Range Report - New 45-70

[MtJerry]

In summary - OUCH!!!!

With hunting season only 6 days away, I loaded some stout (middle pressure) loads with a 350gr. Hornady RN.  Kicked like mule.  After 18 rounds, I was DONE!! Gotta get a Limbsaver pad and replace the one NEF puts on it.

Decent accuracy though.  Got some 2" groups at 50 yards with the stock sights - hope to improve that as I get to work with it more.

And what a GREAT TRIGGER!  All I can say is NEF must be listening to all the folks complaining about the heavy triggers.  Mine (new) can't be more than 3 lbs.  I got ready to fire the first shot and started thinking about pulling the trigger and BOOM!  Kinda surprized me.  MUCH better trigger than my .223 Handi.

Tried some powder that I had on hand to see if I could save some money.  Tried IMR 4895 - LOTS of unburnt powder and folks around me said the flames coming out of the barrel were scorching their targets  :-D .

Also tried some H335 - good groups buy LOTS of recoil.

Without a doubt this caliber is going to take some time to work up a standard load - but I LOVE IT already!!

Jerry

[MSP Ret]

MtJerry, if you have any 2400 lying around I have a great load for you behind those 350 gr Hornadys. 28.0 grains of 2400 and a 350 gr Hornady RNFP works great with not much recoil, great accuracy....<><.... :grin:

[MtJerry]

Thanks MSP Ret -

I have 2400 on my "must try list," but thought I would use some stuff I had on hand to start with.

I like the Hornady's - nice, clean, BIG holes in the paper  :grin: .

I am also looking at IMR 3031 - if it will burn cleanly.