I'm getting ready to buy my next Handi. I've been set on a 45/70 after
hearing what everyone has said about them.
It would be the 22" barrel gun. I have no experience with them.
Now I am waffeling a bit. The Classic Carbine in 45LC looks tempting.
I will be using this gun for plinking. Probably never hunt with it.
I am somewhat recoil sensitive.
I hand load.
Stay with the original thought...45/70 or take a hard look at the 45LC.
You guys that have both, what are the +/- of both?
Thanks,
Jon
Yes,with the 45-70 and the 45 Colt you can go,like others said "Mild to wild".
In the 45-70,since you did say "I am somewhat recoil sensitive",you can shoot the Trapdoor loads.
I tend to stay with the Trapdoor loads since I've added an original 1884 Springfield.
This was due to not wanting to blow up my 1884.So,all of my loads are for that very reason.
The loads may not sound too powerful.They are. Bullets are in 2 variations;405gr and 500gr.Full house BP loads
and the 405gr bullet,I've shot more of those comfortably,then Winchester factory 300gr.
Those factory rounds did hurt.These were shot from my Handi.
Molds are a Lee 405grHB and a Lee 500gr.Lube is beeswax and some lard.
With Trail Boss powder,those 405gr seems like pop gun loads.Just a fun light recoiling load.
45 Colt loads,you can go with a fairly wide variety of bullet weights,with velocities.
The "cowboy" ammo,such as Magtech,in the 255gr lead are good.
I have 2 molds,a Lee 255gr RNFP,and an RCBS 270gr SAA.
For the 45 Colt Handi,I can't tell you what the recoil is like.
I can only wish you luck on your choice.