Author Topic: Magnum Research BFR responses re loads? (Read 3003 times)

hansg/Ups · « **on:** July 18, 2011, 12:27:36 PM »

Has anyone been put off by Magnum Research's response when queried about pressure levels[and loads] for the BFR?
We're all familiar with the liability issues these days and how[rightfully...sometimes] manufacturers are about load data.None of us want blown up firearms or injuries.
That said,the 45/70 Government cartridge is typically listed at three pressure levels: Trapdoor Springfield,modern lever actions, Ruger #1s.
Even factory ammunition can vary dramatically for the 45/70[MR says use factory ammo].
So what factory ammo,or pressure levels in the BFR 45/70 capable of ??
Can it safely handle 400gr Trapdoor loads?
PS yes it kicks,so does: 44Mag,hot 45 Colts,454Casull,460S&W,500S&W etc.
Muzzleblast is really mild in the BFR 45/70,brass&projectiles are readily available.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #1 on:** July 18, 2011, 05:51:38 PM »

I shot a lot of Marlin level loads in mine.. Not one problem at all..

MePlat · « **Reply #2 on:** July 19, 2011, 04:37:09 AM »

Remember to always do what the factories say.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #3 on:** July 19, 2011, 07:39:51 AM »

Quote from: MePlat on July 19, 2011, 04:37:09 AM

Remember that same gun is chambered in 450 Marlin and Saami Specs is I believe 43000 psi.
It is also chambered in 500 S&W with a 55000 cup limit held by most ammo companies
I use a load in my 7.5 inch gun with a 520 gr bullet at 1450 chronoed.
Unless you have issues with recoil why hold it to trapdoor levels.

Well said, some of the loads I shot in my BFR 500 mag were a handful. Way more than any 45-70 loads I shot in my other BFR. The question should be, how much recoil can you handle.. The BFR will give you more then you may want in that 45-70.

MePlat · « **Reply #4 on:** July 19, 2011, 08:42:08 AM »

I have a BFR in 45/70 and I like it very much.

hansg/Ups · « **Reply #5 on:** July 21, 2011, 03:03:30 PM »

Any suggested loads?Please specify the cases,powder,primers,projectiles.
Thanks.

MePlat · « **Reply #6 on:** July 22, 2011, 06:15:59 AM »

Always stay within book levels in loading for any gun. stay within the levels your manufacturer says to not go over.

Bill T · « **Reply #7 on:** August 04, 2011, 04:35:11 PM »

These are my 2 Magnum Research BFR's. One is in .45-70, and the other is in .500 S&W Magnum. The loads shown with the .45-70 are Lyman 552 grain hard cast gas checks loaded to the hilt. Recoil is severe, but the gun digests them flawlessly. No manufacturer is going to give you positive feedback on shooting reloads in their weapons. They just won't. It's as simple as that. Mostly it's because of legal formalities. The BFR in .500 S&W and .450 Marlin eat high pressure loads with ease, so anything you can cook up in .45-70 should run equally well. Bill T.

Frank2 · « **Reply #8 on:** November 24, 2011, 08:13:51 AM »

Lever action rifle loads, the #2 loads.

MePlat · « **Reply #9 on:** November 24, 2011, 11:48:34 AM »

Always shoot what is most comfortable for you. Nothing is gained by pounding yourself to death.

Frank2 · « **Reply #10 on:** November 24, 2011, 01:16:15 PM »

The info. I provided is straight from the Magnum Research website. Magnum also states a warranty is voided if reloads caused the problem. That's normal.

MePlat · « **Reply #11 on:** November 24, 2011, 01:24:49 PM »

Magnum research know more than we do. Their lawyers will vouch for that.

Frank2 · « **Reply #12 on:** November 24, 2011, 04:35:32 PM »

Meplat:

Quote

The gun is more than capable of handling loads hotter than trapdoor or Marlin loads as recommended by Speer etc.

Why do you go hotter? It looks like from the video it is too much for you. How accurate is your load?

MePlat · « **Reply #13 on:** November 24, 2011, 04:39:37 PM »

Why go hotter?? I haven't a clue.

Frank2 · « **Reply #14 on:** November 27, 2011, 06:00:04 AM »

Meplat:

Quote

How could you tell from the video if it was too much for me???

Because we don't see any groups. All we see is the gun go bang. People that recommend top end loads need to show that they are good loads. But they have to be up to the task also to post anything.

MePlat · « **Reply #15 on:** November 27, 2011, 07:22:02 AM »

If a gun is too much for a person groups will suffer.

Frank2 · « **Reply #16 on:** November 27, 2011, 08:56:57 AM »

Magnum Research says to only use #2 loads. You recommend Ruger #1 loads. Do I want to try those? Sure! But I want to see how they do on paper before I waste my time or mess up my gun.

Posting groups is only a means to increase the hobby, nothing more. Think of it like the newbie you meet at the range who wants to know about the recoil. "Wow, that's a powerful gun. I sure don't want to shoot that cannon," he says. I just smile and say, "It's not that bad at all. Actually, you'd probably really enjoy it." Now, the experienced will ask, "What load is that?" He is obviously more into the hobby.

So which is it? Are we going to be talking like newbies about recoil, or seasoned individuals about loads? In everything in life, you make a recommendation, it's obligatory to back it up. It's not a contest. It's trying to have a refined discussion about the sport. It's the gangbangers who like exactly the other, watching it go bang. Loading is over their head. Discussing groups and showing work proves legitimate participation in the hobby. What is shooting? Is it a recoil contest?

Frank2 · « **Reply #17 on:** November 30, 2011, 03:13:22 PM »

No need to overdo it on the loads. Here's a 5-shot 100-yard group. The load is straight out of them RCBS manual. I just substituted a jacketed bullet. Higher velocity loads with slow powders open up groups. If you need expansion get a hollow point.

bfrshooter · « **Reply #18 on:** December 03, 2011, 08:09:31 AM »

I feel that you take one bullet, work loads with all the powders and primers. Look for what shoots best only. Leave the chrono home because just to claim how fast the gun will shoot does not produce a thing.
If the bullet will not group, let it go because it does not match the twist or align the cylinder.
Then someone will make something shoot real good so if you post a picture and all info about it, it is of real benefit.
Two sayings bug me, one is "shoots good" the other is "I shoot pure lead at 1800 fps".
Then there is the famous gun writer that has to have someone else shoot the guns and only counts the best 3 out of 6 shots at 20 yards. Sorry but when I see his face, I turn past him, he has nothing of value.
All you need do is post some good pictures and explain things so you help others. A bunch of tiny groups will make fellas sit up and take notice so they will read details. It is the details and loading info that is important and when someone just says it "shoots good" it means little. Is that 2" at 20 yards? Is it 10" at 50? Does it take a week to clean lead from the bore?
You must define and show. The whole idea is to help others and to avoid the magnumitis syndrome.

Graybeard · « **Reply #19 on:** December 03, 2011, 04:40:34 PM »

You two need to understand you're not gonna come here and run the same two man act that has gotten you kicked off so many sites. I see you have already begun to try going down that road. For now I've deleted some posts so play by the GBO rules or be gone.

Frank2 · « **Reply #20 on:** December 03, 2011, 04:51:36 PM »

I've never been kicked off of a site. I was just posting stuff to generate interest. Sorry it generated anger.

bfrshooter · « **Reply #21 on:** December 08, 2011, 07:54:22 AM »

EVERY gun maker will say the same about hand loads. It is 100% a lawyer thing. So many frivolous lawsuits it can ruin any company from a soup maker to a flypaper maker.
Don't worry, most gun makers will not question you.