45-70 FTX for big game.

[Ruger44mag]

Hey guys,

I was wandering if anyone has used the Hornady 45-70 325gr FTX for big game such as moose and brown bear. I was going to reload for it before my hunt this year but I have run out of time. Thanks guys!

 

[george d dennis]

ruger 44mag

check the marlin forum, might be some information your looking for.

 

[Flintknapper]

You might consider

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=816543

 

[Hizzie]

325gr is kinda light for caliber. I would think one would want to stick with 405gr or heavier to assure adequate penetration on dangerous game like brown bear. Check with Buffalo Bore or Corbon.

 

[dprice3844444]

use anything other than hollowpoints.hollows will expand in the fat for less penetration to the vitals.325's should work great

 

[snakeman]

From personal experience hunting with this round, I would not recommend it for hunting moose or brown bear. I shot a buck with mine at 20 yards through the lungs then again at 60 yards. He had two canonball sized holes from the bullets exiting. I lost half the back strap and the tenderloins. With this amount of overexpansion I would assume the the bullet would not fair well against something with such tough skin and and heavy bones. Especially not something that could eat you instead. On the other hand it is very accurate.

 

[Asherdan]

I have misgivings about the FTX on large game. The reports on game I've heard have had too many experiences like snakeman's. One in particular detailed the failure of the FTX on a moose.

That 300g TSX load Flintknapper linked to is a no doubt big and heavy game bullet. So is the Federal load with the 300g Speer bullet. Both of them have a no doubt track record.

 

[TIMC]

I have used the 300 grain .50 cal FTX bullets in my Beowulf and took a deer with a neck shot at 140 yards. I saw zero expansion but a .50 hole is still a .50 hole and the deer ended up as sausage! I have foound I can do just as good and better with cheaper bullets.

My favorite 45/70 bullet for hunting is the Remington 300 grain JHP bullets, they have performed very well on pigs and deer for me out of my Marlin 1895 and H&R Buffalo Classic. Accuracy is also very good with this bullet.

Out of my trapdoor carbine I am running 405 grain cast bullets.

 

[AEA]

Be aware that the brass on the Hornady 45-70 FTX rounds is a bit shorter than standard brass. You need to be aware of this before reloading it.

 

[ball3006]

I used Hornady 405 jacketed flat point to take a deer once. It was dead before it hit the ground. It was used in my TC pistol loaded with H322 powder.....chris3

 

[lizziedog1]

I would assume the the bullet would not fair well against something with such tough skin and and heavy bones.

Like Bison for example?

 

[Robert]

I load my 45-70 with 405gr hard cast lead bullets. But since time is an issue for you I'd go with something other than the FTX. You want penetration not massive expansion.