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Author Topic: Terminal Performance of the 45-70  (Read 1037 times)

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Offline MtJerry

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Terminal Performance of the 45-70
« on: October 26, 2004, 05:36:24 AM »
Well, when you hear people say "shoot a deer with a 45-70 you can eat right up to the hole." BELIEVE THEM!!!

I skinned my deer yesterday and found the entry hole in his lower neck. (Hmmm that's funny, I was aiming for his shoulder??????? I really need to shoot this gun some more)

There was a spot about 2 inches in diameter where the meat was dark. But there was not ONE SPECK of blood clots, shock damaged tissue, bloodshot meat nothing. I can literaly eat right up to the hole!

I used a 350gr Hornady RN. I don't think it opened up at all. Just punched right thru and left a .457 diameter hole going in and out. I have been reading about this bullet and I doubt it will generate enough energy to open in the 45-70. My reading is telling me that it was designed for the 458 mag. But still, it's original size is larger than my .270 when it expands!!!!!

I really like this gun!!

Jerry
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Offline MSP Ret

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Terminal Performance of the 45-70
« Reply #1 on: October 26, 2004, 06:08:13 AM »
MtJerry, what was the load behind that 350 Hornady RN? Did you load it or was it factory? I was wondering because so far my best accuracy load is 28.0 grains of 2400 beind that same bullet...Thanks....<><.... :grin:
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Offline MtJerry

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Terminal Performance of the 45-70
« Reply #2 on: October 26, 2004, 06:30:32 AM »
MSP -

I was using a load of H335 because I had some on hand.  I don't remember the exact load so I won't quote it.  It generated velocity of about 2000 fps.  A little stout for me at the bench, but I didn't feel a thing hunting.  accuracy was not fantastic, but I dn't think this barrel is broke in just yet - it's only a week old!!  Groups were about 2" at 50 yards.

Funny you should ask.  I bought some 2400 yesterday after re-reading one of my posted questions and the reply YOU made about 28.0gr of 2400 !!  I loaded some last night and was planning a trip to the range today at lunch!

I also loaded up some special rounds using .457 round balls over 9.0gr of WW231.  A freind of mine (a good one with a good reloading background - I trust him) gave me this load and says he HUNTS SQUIRRELS WITH IT!!!!!  He also says this load is VERY quiet too.  Sounded like fun so i loaded a few.
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Offline MSP Ret

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Terminal Performance of the 45-70
« Reply #3 on: October 26, 2004, 07:45:52 AM »
Thanks for the reply MtJerry, that round ball sounds like fun. Let me know how the 28 grains of 2400 works out for you, 1" to 2"  100 yard groups are the norm out of my gun (RP brass) off a bench using a 4x post reticile scope, very easy shooting load, not much recoil at all....<><.... :grin:
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Offline MtJerry

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Terminal Performance of the 45-70
« Reply #4 on: October 26, 2004, 08:31:14 AM »
Just got back from the range -

Shot the follwoing loads:

H335 - got about 1.25" group at 25 yards

2400 - got about a 2" group at 25 yards

.457 round ball - 4-5"group at 25 yards.  VERY quiet indeed!  I may play with this load some more and see if I can get the groups a bit better.  It shot MUCH higher than the 350gr. bullets obviously, but absolutley NO recoil!!  Like shooting a .22!

I'll post some pics tomorrow.
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Offline single shot shooter

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Terminal Performance of the 45-70
« Reply #5 on: October 26, 2004, 08:46:50 AM »
mtjerry,
  if you dont mind my asking what is the load for that 45-70 squirrel bullet? sounds fun indeed. would like to try some inmy 45-70 barrel when i get one  :grin:
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Offline MtJerry

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Terminal Performance of the 45-70
« Reply #6 on: October 26, 2004, 08:51:24 AM »
Don't have it here at work.  I'll post it later tonight or tomorrow when I get home.
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Offline quickdtoo

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Terminal Performance of the 45-70
« Reply #7 on: October 26, 2004, 09:30:04 AM »
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Offline MtJerry

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Terminal Performance of the 45-70
« Reply #8 on: October 26, 2004, 09:39:53 AM »
That's the idea, but my load does not need the sabots cases.

Load the powder and seat the ball in the mouth with a very light crimp. Go shoot!
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Offline quickdtoo

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Terminal Performance of the 45-70
« Reply #9 on: October 26, 2004, 09:47:43 AM »
To get any accuracy out of a round ball or any lead projectile for that matter, you either need a sabot or a ball that is slightly larger than the bore. Using an under bore size ball would be less than desirable.
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Offline Leftoverdj

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Terminal Performance of the 45-70
« Reply #10 on: October 26, 2004, 09:47:54 AM »
Single, Jerry, I get pretty good results with .490 RBs that have been run through a Lee sizer. Had to give a little more taper to the sizer to stop shearing and it helps to lube the balls first. Think I used 7 grains of Unique.

If what I had to work with were .457 RBs, I'd try patching them. Just rub a little Crisco into a patch. put a ball on it. and see if you can press it into a fired unsized case.
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Offline MtJerry

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Terminal Performance of the 45-70
« Reply #11 on: October 26, 2004, 10:25:21 AM »
Thanks for the information Quickdtoo and Leftoverdj,

I was certainly not impressed with the accuracy of the balls, but they are FUN to shoot.  I will work those ideas around a bit and see what I can do with them.

I have never done any "patched bullet" loading so I am kinda ignorant in that area.  But hey, you're never too old to learn something new!!
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Offline safetysheriff

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Re: Terminal Performance of the 45-70
« Reply #12 on: October 27, 2004, 11:02:36 AM »
Quote from: MtJerry
Well, when you hear people say "shoot a deer with a 45-70 you can eat right up to the hole." BELIEVE THEM!!!

I skinned my deer yesterday and found the entry hole in his lower neck.

There was a spot about 2 inches in diameter where the meat was dark. But there was not ONE SPECK of blood clots, shock damaged tissue, bloodshot meat nothing. I can literaly eat right up to the hole!

I used a 350gr Hornady RN. I don't think it opened up at all. Just punched right thru and left a .457 diameter hole going in and out. I have been reading about this bullet and I doubt it will generate enough energy to open in the 45-70.
Jerry


You can eat right up to the hole, Jerry, because as you said -- not ONE SPECK of...shock-damaged tissue.    If it isn't bloodshot then the thing died from having a hole in it, but probably no where near as soon as if it had been put out by shock from a faster, wider-opening bullet.     That's why I agree with using jacketed bullets at somewhat greater velocities to harvest deer.    They work faster, generally.    

In other words, a neckshot (spinal cord) can be 'instant lights out'; but a lung shot with a hard-cast can be a long trailing job -- especially if the deer is on to you and gets excited.    The adrenalin can keep it going then...

Glad for your good results,

SS'
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Offline Buffalogun

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Terminal Performance of the 45-70
« Reply #13 on: October 27, 2004, 12:09:33 PM »
safetysheriff,

The .45-70, even at its slow pace will knock deer down and keep them down. That .458" bullet does transfer shock to an animal, and alot of it. This can happen when muzzle velocity is only around 1,300-1,400 fps. I've seen it happen! More than once!

Buffalogun 8)
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Offline Paul5388

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Terminal Performance of the 45-70
« Reply #14 on: October 27, 2004, 06:08:09 PM »
I'm pushing a 405 gr Rem SP at 1050 fps using 12.0 gr Green Dot.  It shoots 1" at 100 yards, so I guess we'll see what it will do on deer this year.  :roll:

BTW, the Taylor KO on this load is 27.61, which is almost twice the KO of a 170 gr .357 doing 1700 fps.
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