45/70 Options Other Than Marlin?
- Thread starter JeffDilla
- Start date
- Status
Old judge creek
Member
BZZZZZZZZT !!!!!! <alarm buzzer>One of these days I'll get around to reloading when I live in a bigger house and can devote a room to it. I suppose I could try to share my fly tying bench with a press and components, but that might get a little tricky
Wrong answer, Jeff. I've been sharing my fly tying bench with my reloading bench for more than 40 years... LOL. Well, at least up until I bought my ranch I Nevada (not a lot of water to fish in, there).
But the real fact is, it can be done. During my College days, my reloading outfit was quite literally in a cigar box. I reloaded 30-30s, 38s & 357s with a Lyman 311 nutcracker tool through 5 years of college and 3 three years after I was out of college. That added up to more than a few 1000 rounds of each, I'm sure. Not to mention the grip it gave me for shaking hands... LOL!
Catshooter
Member
Well Jeff, I'll just throw some gas on that fire. I've a bag of 45-70s downstairs, here's the load: 500 grain bullet (that I cast) over 15 grains of Universal Clays with any old large pistol primer. The bullet moves out at 1150 fps and to duplicate the load with todays prices I figure it'd be about 15 cents. Cost me way less 'cause I've had my components for a while.
That load shoots into an inch and a half at 100 yards.
Since I cast & load I enjoy a large independence from the ammo companies/governmental interference. I bought most of my components at the start of Bush's second term (or before) so rounds are cheap. The Obama scare of '08 affected me not at all.
Just sayin' . . .
Cat
That load shoots into an inch and a half at 100 yards.
Since I cast & load I enjoy a large independence from the ammo companies/governmental interference. I bought most of my components at the start of Bush's second term (or before) so rounds are cheap. The Obama scare of '08 affected me not at all.
Just sayin' . . .
Cat
Reloading is certainly something I've been interested in for some time now for the exact reasons you talk about. Buying a 45/70 would just be an even better excuse for finally plunking down the resources to do so. My friend with the Ruger #1 had fun perfecting his 45/70 loads for this year's moose hunt. He brought home a nice bull.
Cosmoline
Member
That's one of the classics, for sure. I believe Paul Matthews, the author of "Forty Years with the .45-70" used that as one of his main shooters.
Old judge creek
Member
Being able to "roll your own" opens up a whole new world to anyone who shoots. Being able to "fiddle" with components to find a load for your specific rifle is just the tip of the iceberg.
I can walk out to my bench right now and in an hour cobble up 100 rounds of proven loads for any of two dozen caliber guns - and if I have another 20 minutes, you can make that make that 200+ rounds (because once I'm set up, it goes pretty fast - and I'm picky, picky, picky, about my reloading).
I can walk out to my bench right now and in an hour cobble up 100 rounds of proven loads for any of two dozen caliber guns - and if I have another 20 minutes, you can make that make that 200+ rounds (because once I'm set up, it goes pretty fast - and I'm picky, picky, picky, about my reloading).
Sav .250
Member
Local gun-shows( if you have any ) are a good place check out.
BSA1
member
H&R Trapdoor carbine.
Njal Thorgeirsson
Member
Cool! I just bought a No. 1 in .458 lott; I can't wait to try it out!!!
But regarding the original question, I'd say that the bad reviews almost always (if not always) as a result of quality control issues. I personally looked at many (10+) Marlin SBLs before finally deciding that the $700+ pricetag was a bit too high for quality of the gun due to poor fit and finish.
BUT, I'd say don't rule out marlins just based on other people's advice. Go and look at them for yourself. If you find one that meets your quality standards, buy it. If the action is smooth, the stock fits well and the edges aren't too rough, then it'll be a very fine rifle for you. People usually just complain that they bought a rifle that doesn't look as nice as they'd like. If they'd been more careful and found one that meets their standards, I think they'd all be pretty happy.
And regarding the No. 1, I don't know your price range, but the No. 1's are great rifles, although I haven't fired mine yet. The fit and finish is certainly better than marlins, and I can't imagine that a used one would be that much more than the marlins you are looking at.
GlockNation said:
I don't agree with this. I shot some Barnes VOR-TX loads through my 1895SBL the other day and they chronographed at around 1,700 fps with four shots touching at 100 yards. Recoil was very manageable and that was off a bench. The bullet is a 300gr TSX FN with a supposed MV of 1,900 fps but the 18-1/2" barrel of the Guide Gun cuts that down a bit.
JeffDilla, as others have pointed out, there are a number of good choices of .45-70 Govt rifles available but when you consider that there are some nice upgrades available for the Marlins (e.g. Wild West, Skinner, XS etc), and how easy they are to scope, you might want to keep looking. I also have an XLR in .45-70 Govt which is excellent and very accurate. All four of my Marlins have JM marked barrels.
