crazy about my 45/70

Discussion in 'Large-Bore/Small-Bore Rifle/Shotgun' started by warpig, Feb 24, 2003.

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  1. Feb 24, 2003 #1
    warpig

    warpig Guest

    loader44
    Registered User
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    (7/9/01 6:41:14 pm)
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    Is anybody here as crazy about the 45/70 as I am. Got one for Christmas, Love it, would 'nt trade it, or sell it. The people down the road think I am crazy for shooting rats with my 45/70. Live in the country, farmers always plowing fields. It is so neat to watch the rats blow into mush when that 360gr bullet hits the target, can't find anything but gooooooo!. Bet you all think I am crazy too. OK I am. Hope everybody has a great time pulling the trigger. Remember: sight alignment, breathing, trigger pull.

    tuckerd1
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    (7/9/01 7:03:26 pm)
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    Welcome loader44. Glad to see you here! Not familiar with the 45-70, but have wanted to try it. Thought about a rolling block whenever Antique Dr gets that Cimarron FireArms Co. line in.

    LIKTOSHOOT
    Senior Chief Moderator Staff
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    (7/9/01 7:12:22 pm)
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    loader44...Welcome!! I use a 45/70 Marlin GG with Ashley Ghost`s to stake small pigs with. Use Garrett Hammerheads(cast) 385gr....moving about 1400fps......waitin for a 45/90 or 100.....but don`t think it will happen.....LTS
    "POOFBANNED" Huh?

    Alphamale
    Senior Chief Moderator Staff
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    (7/9/01 7:16:07 pm)
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    Welcome to the board loader44
    "Children today are tyrants. They contradict their parents, gobble their food, and tyranize their teachers."--Socrates (470-399 B.C.)

    Tac401
    Administrator
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    (7/9/01 8:05:32 pm)
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    ezSupporter
    Re: crazy about my 45/70
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    Welcome Aboard loader44!

    kdubaz
    Moderator
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    (7/9/01 11:32:31 pm)
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    Ditto what the others said, L44 -

    Have been interested in the 45-70 caliber for some time, just slow making up my mind to go get one. Have a .375 Winchester, which is a lengthened 38-55 - looks like a small version of the 45-70!
    Keep below the ridgeline!

    Xracer
    Moderator
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    (7/10/01 7:47:39 am)
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    Welcome loader44!

    Mesen
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    (7/10/01 9:09:06 am)
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    Welcome loader44
    sounds like LTS has the same gun as me right down to the sights, cast my own bullets though, the hollow base single cavity from Lee works real good, what powder works best for you?
    IF YOU VALUE YOUR FREEDOM, THANK A VET!

    Chief 101
    V.I.P. Member
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    (7/10/01 10:45:14 pm)
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    Welcome loader44

    I'v been thinking about getting a 45/70. Which one do you have? The only one I'v been warned to stay away from is the New England arms single shot...a buddy tells me it will jar the fillings out of your teeth.......lol

    Been drool...uh looking at a ruger #1

    Steve

    kdubaz
    Moderator
    Posts: 207
    (7/10/01 11:02:53 pm)
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    I'll gar-un-tee, Chief - you get a Ruger #l in 45-70 and you'll never look back!

    Have had several #l's - still have one in 25-06. Wouldn't trade it for the world...........
    Keep below the ridgeline!

    WyomingSwede
    Moderator
    Posts: 53
    (7/15/01 8:48:00 am)
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    I kinda favor 405 gr cast bullets....make a large splat and expand really well. I shoot a Marlin GG with Ashley receiver sights also. I love that guide gun....portable...good saddle gun...and packs a wallop. regards swede
    Wyoming Swede

    the real fredneck
    V.I.P. Member
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    (7/15/01 11:47:54 am)
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    Hey Swede
    does your GG start leading on the top ports after 50+ rounds? have been using roughly same load as you 50 gr 4064 w/405 cast
    Regards
    Fredneck

    loader44
    Member
    Posts: 4
    (8/10/01 3:31:20 pm)
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    Lets see if I can answer all of the questions, I have the Marlin GG, use Accurate 2015 powder, cheated a bit, put my Fathers ( never opened from 1969, have original receipt ) scope on it, use 360gr Molly coated bullets, they will cycle thru the action, have put about 600rds down range in 8 months, ( need to go to the range more often ), have had NO PROBLEM with leading with the Molly coated bullets. And my neighboors Still think I am crazy, somebody just moved in this O L D house next to my property, and the rats and mice are everywhere. My son uses his 30/30 and I shoot them " OF COURSE " with the 45/70. Makes sence to me. One shot , one kill. BTW , thanks to all for the warm welcome, much better here than the other place. Take Care. Eric.

    Xracer
    Moderator
    Posts: 762
    (8/10/01 3:40:16 pm)
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    Glad ya like it here loader. Hope you'll become a regular.

    BTW, what do ya use on squirrels.....a .600 Nitro Express?

