Author Topic: whats the BEST factory load for a 45-70 govt. (Read 1475 times)

moose · « **on:** February 20, 2005, 01:04:09 PM »

got that handi rifle, only came with 2 rounds ammo took to the bench rest in the cow pasture this eveing and it shot GREAT.........now i am going to order some ammo.......what factory load does the Handi rifles like?

i will be hunting mostly wild pigs..........and might shoot a deer with it.......thanks for all replies.......

GrampaMike · « **Reply #1 on:** February 20, 2005, 02:30:28 PM »

I have tried six different brands and weights. Mine likes Winchester Supreme 300 Grain Partition Gold the best.

tanoose · « **Reply #2 on:** February 20, 2005, 02:42:06 PM »

Those winchesters should to well as will the heaiver remington 405 grain bullets but the lighter 300 grain will do better for a longer shot. If you want to try a real stopper on boar , bear etc. Try buffalo bores 350 grain bullet, it hits hard on both ends of the gun.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #3 on:** February 20, 2005, 02:58:24 PM »

The stoutest factory load that doesn't have a premium price is the PMC Silver 350gr @ over 2000fps and costs less than $20 a box. They shoot excellent in mine with 2½"-3" groups at 200yds. It's apparently real popular, Midway is out again!

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=362657

DPRinks · « **Reply #4 on:** February 20, 2005, 04:42:13 PM »

If you ignore startup costs, which in my case are spread out over 13 calibers, I am loading .45-70 for about $7 per hundred, you might investigate reloading if you shoot much.
Don

dgii · « **Reply #5 on:** February 20, 2005, 06:22:30 PM »

DPRinks, I like reloading myself, but haven't found a way to load that many, for that cheap. The bullets alone are between .10 cents for lead and .20 cents or more for jacketed bullets. Powders getting pricey around here, almost 20 bucks a pound and at 40 plus grains each that adds up quick. Let me in on your sources for components. My brother in law loves shooting his 45-70, as long as he pays for reloading and not for factory ammo.

Mac11700 · « **Reply #6 on:** February 20, 2005, 06:38:42 PM »

For me...if I only shot factory big game ammo out of it...very simple...Winchester Supreme 300 grain Nosler Partition...IMHO...it doesn't get any better than that for the jacketed bullets...th Garretts and Buffalo Bore...and the others are ok...but I've never been disapointed with the outstanding accuracy or performance of the Nosler Bullets...

Mac

moose · « **Reply #7 on:** February 21, 2005, 01:53:00 PM »

i looked today at several gun shops today for the 45-70 WInchester Supreme 300 grain partition Gold....but could not find any only found Rem, Brand load and Win. silvertips for 23.95 per box........where are you guys finding ammo.....mail order?

and what the cost per box.......thanks

tanoose · « **Reply #8 on:** February 21, 2005, 02:02:41 PM »

Anyone know what velocity winchester is loading those 300 NP's at?

tanoose · « **Reply #9 on:** February 21, 2005, 02:10:08 PM »

I checked out winchesters web site they advertise 1880 fps which is the norm for the 300 I like the sound ogf that pmc ammo the 350 at 2000 there much like my handloads of the hornady 350rn at 1900.

Mac11700 · « **Reply #10 on:** February 21, 2005, 07:42:02 PM »

Moose...

I get mine from a couple of gun shops here in St.Louis...but you can get them from ...
http://www.natchezss.com/ammo.cfm?contentID=productDetail&ammoRecID=1&brand=WN&prodID=WNSPG4570&CFID=1565067&CFTOKEN=51422187

http://www.grafs.com/shopRegularproducts.cfm/startItem/26

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=580818

They aren't cheap...that's the main reason I reload them...

The Winchester factory Nosler load won't beat you up as bad as the PMC 350 grain load...much more controlable...and on my handloads...I'm getting right at 2300 fps with the Noslers...they do rock ya...but they are too bad to shoot...anytime you get into these type velocities...you should invest in a Limb Saver recoil pad...http://www.limbsaver.com/limbsaver/firearms/precfit.aspx

The really do work great...

Mac

moose · « **Reply #11 on:** February 22, 2005, 02:54:56 PM »

thanks for all the replies......my hunting buddy in Tenn. for the Win. supreme 300's today and bought them for 36.00 ouch!!! ands he picked me up a box of Win. 300 gain silvertips and a box of Rem. 300 grain for $20 each-------i will have more in Ammo than the gun cost :-D

DakotaElkSlayer · « **Reply #12 on:** February 22, 2005, 06:40:18 PM »

Moose,
May I suggest you reload? When I got my .45-70 I decided it was time to learn to reload since the factory stuff is weak and isn't cheap. I bought a $15 Lee Loader and I couldn't be happier. Super easy to use...pretty much foolproof.

Jim

quickdtoo · « **Reply #13 on:** February 22, 2005, 06:52:01 PM »

Moose, if you decide you want to go with a Lee Loader, I have an extra 45-70 Lee Loader that I'll make ya a good deal on, pm me if you are. I also have a few tools that don't come with it that I can help ya with.

Tim