March 06, 2009, 05:47:14 AM »

Quote from: dpe.ahoy on March 05, 2009, 03:19:48 PM

Did Kathie lay in a good supply of IcyHot?

Since I can still feel the aftereffects of the recoil, I checked my shoulder this morning; no brusing at all. Yesterday I was so tickled with the performance of the 120 and my new Ruger SBH that I didn't really feel a thing!

Quote from: tykempster on March 05, 2009, 03:44:14 PM

What load?

I haven't tried your 4320 loads yet, I have a can of 5744 so I started off with it. This one would be pretty tame for you my young friend!

Oh and TIm, I'm definately going to order one of those taper crimp dies you showed me!

Quote

Is your eyebrow intact?

The scope was no problem at all! I just made sure I didn't climb up on the stock and held the rifle tight into my shoulder. That old Weaver has been tough as nails! I'm going to have to buy another one for my 45/70 barrel!

Quote from: stimpylu32 on March 05, 2009, 03:55:11 PM

PS -- Were did you hide the slip-on limbsaver pad for the pic .

Okay, I'll fess up...

I a strap-on pad... didn't help much...

Quote from: brennemanj83 on March 05, 2009, 04:23:00 PM

your next step with is to bring it up here so in I can shoot er

Patience Jon, patience!

I've got to work up a load ... uh,... suitable for my friends to shoot!

I'm sure it will be the first one that makes me say "I'LL NEVER SHOOT THAT AGAIN!"

Quote from: LONGTOM on March 05, 2009, 05:50:37 PM

The guy I got it from was a die hard JHP bullet shooter and couldn't get the thing to hit the side of a barn with them. Although he did say it shoot lead pretty good,

Well I tell you Frank, I'm tickled pink with the barrel!

If this rifle will shoot a 1.8 inch group with the first load I put through it, I've got nothing to complain about! Well, I could complain about the headache I still have, but that may be from following SmokinJoe's advice last night? $:-\$

Quote

What dies do I need for 120?

I got the RCBS 45/120 dies for around $40.

Quote from: JerryKo on March 06, 2009, 12:14:14 AM

I remember the first time I pulled the trigger. I really wished I could still contribute will range writeups.

Shoot Jerry, another day and another time you may get you another one! Thanks for giving Frank the info on the dies, etc.

Hey Kurt, did I give you enough info on that Weaver? I can check the address when I get home if you'ld like.

Thanks for all the interest fellows!

LONGTOM · « **Reply #14 on:** March 06, 2009, 06:27:53 AM »

Thanks guys.
New dies it is and I too have an extra stock to cut up and put a pad on.

Has anyone tried any 300 JHPs in a 120?
Would make for a flat shooter if the barrel likes them.

LONGTOM

Singleshotsam · « **Reply #15 on:** March 06, 2009, 06:57:51 AM »

That, my friend, looks like a good time right there...

I may have to conjure a 120 up for myself one of these days just as a "HOLY CRAP" gun to let my friends shoot lol

Skunk · « **Reply #16 on:** March 06, 2009, 07:59:38 AM »

WTG AtlLaw, sounds like a winner.

MSP Ret · « **Reply #17 on:** March 06, 2009, 08:00:56 AM »

Congratulations Richard and where can I send the horse liniment for your shoulder? I hear that after the topical application of horse liniment you should internally flood the area with an alcohol based liquid for added reduction of perceived pain.
Now you are getting me interested in a 45-120 but I hate to change my only good shooting Buff Classic barrel, and it would be a waste in my extra 22" 45-70 barrel.
Take the weekend off and relax buddy, you shoulder deserves it. Perhaps you can use that time off to load up some more 45-120 behemoths. Actually, the name behemoth seems to fit your new creation....<><....

Behemoth - A large lady, usually muscular as opposed to fat, who will take advantage of any man that happens to be in her bed.

Also known as a Mammoth.
"I got attacked by a Behemoth last night"

P.S. - when you get a chance, how did the "pussycat" rounds do re: accuracy and/or velocity?

AtlLaw · « **Reply #18 on:** March 06, 2009, 08:09:49 AM »

Quote from: MSP Ret on March 06, 2009, 08:00:56 AM

Behemoth - A large lady, usually muscular as opposed to fat, who will take advantage of any man that happens to be in her bed.

'minds me a the wimmins I used to mess wid when I was workin the street!

Or female Po-lice... $:-\$

Quote

P.S. - how did the "pussycat" rounds do re: accuracy and velocity?

Shoot Andy! I got back on to start another thread and answer that very question! I know you are all a-twitter with anticipation!

Stay tuned to this forum!

MSP Ret · « **Reply #19 on:** March 06, 2009, 08:37:18 AM »

OK buddy I will, and you know, now that we are older a behemoth now and then might not hurt, just keep us tuned to a fine edge (or beat us up a bit

)....<><....

bajabill · « **Reply #20 on:** March 06, 2009, 10:35:21 AM »

that picture doesnt show the shooting station next to the one used for the photo op - where the Lead Sled Shooting Rest is located and hunkered down with 50 lbs of shot

The first time I shot my BC I got a bloody lip. With the open sights I had to hold it real tight to my mouth for my eye to line up and my lip got smashed between teeth and wood. I am very aware of how I position my face now before the trigger gets pulled. I put a pound in my stock and it really does help with balance as far as I am concerned. The 32" barrel was very front heavy before, I almost could not get it to balance on a sandbag under the foreend.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #21 on:** March 06, 2009, 10:56:17 AM »

Quote from: AtlLaw on March 06, 2009, 05:47:14 AM

Oh and TIm, I'm definately going to order one of those taper crimp dies you showed me!

