Author Topic: 45-70 Hunting load suggestions (Read 764 times)

1GLOCK · « **on:** September 03, 2003, 10:14:01 AM »

Im starting reloading for my 45-70 Guide gun. I want a load that will work well for deer, blackbear, elk and hogs. Im thinking 350gr jacketed bullets. Anyone have any suggestions on this weight ? Should I go Heavier?

John Traveler · « **Reply #1 on:** September 03, 2003, 10:34:25 AM »

Howdy, 1Glock!

For your Marlin 1895 Guide Gun, I'd load the same as I do for my 1895 w/22" Ballard-type rifling.

The standard factory 405 grain jacketed softpoint loaded to Trapdoor Springfield pressures and velocities will kill all the game named at effective .45-70 hunting distances. Cast or swaged lead bullets will perform nearly as well because of the pinky finger-sized bullet.

I would go with the 405 grains for more penetration, especially in the heavy-muscled elk and hogs you hunt.

YES, I know, the 300 and 350 grain bullets can be hot-rodded to close to 2000 fps using maximum loads. But, have you TRIED firing those loads? They kick like CRAZY in your GG and the muzzle blast is particularly fierce especially while hunting (no ear protection).

Oh, yeah. Ask around about the infamous muzzle blast and recoil.

The limiting factor on heavier bullets in your GG as it is on the standard M1895 is cartridge overall length. It will not feed, and will not eject loaded rounds over maximum length. That includes many or most of the 500 grain cast bullet loads and may apply to 405 grain bullets seated far out. I got tired or unscrewing and dropping the lever to clear action james the FIRST time in the woods.

HTH
John

jaycocreek · « **Reply #2 on:** September 03, 2003, 01:41:02 PM »

John Traveler-With all due respect I and others disagree.there are bullets out there like the .300 grain Nosler that can and have withstood velocities to 2330fps in the Guide Gun.Rick Jaimeson of Shootoing Times did it in a Test barell.then in the Guide gun.In 350 grain loads there is the Kodiak and the North Fork that acks like the A-Frame.Then in 405 grain there are the A-Frames-Kodiak and O-Bullits that can withstand the max velocities of the 45-70.They all come with a punch but they will handle it.Randy Garrett tested the 300 grain Nosler in 45-70 and in his test it out penetrated the .375 H-H Mag. with the same bullet at only 35,000 P.S I.Way below Max.Granted the lower levels work but when picking on the larger animals one must have a little more and the 45-70 can do it.Have a good day.Jayco.

Castaway · « **Reply #3 on:** September 04, 2003, 12:47:22 AM »

First, this load should be used in GG's and Rugers only. Buddy has a GG and we played with many combinations (including patching) and settled on the Rem 405 grain bullet over 50.5 grains of IMR 3031 (under max). Truely an MOA load in his rifle. Velocity escapes me, but somethng on the back on my mind says around 1750 f/s. It's a thumper and brutal from the bench but the trade-off is worth the bruised shoulder for him.

1GLOCK · « **Reply #4 on:** September 05, 2003, 04:15:49 AM »

Casaway,
A friend of mine loaded me up some 405s not sure on the powder but i know they were right around 1750-1800fps. Youre right it is a real thumper off the bench but still managable. Maybe I'll just stick with it.

Arrroman · « **Reply #5 on:** September 05, 2003, 10:37:36 AM »

I use Starline 45/70 brass with 60grains of IMR4895 and a 300 grain Remington hollow point bullet. The load is MOA and velocity is about 1980FPS just like the Winchester Supreme with Nosler Partitions. My .35Rem with 40grains of IMR4895 and a 200grain Hornady roundnose also shoots MOA. At @2000 FPS they are both pleasant to shoot and very efficient hunting rounds. I have .444Marlin loads with 265Hornady flatnose bullets and 48grains of IMR4198 @2300FPS that are MOA but the gun kicks like a 30-06. I think you are better off to shoot at a reasonable velocity and enjoy it more. Good luck hunting!