45/70 ?

[jack19512]

I plan on deer hunting with my BC 45/70 this year here in KY.  I would like to hear from some of you that hunt deer with your 45/70 what load as far as taking deer sized game would be acceptable.

I use 300 gr. FN HP bullets.  I am pretty sure my shots would be 100 yards or less.  Because of recoil I just don't want to load my hunting rounds any hotter than necessary.  Plus I want to load some rounds that would be adequate and practice with them before season gets here.

I am not sure of the weight of the deer but I would assume about 225 lbs. and under.  Any favorite deer loads would be appreciated.  Thanks

[stimpylu32]

Jack19512

For practice loads i use a 405 grain lead rnfp over 12 grains of Unique , you may want to load up some and see how they shoot in your rifle . if i could use them in ohio for deer i would , and not think twice about it .

[Swampman]

I haven't hunted with mine, but I plan on using Trapdoor level loads in it.  I don't see any need for anything hotter.  Hundreds of thousands (maybe millions)of bison were killed with these type loads.

[cheatermk3]

I pulled the bullet from a remington factory load, 405 grain bullet.  The powder weighed 37.5 grains and appeared to be IMR-4198.

[cwlongshot]

I too like the 45-70 and try to get at least one deer with it every year.

My favorite handi load is a 405GR Rem bullet loaded to about 1500 FPS.

My favorite marlin load is a 400GR SPEER loaded to almost 2000 FPS.

The Factory REMINGTON 405 GR load is a dandy for 100 yard big game!!  Actually usually has LESS recoil than the 300's, as they are loaded a bit hotter at about 1800 FRS. If memory serves, the factory 405 is loping along at less than 1300 FPS.

ENJOY, the 45-70 is one awesome whitetail gitter!!

 CW

[ihuntbucks]

Iam using Sierra 300 HP/FP over 53.4 gr. of H-4198 for deer hunting this season.Top load is 54.3,but thought it was probably too much so backed down 1 gr. .I use Remy Express 405 for practice............Rick

[quickdtoo]

Iam using Sierra 300 HP/FP over 53.4 gr. of H-4198 for deer hunting this season.Top load is 54.3,but thought it was probably too much so backed down 1 gr. .I use Remy Express 405 for practice............Rick

60gr is max for levergun loads in the 2006 Hodgdon Annual. Not that ya need more for deer, tho. I'm shooting over 56gr with the nosler partition, but elk are on the menu.......hopefully!

Tim

[45/70fan]

My go to load is 50gr R7 and 300 Rem hp, cloverleaf groups and a tad over 1900fps. I recently shot 58gr and 60gr H4198 with a 300 Rem hp. Recoil was stout off hand. I haven't worked up the nerve to try the bench yet.