.38/55 TR versus .45/70 BC

[slayer]

I am not trying to say one is better than the other, but I would basically like to know the differences in Balance-Accuracy and Power. I hunt Whitetails and Black bear in Pennsylvania up to 200 yards. Which one would you guys reccomend for me, plus I will also use it for Elk and Carribou and maybe Moose. Which one do you reccomend for accuracy-Balance and Power? Thanks-Jack.

[Ed Hill]

I haven't hunted in years and years so I have no credibility, but I do shoot both.

You'll need at least both, plus maybe a 30-06 or 7mm-08.  The 38-55 shoots a little flatter but has always been described as a deer and black bear cartridge, the 45-70 will handle the larger stuff but 200 yds is near the hunting limit. If you don't mind the recoil, you can load some very powerful 45-70 rounds that have a fairly flat trajectory and are certainly capable of taking an elk or moose.

The 38-55 is much more comfortable to shoot with factory ammo.

Any of the hunters want to jump in?

ED

[slayer]

Thank you E.D. Jack.

[quickdtoo]

Well, I haven't hunted with either, but I will say that the 38-55 would probably be a better choice if you don't like lots of recoil associated with a flatter shooting 45-70 load. The 45-70 will take a fairly hot load to get a reasonable 200+yd MPBR out of it, the PMC 350gr ammo sighted in 3" high at 100yds, will hit approx 6" low at 200yds and has what I think most would consider uncomfortable recoil. A 300gr load would do a bit better, but I haven't shot any at 200yds to know, and the ballistics of the factory ammo isn't real promising for a 200yd load......FWIW

[slayer]

Thank you. I plan on using the 405 grain bullet if I go for the .45/70. Recoil doesn`t bother me much, it can`t be much worse than a 12 gauge 3 inch mag slug gun without a scope, which I have shot many of times. Recoil isn`t an issue, and most shouts will be up to 100 yards. I have checked out the .45/70 model and it is sweet, balances sweetly and the sights are amazing, I imagine the post apeture is the one for hunting? Their are 8 to choose form :-D Jack.

[quickdtoo]

Yup, I know! I have a BC that I had rechambered to 45-120, has the Williams FP H&R rear sight and the Lyman .404" tall front sight and a set of Lee Shaver inserts, a much nicer set of inserts than the Lyman 17A inserts that come with the BC...I shoot the 405 rem, 500gr MPS cast, 460gr CP WFNGC and 405gr CP WLNGC, all group 1½" at 100yds....I also have a 45-70 Handi with the mannlicher forend that shoots less than 1½" at 100yds with the Williams WGRS sight that comes on the BC and a front firesight, shooting 28gr of 2400 and the 350gr Hornady RN. And a scoped 45-70 Ultra that shoots the 350gr PMC ammo into less than 3" at 200yds. :wink:



The little cartridge on the left is a 45-70.


http://www.buffaloarms.com/browse.cfm/4,49.html

[slayer]

Very sweet stuff!! Wow, those .45-120`s are huge!! I love the Mannlichor stock on the Handi, probably makes it more comfortable to shoot and it looks great. I am so stoked to get the BC .45/70. I thik I will order it this weekend :-D Jack.

[MSP Ret]

Slayer, just to let you know, a small supply of Mannlicher buttstocks was recently located in the H&R stockroom. I recently bought one, It was about a month ago and I think at that time they had a few left. They are $30.00 if my memory serves my correctly and when these are gone they are gone for good! That is if they still a few left, I have a feeling they may, but not many, they were going fast. If I were you and wanted one I would call CS as soon as they open Monday at 0900 EST and ask for Jennifer, she knew where they were, if they have any left and you want one buy it NOW if she has some. or at least one, left.
Good Luck....<><.... :grin:

[slayer]

Thank you very much MSP!! I appreciate that. I will call on Monday Jack.

[DPRinks]

A friend of mine is getting 1750fps with his BC, using the Lee 459-500-3R bullet, actually comes out 515gr with the gas check I added to the bullet.
Program shows , sighted in for 200yd, 5.7" high at 125yd, 3.8 " low at 225 and 8.7 " low at 250yd.
At 200yd, 1460fps with 2450lb energy and at 250 yd, 1400fps and 2240lb energy.
This should handle most animals over here.
I get 1660 fps with that 515 gr bullet in my 22" handirifle, with 10" less barrel.
I also have a recoil pad, he is still using the steel crescent butt .
Don

[slayer]

I just ordered my BC .45/70 today from Wally World for $285.97, that is a steal in my book. They said about 1 week or less!! I can`t wait, that will be my 2nd NEF/H&R gun, my first being the NEF Sidekick muzzleloader :-D Jack.

[Deadeye47]

Congrats...now comes the agonizing wait.... :wink:

[slayer]

Oh the wait :eek: I just remembered, it will be my 3rd NEF/H&R gun, I have had a NEF .410 for years. It has been an awsome Squirrel gun top say the least Thanks-Jack.