    LIKTOSHOOT
    Senior Chief Moderator Staff
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    (8/10/01 4:02:38 pm)
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    ...i prefer the old .577 NE myself, for squirrels anyway
    "am not" R2

    WyomingSwede
    Moderator
    Posts: 76
    (8/10/01 5:21:59 pm)
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    I Must have a harder lead in my cast bullets....I havent had any leading problems whatsoever...and Im at about 400 cast bullets out of a 500 rnd box. I do like that load and in my opinion you just cant beat that guide gun. regards swede
    Wyoming Swede

    kdubaz
    Moderator
    Posts: 495
    (8/10/01 6:41:41 pm)
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    Yeah, LTS -

    When you "bark-'um", that ol' .577 Nitro SxS works real well!
    Keep below the ridgeline!

    Bob In St Louis
    Senior Chief Moderator Staff
    Posts: 881
    (8/10/01 8:11:16 pm)
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    I have a grenade launcher mounted on my 30-06 FN49 for taking down them monster coyotes.
    Crusty Cruffler of Fine Spanish Pistols - Eibar Rules!

    LIKTOSHOOT
    Senior Chief Moderator Staff
    Posts: 1805
    (8/10/01 8:51:48 pm)
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    Yep Kdub, but some won`t know that barkin ain`t a sound a squirrel makes lest hit by grazing fire..........
    "am not" R2

    loader44
    Member
    Posts: 5
    (8/10/01 10:06:32 pm)
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    Well, yall know that everthing down here in the great state of Texas is BIGGER than anyplace else. ever seen one of those monster jackalopes, Almost killed my little puppy dog it was so big (Great Dane Puppy, about 140lbs ) and the rats are as big as pit bulls. I keep telling my wife I need a bigger gun for the killer roaming packs of armadillos, I think a 50 BMG would fit that bill just fine. Well, I hope I have'nt driven yall crazy with my rambeling. Take care.

    kdubaz
    Moderator
    Posts: 500
    (8/11/01 12:01:30 am)
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    Well, Loader -

    I find that any excuse or alibi that gets bought off is well worth it - if'n you can sell the .50 BMG as the home varmit eradicator, why, hang tuff!
    Keep below the ridgeline!
    LIKTOSHOOT
    Senior Chief Moderator Staff
    Posts: 1818
    (8/11/01 12:33:01 am)
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    DANG!! another Texican...guess we are the controllers of the board now. HAWGIN RULES!!!!!!
    "am not" R2

    TallTLynn
    Senior Chief Moderator Staff
    Posts: 1623
    (8/11/01 8:29:25 am)
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    There are more Texans on the board LTS because you guys all just love to talk and tell stories.

    However, the 45/70 is a nice weapon.

    loader44
    Member
    Posts: 7
    (8/12/01 4:42:07 pm)
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    Liktoshoot, you in Texas also? Where abouts ?
     
    warpig, Feb 24, 2003
    warpig, Feb 24, 2003
  3. Nov 8, 2005 #2
    woody

    woody New Member

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    Just bought a NEA Rifle 45-70...This thing is a BEAST... Really a blast to fire, not as much kick as I expected! Really on target 1st shot, love this critter just wonderin who out there might have 1
     
    woody, Nov 8, 2005
    woody, Nov 8, 2005

  5. Dec 10, 2005 #3
    John Krzos

    John Krzos New Member

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    I just bought an Uberti 1885 High Wall in 45/70 for Cowboy Action Shooting. I am in the process of going to the range to try it out with a couple of weeks.

    John Krzos
     
    John Krzos, Dec 10, 2005
    John Krzos, Dec 10, 2005
  6. Dec 10, 2005 #4
    BobMcG

    BobMcG Well-Known Member

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    Hi Woody,

    If you would like a bit more kick, just work up some handloads for it. The 405 grainers from the factory aren't loaded hot on purpose. (For the safety of it with Trapdoors in mind.) I believe the newer 300 grainers are loaded hotter but then again the bullet weight is down. A friend loads up relatively hot 405grs that will set you back a bit... more like a .405WCF. The 500gr bullet loads he makes also reminds you of what recoil is. :)
     
    BobMcG, Dec 10, 2005
    BobMcG, Dec 10, 2005
  7. Dec 12, 2005 #5
    stash247

    stash247 New Member

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    Fine hunting caliber; with a 420 Gr hard cast bullet, and 'Trap door' class loads, the only meat it spoils is the bullet hole, but seldom fails to put a critter down, if the operator does his part.
    I shoot a Shiloh Sharps, a 1895 Marlin, a couple of Trapdoors, all with the same load, though the Trapdoors neen a .003 larger bullet, for accuracy.
    IMR 3031 gives good results, in the 35-38 gr range, Reloader 7, or AA 5744, work good, as well.
    You don't s'pose that's why the cartridge is still around, after 125+ years, do ya????
     
    stash247, Dec 12, 2005
    stash247, Dec 12, 2005
  8. Dec 12, 2005 #6
    Pistolenschutze

    Pistolenschutze Guest

    I am definitely a 45-70 fan, though the only rifle I currently have that's chambered for it is a Ruger 3 carbine. The 45-70 may not be a long range cartridge, but within its range limitations it's effectiveness has to be seen to be believed against deer-sized game. The only way to get full benefit from the cartridge is to handload for it, however. Commercially made ammo is only loaded to pressures that are safe in the many old rolling block rifles still out there. In a really strong action like the Ruger 1 or 3, which are falling block single shots, the cartridge can be loaded up to pressures approaching the .458 Winchester Mag. I once fired a handloaded 405 grain slug from my Ruger into a mud bank about 75 yards away. The bullet dug a hold over 10 inches deep and 7 inches across!
     
