Author Topic: Thinking 'bout a 45/70 carbine . . . (Read 513 times)

Ranger413 · « **on:** October 15, 2004, 02:23:18 AM »

For some strange reason I've started thinking that I need a 45/70. I like the idea of the Katahdin barrels but don't really want to loose my hearing with the muzzle brake. I've thought about a custom barrel as well but am not sure about the costs associated. The other option, which looks mighty tempting, is a factory barrel cut down to my specs. I'm thinking that I would like something around 18" or so.

I'm a reloader so I'm sure that I could come up with some target loads to keep my shoulder intact before stepping up to the stouter stuff. Does anyone have experience with the Katahdin, custom, or factory barrels in this chambering. I'm needing some ammunition to sway me toward or away from a purchase. Any and all input will be greatly appreciated.

Ranger413

Camp Cook · « **Reply #1 on:** October 15, 2004, 05:33:50 AM »

:lol: I have a s/s synthetic stocked T/C Contender carbine with a 22" T/C custom shop (talk with Sonny there because they'll cut the barrel to what ever length you want) barrel chambered in 45-70 and I also reload for it. With the 22" barrel the rifle is still very short but I get far better ballistics than with the shorter barrel.
I load 300gr jacketed bullets with 57gr of H322, 405gr jacketed bullets with 49grs of H322 and 420gr Cast Performance hard cast bullets with 48grs H322. I also installed a Kick-Eez magnum recoil pad which are available from Brownells to make the rifle far more managable.

Cam

Thebear_78 · « **Reply #2 on:** October 15, 2004, 09:25:34 AM »

I recently purchased a 24" blued 45/70 barrel and after having it for a couple weeks I sent it out to have ti cut down to 18". I have always liked the looks of the katahadin carbine barrels too. The 18" barrels are just a lot more compact. You can get a barrel cut down for around $30 from several good gunsmiths. If you find a used 24" 45/70 barrel for a decent prce I say pick it up, if you decide you like it then just keep it at 24", if you fell you would rather have it shorter send it out to get cut down. You can still get plenty of perfromance out of a 18 inch barrel.

Thebear_78 · « **Reply #3 on:** October 15, 2004, 04:41:52 PM »

I just got 45/70 barrel back from EA Brown today. It looks great. I can't wait until tomorrow when I can take it out and shoot it. I have the williams peep on it right now but will probably put my 1.5-5x20 Leupold VXIII back on it. It is unbelievably short. Total overall length of 33". I'll let you guys know how it shoots. I'm pretty impressed with the french gray finish that they did on it too.

oso45-70 · « **Reply #4 on:** October 15, 2004, 08:36:15 PM »

Atta boy Bear,
Looks kinda neat to me, Big as you are you can make you a holster and carry it on your hip just like the OK Corral. All joking aside you are going to have a ball with your Stubby 45-70. Aint no such thing as a bad 45-70
some are just better than others. Good luck Bear and keep your powder dry.........Joe..........