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
For the OP, here is a wonderful Winchester 1886 Extra Light .45-70. It is stronger than the Marlin by a good 10,000psi, smoother and will exhibit far better fit & finish than any Marlin of the last 100yrs. A vastly better investment for your thousand bucks. They're also already drilled & tapped for a receiver sight. There are several others like it on Gunbroker.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=319889619
Don't get me wrong, the Marlins are good guns and I have several of them but when you start getting painfully close to speculator prices $1000 or more, there are better options.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=319889619
Don't get me wrong, the Marlins are good guns and I have several of them but when you start getting painfully close to speculator prices $1000 or more, there are better options.
Well this thread has progressed. . .interestingly. I'm certainly not opposed to Marlins. It's just everything I read about the new Marlins is negative. I'm sure there are good ones to be found and I'd pick one up if I found one that satisfied my skepticism. I'll also pick up an older model used one if I find one in good condition.
The Winchesters would be at the top of my list if they were in my price range, but unless I can scrounge up a few extra hundred dollars, they won't be.
The Ruger is a beautiful gun and if it's still at Cabela's when I'm ready to buy in a couple months, it'll be hard to resist.
The Winchesters would be at the top of my list if they were in my price range, but unless I can scrounge up a few extra hundred dollars, they won't be.
The Ruger is a beautiful gun and if it's still at Cabela's when I'm ready to buy in a couple months, it'll be hard to resist.
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
How much are you wanting to spend? You might be better off finding a used Marlin 1895SS model. They are the most plentiful and typically very affordable. I found a used 444 for less than $300 but couldn't really justify it. Contrary to the statements of some folks, I don't buy guns just because they're a good deal. I'd prefer to pay more for a later model 1:20" twist version. Either way, a used SS version is probably your best bet.
http://www.leverguns.com/articles/paco/4570_leverguns.htm
http://www.garrettcartridges.com/chamberpressure.html
http://www.leverguns.com/articles/paco/4570_leverguns.htm
Last edited:
Old judge creek
Member
Jeff, I have the same opinions as you regarding any Marlin made since Remington took over. The key to that is buy used and make sure the inspection mark is a JM stamp on the left side of the barrel just ahead of the receiver.
After Browning and Winchester "became one" a few years ago, their "new" lever rifles have been made in Japan by Miruko. Miruko is one of the premier firearms manufacturers in the world. Their stuff is nothing short of spectacular.
That's why the prices went through the roof. But the simple truth is they're worth the prices they're asking (or close to it).
In the 1980s Browning had Miruko manufacture limited runs of old John M. Browning designs. But when the runs were over, that was it. After acquiring Winchester, they started up again, under the Winchester name and lawyered up with manual safeties. Both the brownings and Winchester were made by the same company. Both are fine rifles... but PRICEY.
After Browning and Winchester "became one" a few years ago, their "new" lever rifles have been made in Japan by Miruko. Miruko is one of the premier firearms manufacturers in the world. Their stuff is nothing short of spectacular.
That's why the prices went through the roof. But the simple truth is they're worth the prices they're asking (or close to it).
In the 1980s Browning had Miruko manufacture limited runs of old John M. Browning designs. But when the runs were over, that was it. After acquiring Winchester, they started up again, under the Winchester name and lawyered up with manual safeties. Both the brownings and Winchester were made by the same company. Both are fine rifles... but PRICEY.
Muzzlelover
Member
- Joined
- Oct 29, 2012
- Messages
- 59
henry is making one now and also there's the h&r handi rifle.You can go to www.ableammo.com & it will list calibers from 17 hmr to 500 s&w in the rifle section,just click on the caliber you want and it will pop up the manufacturers currently chambering said round & a discount price.hope this helps.
Congratulations. That's a great rifle. And the 458 Lott makes a 45-70 feel like shooting a 22.
Thanks for the suggestion, I just went and checked them out, not a bad looking rifle. I'm familiar with Henry rifles but does anyone know anything about the quality or reputation of this model? I see they are new for 2012.
Last edited:
Catshooter
Member
Jeff,
All the Henrys I've seen work well and are nicely put together.
However, they load like a 22 rifle with a tube magazine, which I don't like.
Cat
All the Henrys I've seen work well and are nicely put together.
However, they load like a 22 rifle with a tube magazine, which I don't like.
Cat
Yeah, I was thinking the same thing as well. Although for hunting purposes, I don't think it would be a deal-breaker. I see they have the MSRP at $799, any idea what they actually retail for? I can't find any for sale on any of the auction sites.
- Status