    Pistolenschutze, Dec 12, 2005
    Pistolenschutze, Dec 12, 2005
  9. Dec 12, 2005 #7
    Sackett

    Sackett Member

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    I use a Ruger #1 in 45-70. Where I hunt right now, I can't even see further than 50 yards. So far, I haven't shot a deer with the gun, but I'm hoping to break it in this season. I just can't bring myself to break it in on a doe.
    I'm using the store bought 405 gr. with it.
     
    Sackett, Dec 12, 2005
    Sackett, Dec 12, 2005
  10. Dec 12, 2005 #8
    packet

    packet New Member

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    Ive been shooting 45/70 for years and love it. Late last year, I bought a Ruger #1H in .458 mag. I use it to hunt deer and wild hogs. Now before all you people gang up on me for using a very powerful big bore rifle for medium size game, like all my hunt camp buddies did, alow me to explain. The .458 can be handloaded anywhere from a light 45/70 to an elephant killer. I am using a load that is a bit hot for deer but perfect for hogs. 350 grn. flat nose at 2000 fps. This load can be duplicated with the 45/70 in a strong rifle. So why you might ask did I go for a .458? The answer is simple, I always wanted one. I live in Fla. and there is a lot of swamp where I hunt. I want an animal to go down right away. I can tell you its no fun trying to track game through the swamp. So far this season I have taken two deer and three hogs. Every animal I shot fell within sight of my stand, and no, they were not blown to pieces. My hunt camp buddies dont laugh anymore.
     
    packet, Dec 12, 2005
    packet, Dec 12, 2005
  11. Dec 13, 2005 #9
    stash247

    stash247 New Member

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    Sackett, it will make meat anywhere you look! Loads that are 'maximum',in lesser rifles, are 'soup du jour' in the Ruger.
    If you can find a reloading manual that lists 59 gr of 3031, for the .45-70,you need to burn it; it is dangerous; not to the shooters of the Ruger, but to everyone else!
    At that level, the Ruger is truly an 'undersized' .458 Win Mag, but, nothing on earth will ever know the difference!
    You possess likely the finest example of 19th century ballistics, in a 21st century vehicle, ever produced!
    My second favorite caliber, out of many. I still think the .375 H&H, is the top of the pile!
     
    stash247, Dec 13, 2005
    stash247, Dec 13, 2005
  12. Dec 13, 2005 #10
    Sackett

    Sackett Member

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    I know what you mean Stash. At the ranges I shoot at now. Nothing will ever know the difference. I probably shoot less than half a box a year anyway.
    Hey Packet, you're among friends. C'mon admit it. You wanted one of those wonderful heavy barreled Ruger jobs. I'm just lookin for an excuse to get one and I wish my 45-70 could have been made with a Tropical barrel. Those Tropicals are the most beautiful hunting weapons made.
     
    Sackett, Dec 13, 2005
    Sackett, Dec 13, 2005
  13. Dec 14, 2005 #11
    Pistolenschutze

    Pistolenschutze Guest

    I'm in shock! There is actually another living soul on earth who not only appreciates the .375 H&H, but actually shoots it! Like the 45-70 and .458 Win Mag, the .375 is a rifle that can be used for just about anything. It may be over 100 years old, but it still can't be beaten. Take out anything from whitetails to rhinos!
     
    Pistolenschutze, Dec 14, 2005
    Pistolenschutze, Dec 14, 2005
  14. Dec 14, 2005 #12
    packet

    packet New Member

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    Sackett, you are correct sir. My #1H is now my favorite rifle. At 9 1/2 lbs it is heavy, but its no problem from a tree stand and it sure does help tame the recoil. There is still one member of our hunt club who continues to remind me that there are no elephants in the woods here, but he cant argue with my success.
     
    packet, Dec 14, 2005
    packet, Dec 14, 2005
  15. Dec 14, 2005 #13
    Sackett

    Sackett Member

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    Far be it from me to criticize a single shot hunter. I figure guys like that must know their business. Perhaps one day I'll get a Tropical also. Hmmm, the missus is getting diamonds for Christmas, maybe.......?
     
    Sackett, Dec 14, 2005
    Sackett, Dec 14, 2005
  16. Dec 14, 2005 #14
    inplanotx

    inplanotx Active Member

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    I just love my Browning 1886 in 45-70! :) :)
     
    inplanotx, Dec 14, 2005
    inplanotx, Dec 14, 2005
  17. Dec 15, 2005 #15
    stash247

    stash247 New Member

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    I'm not meaning to hijack this thread, since the subject is one near and dear to my heart: Would, however, there be some interest in a Single Shot Rifle/ S.S. Hunter thread??
     
    stash247, Dec 15, 2005
    stash247, Dec 15, 2005
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