I had to find out how well it worked, so I ordered one, got it yesterday, it looks to me that it will put a good crimp on the bullet.

Before I got my LeadSled, I used a lead filled pipe in the stock bolt hole, a Galco slip-on pad, a Past magnum shoulder pad and a high rest so I was sitting upright instead of hunkered into the stock, makes it much nicer on the ol' body. Of course the LeadSled makes an even bigger difference.

Tim

tykempster · « **Reply #22 on:** March 06, 2009, 02:33:20 PM »

The 45-120 is gonna be impossible to shoot "long range" consistently with high power loads, it recoils too much to shoot sitting or prone.

300 grains at 2700 fps isn't gonna be much different than my 405 grainers at 2500 fps...or 500s at 2200 fps for that matter.

AtlLaw · « **Reply #23 on:** March 06, 2009, 03:44:20 PM »

Quote from: bajabill on March 06, 2009, 10:35:21 AM

The 32" barrel was very front heavy before,

I thought that to. $:-\$ I also thought cutting it back to 28 inches would be about right. Then I remembered that we're not talking practicality here!

So I'ma gonna leave it like it is!

AtlLaw · « **Reply #24 on:** March 06, 2009, 03:46:19 PM »

Quote from: quickdtoo on March 06, 2009, 10:56:17 AM

I had to find out how well it worked, so I ordered one, got it yesterday,

I went to order one today and it didn't say "in stock," it said "accepting orders."

So they do have them in stock?

AtlLaw · « **Reply #25 on:** March 06, 2009, 03:48:27 PM »

Quote from: tykempster on March 06, 2009, 02:33:20 PM

300 grains at 2700 fps isn't gonna be much different than my 405 grainers at 2500 fps...or 500s at 2200 fps for that matter.

Believe me Ty, those figures have a whiole new meaning to me now!

quickdtoo · « **Reply #26 on:** March 06, 2009, 04:58:11 PM »

Quote from: AtlLaw on March 06, 2009, 03:46:19 PM

I went to order one today and it didn't say "in stock," it said "accepting orders." So they do have them in stock?

Oops, maybe I got the last one, sorry.

I kin send it to ya, then you send me one when you get the other one.

Tim

GeorgiaDave · « **Reply #27 on:** March 07, 2009, 01:25:39 AM »

Howdy from McBean !

Man, does that thing look and sound like fun ! Sounds to me like a pretty good starting load and still has room for "improvement". I would like to take this opportunity to encourage you to begin working up toward a MAX load for the heaviest bullet you have. Of course make the increases in modest amounts to check for accuracy, but "don't stop till you reach the top". How else will you ever know exactly what this round is capable of unless you take it there. I mean hey, you are the one who took a good performing big bore round and turned it into some sort of monster. You owe it to all of us here to suck it up and mash the gas. We want to know !! 500 gr. @ 2150 ? I have no way of duplicating that right now, but if you report some positive results I may just have to do what is neccessary to secure that performance myself. 500 gr. @ 2150 ? Are you kidding me ? WOW !! Sounds like an EXCELLENT coyote round that should not require a follow up shot. As far as long range shots, I am sure that with some practice that it would do well. But please, please, since we all want to hear much more reporting, Please, get yourself some kind of recoil pad, reload more rounds, make some warmer rounds, then some H O T rounds, shoot them, then come back and tell us all about it !! Inquiring minds need to know !! Good Luck and God Bless !!
Dave

NFG · « **Reply #28 on:** March 07, 2009, 06:43:04 AM »

You might think about getting a thumbhole stock...I bought an OEM laminated one for my 12GAFH but didn't think it would stand up to the pounding after I added a second hole for weight so I ordered a Gunstock Inc out of Walnut. It has a wider butt and more wood to work with...I'n not quite sure about it's shape either but I can change that easy enough and there aren't any other places making thumbhole stocks for the NEF yet. $:-\$

That straight stock might look cool but my wrist and hand definitely don't fit it or vice versa...

and that comb just knocks the FRRTTT out of my cheek.

Besides the OEM thumbhole will fit the 17 FB/6BR and work great for plonking all those pesky rats...

500 gr at 2200 should be easy enough...but you're NOT gonna like like it...

Luck on your projects.

petemi · « **Reply #29 on:** March 07, 2009, 07:04:20 AM »

Richard, you and the rest of these guys,...... you're all masochists..........but, this skinny little Wop would join you in your insanity if I were 100 lbs. heavier, and 20 years younger

I don't think the arthritis would enjoy the thumping just now. I'll just stick to my 70 and serve asprin and Icy Hot for all my friends here. I know, Richard how ya used to sniff around. Just remember to keep your nose out of it when you shoot.

Pete