HSM 45-70 "Bear Loads"

[Nicemarmot]

I picked up a few boxes of 45-70 HSM Bear Loads (430 grain hard cast lead gas check) from Cabellas. I'm curious to know if any of you have experience with this ammo either target shooting or on game you could share - accuracy, penetration, performance on game, broken shoulders, and detached retinas. The usual.

[Empty Quiver]

Use with confidence.
 
 I can hardly imagine a load that would not work in the old warhorse. I used a LeverEvolution load on both a 300lb sow and an 5X elk to equal effect a couple years ago. Twenty yard death march for each. 

[Spanky]

I used to load up some 440gr. hardcast for my Handi and they hit like a sledgehammer. I leaned a pallet up against a 12" thick pine tree and set up a target on it. At 50yds. it was shooting through the pallet and the tree. I never shot a deer with it but I'd imagine it'd probably go end to end through one without much trouble.
 
 
 
Spanky

[Nicemarmot]

Impressive Empty Quiver. Do you recall where the hits were on the sow and 5X?
Who needs an axe or chainsaw when you can hew wood with 440 grain hardcast!

[Dinny]

I agree that you can use them with confidence. However, I wouldn't suggest an extended range session with them. When you mentioned broken shoulders and detached retinas, were you referring to the shooter or the shooted? I have used several different types of HSM ammo and always found them to be of high quality. Rim Rock Bullets makes good bullets too.

http://www.rimrockbullets.net/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3&products_id=86

Thanks, Dinny

[Empty Quiver]

All ribs and lungs on the Elk. He acted as though he wasn't hurt to be honest. Wandered about ten steps stumbled and fell, 80 yard shot.
 
In through ribs out through scapula on the Bear, she ran like I lit her on fire. That was a 40 odd yard shot. Through and through on the bear, under the hide on the elk. 

[Plenty Coups]

I found the 45 ACP would not chamber and took it back. It would not chamber in the 1911's at the store either. They took it back and gave me other brands to replace it.
HOWEVER I have used their 45/70 ammo in both the cast trapdoor loads and the 350 jacketed loads. Both were flawless and accurate and I got Starline brass for reloading to boot.
  They have had problems with handgun ammo before but I think they have worked on the QCI since these problems were occurring. Go ahead and use their bear loads. many do around here as the factory is just a few miles to the north of me.

[Nicemarmot]

Thanks for the link Dinny. There is a note on the Rimrock site saying they won't ship to Canada. Too bad. I would like to cook up some bear loads of my own in the 1500 fps range with their 430 grain slug. Less recoil.
Hey Plenty, any stories of "Bear Load" effectiveness on critters?

[quickdtoo]

Check out The Bullet Barn, they're in BC, they'll custom size if they have the sizer die, you can email or call Lois to find out. 

lois@thebulletbarn.com

Toll Free: 866-883-0636

Tim

http://www.thebulletbarn.com/

[Nicemarmot]

Thanks quickdtoo. Their 400 grain gas check looks perfect. Is Brinnel 25 good for hunting?

[gcrank1]

405 gr. Lee hard cast or WWt quenched will drive for 'bear' deep penetration, which I hear is what you want for bear (Ive never hunted bear), and Blackies are one thing, Griz another.
If you are using for whitetail the .459ish wont need to expand, so a hard bullet can pass through and still let out a lot of wind and vital fluids. You will have to make sure that whatever you use, either cast by you or commercial, is of the right diameter for your rifles throat.
FWIW, I mostly use WWt's, and range scrap (garagealloy), unquenched. You can easily mix into that soft lead up to 50/50 is you want something to expand some.