Author Topic: long range hand load for 45-70 (Read 612 times)

Phoneman · « **on:** August 30, 2005, 12:33:00 PM »

I have a buddy that just bought a 45-70 buffalo classic. He does lots of long range shooting.
He is an avid handloader.
What he is looking for is an accurate hand load for 800 yard shots.
Every gun is a little different. and everyone has certain loads. So any info is appreciated.
He said he will try anything that is safe. doesn't mind pushing the envelope but won't consider anything that has unsafe pressures.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #1 on:** August 30, 2005, 01:10:23 PM »

I'm sure the Montanan will offer some advice, does your buddy have a rear sight in mind?

handirifle · « **Reply #2 on:** August 30, 2005, 02:46:07 PM »

First off, the concept of long range accuracy with a 45-70 and high velocity might be on two different wave lengths.

Better to find the most accurate load first then just adjust the sights for it. With the 45-70's rainbow trajectory it won't matter how fast you push it, at 800yds there will be a LOT of drop.

My BC liked the speer 400gr jacketed best

sureshot2040 · « **Reply #3 on:** August 30, 2005, 03:08:32 PM »

try using a 500 grain bps bullet over 38.5 grains of imr3031 with a wlr primer
i have used this load in a bc to shoot a 7 inch group at 500 yards
this was made possible by the use of a creedmore tang sight mounted on the wrist of the bc stock
i dont think the bc will reach that far with the standard sights unless you hold over
that same load topped with a 405 grain remington jsp shoots abt the same group size except it hits abt a foot higher on the target
hope this helps
sureshot

Phoneman · « **Reply #4 on:** August 30, 2005, 03:26:58 PM »

He's putting a tang sight on it.

Yeah there is A-LOT of drop with that big of a piece of lead.

Not very worried about speed. as he is accuracy.

His normal load is around 300gr. slug.

not sure what he uses for powder though.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #5 on:** August 30, 2005, 03:33:28 PM »

My version of a long range BC has a Bushnell Elite 3200 10x40 Mildot scope on it!!! :grin:

sureshot2040 · « **Reply #6 on:** August 30, 2005, 03:39:16 PM »

dang quick
you gonna have to stop flashing that pic on here
i have been calling every day asking if mine is shipped yet
im having a buff classic barrel fitted to my ultra receiver and cinnamon laminated stocks
cant wait!!!
what range do you have yours zeroed at??

sorry pard didnt mean to hijack your thread
that load i mentioned only runs abt 1200-1300 fps not hot
nice and comfortable to shoot

quickdtoo · « **Reply #7 on:** August 30, 2005, 04:04:15 PM »

Haven't picked any one load for it yet, the 2400fps 300gr nosler partition hits 3" high at 100yds. The 525gr Pile Driver hits just about point of aim at 100yds or a tad lower. :wink:

Phoneman · « **Reply #8 on:** August 30, 2005, 04:20:03 PM »

For all of you bc enthusiasts out there you can find a brand new one at

exnerssportsmansparadise.com

he also has a sharps in 45-70.

Don't mind extra comments. wouldn't be much fun to read if it was all information.

quick Do you hand load yours? My friend casts his own lead also.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #9 on:** August 30, 2005, 04:30:54 PM »

Yes, I handload for my 45-70s and 45-120 and a bunch of others....I have casting equipment and have cast more lead that I care to think about and have quit it for the most part for health reasons. I still have all my casting equipment cept a couple molds that I gave to Handirifle....I did run a bunch of 330gr 457122 recently but it was just for a special project. For the most part I buy gas checked bullets from Western, Beartooth and Cast Performance. Also recently bought 500 405gr rems for cheap shooting of the 45-120 BC. :wink:

Exner's is a bit high on the BC at $345, Sportsmans Warehouse sells em for $300.

handirifle · « **Reply #10 on:** August 30, 2005, 06:15:27 PM »

phoneman
I think you'll find the 400's and up to be more stable at long range than the 300's

Phoneman · « **Reply #11 on:** August 31, 2005, 01:08:11 PM »

Thanks for the info guys