Author Topic: 45-70 recoil (Read 698 times)

257 weatherby · « **on:** July 08, 2004, 06:10:55 PM »

I've been thinking of getting a 45-70 barrel for my encore (factory 15"). But am wondering what the recoil is like? I have this calibers in rifles and it doesn't bother me at all but it's a little intimidating in a pistol. Any thoughts on muzzle brakes or porting? I don't have any problem firing 308 or 454 casull so how does the 45-70 compare? Thank you in advance for any help.

MePlat · « **Reply #1 on:** July 09, 2004, 02:08:04 AM »

The recoil in a 15 inch barrel doesn't compare. It is about the worst recoil I have endured.The loads I have used really pushed a 500 gr bullet and a 550 gr. Even a 405 at 1800 plus is very unkind.

A muzzle brake is the way to go. More noise yes but there a thing called earplugs or muff type protectors that will do the job.

Hawkeye · « **Reply #2 on:** July 09, 2004, 03:45:45 AM »

If you shoot a 454 C you can shoot a 45-70. I have a Contender 14" 45-70 w/break and it is not as bad as my uncles 454C. The Encore would be a little heavier and should reduce some of the felt recoil. If you are hunting whitetail, bear, elk or game about the same size, you can use a 300 grn bullet and have all of the power you need and not have to worry about it splitting you forehead. The 300grn Sierra Jacketed Hollowpoint shoots great from my barrel and I have taken deer and hogs with it.
If you are going to Africa, I guess you might need one of the heavier bullets. :eek:
Mike

MePlat · « **Reply #3 on:** July 09, 2004, 05:50:39 AM »

Hawkeye is perfectly right. If you can even shoot a 22 LR you can shoot a 45/70. But there is a difference if you are shooting 454 equivalent loads in a 45/70 and full power loads. 257 weatherby did not state if he was going to load 454 loads for the 45/70 or full power. I think it is wrong to assume that he was going to load down and then him load a 500 gr bullet at 1600 fps thinking that the recoil would be 454 type recoil then have him fire it.
If he did he would be in for a severe surprize.
I'd say I shoot calibers that probably many many people have not shot and don't anticipate shooting so when I say that a 15 inch tapered unbraked 45/70 barrel is the worst I have fired so far that is exactly what I mean; no exceptions. Not saying there isn't anything worst but I haven't fired it yet.
Now just because you can shoot a 454 does not mean that one can shoot a heavily loaded 45/70 with a 300 gr bullet over 2000 fps. with any accuracy because I have seen many many many shooters that have been weighted in the balances and found wanting when firing a 44 Mag.
The 45/70
Encore is capable of a great deal more power than a Contender 45/70 and to assume that someone is going to stick with those loads even though they are capable of doing everything we need is not correct thinking.
A Buffalo Bore 430 gr cast at 1770 is a handful and will get the attention of even some very hardened shooters especially when they have their head stuck somewhere other than FIRMLY planted on their shoulders.

MePlat · « **Reply #4 on:** July 09, 2004, 10:50:39 AM »

CKnight: What velocity were you getting with the 500 gr loads. If you don't know the velocity what was the load? Using the wood or synthetic grips?
You must be the man alright.

257 weatherby · « **Reply #5 on:** July 09, 2004, 04:09:09 PM »

Thanks for the replies. I am planning to shoot the factory 300-405 gr. loads and my 400 gr. handloads at about 1800-1900 fps. (heavy trapdoor level). Just was thinking has anyone tried a "Katahdin" encore rifle barrel on the pistol ? It seems that the heavy barrel with muzzle brake and longer forend would soak up some of the recoil.

Bullseye · « **Reply #6 on:** July 11, 2004, 05:42:03 PM »

I shoot 300 gr'ers in the high trapdoor range with my 14" un-braked Contender barrel. You know when it goes off, but I would not call it punishing. I have shot 30 rounds in a session before with not lasting pain.