H&R 'classic' Buffalo rifle .45/70

[Deaf Smith]

Say folks,

Can the H&R Buffalo rifle in .45/70 take +P or anything but sedate .47/70 loads?

Thanks,

Deaf

 

[Jason_W]

To be on the safe side, you might want to contact the manufacturer on that.

 

[highlander 5]

If you're talking a copy of an 1873 Springfield simple answer no.

 

[rule303]

The Buffalo Classic will handle at least Marlin level loads, and even a bit higher than that. They aren't as strong as a Ruger #1, but are much stronger than a trap door Springfield. Hot loads are not a pleasant experience through those things though. The curved metal butt, and relatively light weight will get your attention even with blackpowder equivalent loads.

 

[Kp321]

I think the rifle in question is the break open single shot on the shotgun frame, right? If so, I would be cautious with heavier loads. The shotgun receiver, color case hardened, is cast iron and is rated for shotgun pressures of less than 20,000 psi. The rifle receiver, blued, is steel and is good for full pressure, 55,000 psi or so. As already stated, the gun will take more than most shooters will.

 

[VA27]

The Buffalo Classic is built on the steel rifle frame, the same frame used for H&R's 30/06 and 308. Marlin loads are ok, but shooting them will NOT be a pleasant experience.

 

[gazpacho]

The H&R single shot break open frames are similar to, but not identical to their single shot break open shotgun frames. Currently, the heaviest caliber listed in their inventory is .30-06. According to the manual, the Buffalo Classic will handle all ammunition that "meets SAAMI and ANSI standards." I would load the rifle accordingly.

 

[db_tanker]

um...was the same frame used for the 500 S&W they still chamber for?

 

[RPRNY]

The H&R SB2 receiver is proofed to 65,000 psi. The SB2 receiver is used for the 308, 30-06, and S&W 500. There are lunatic recoil junkies shooting 700 gr bullets from Buffalo Classics reamed to 45-120. You can shoot 45-70 +P ammo in the Buffalo Classic. It will be unpleasant.

 

[Deaf Smith]

Thanks guys.

I've seen some people selling theirs and I wondered about it.

Now I've had the Marlin Guide Gun before and yes, loaded hot, they kick an awful lot.

But I figured if this H&R was cheap enough, I could cut the barrel down to 18 inches and re-install the front sight. Make a nifty woods gun.

And knowing it could go up to 55K PSI if not more just told me it would be strong enough for any handload I'd even accidentally load.

And no, I would not make an elephant gun out of it.

Thanks,

Deaf

 

[Deaf Smith]

Looks like H&R maybe thought about it to.

HARRINGTON RICHARDSON TRAPPER TALO 45-70

18 1/2 inch barrel.

Deaf

 

[dprice3844444]

if your going to cut the barrel down,consult gentry custom brakes and have them do the work and make you a brake.order pachmayer f990 triple field pad
http://www.gentrycustom.com/muzzle-brake
http://www.opticsplanet.com/pachmayr-f990-triple-magnum-field-recoil-pad.html

these 2 additions listed above should make it a sweet shooting rifle that won't beat you to death due to it's light weight.

 

[Panzerschwein]

These things are neat, personally I think it's more practical than something uber expensive like a Shiloh Sharps for actual huntin' work in the field.

 

[Deaf Smith]

Saw a .44 Magnum version on GunsAmerica for $280 or so.

Yes, I see no reason to spend big bucks on such a gun.

Just a short, light, and powerful woods gun.

Oh, and on GA they had a pre-safety angle eject trapped Winchester in .44 Magnum. 800 bucks but loaded with hot .44 Special loads I bet it would be a dandy. 16.5 inch barrel. Just add a Skinner Sight!

Deaf

 

[Fred in Wisc]

I wouldn't cut the barrel down on a Buffalo Classic, it balances real well with the long barrel. If you want a short gun, H&R makes a short 45/70 with a conventional stock and recoil pad, and it's cheaper to boot. Or you can get a barrel fitted at the factory for a very reasonable price if you already have an appropriated Handi rifle frame.

 

[RPRNY]

Freds advice above is excellent

 

[damienph]

Mine is one of the original Wesson & Harrington Buffalo Classics and it will easily handle the same loads as my Marlin 1895G Guide Gun. The felt recoil is stiffer with the BC than with the Guide Gun. I typically shoot either 405gr hard cast lead or 300 gr JSPs through the BC but typically shoot 405gr JSPs through the Guide Gun. I really like both rifles but the felt recoil (at least to me) is less with the Guide Gun, even though the Guide Gun has an 18" barrel compared to the 32" barrel on the Buffalo Classic.

 

[Fred in Wisc]

Thanks RPRNY. Even a blind hog roots up an acorn from time to time.

 

[db_tanker]

of course if you want REAL short Fred you could shoot what I got.


TC Contender with the Rynite stock and forearm with a 16.25" 45-70 Gov.


The recoil on this little monster is...brisk? lol

But with the 4x on there it shoulders and aims quick and handles just as easily as a lever in the woods.

 

[Fred in Wisc]

Thanks but .....ah....no. While I enjoy shooting guns that let you know something big happened when you pull the trigger, the BC is plenty frisky with 405gr at 1800 or so. And I like my clavicles where they are.

But if I ever run across a reasonably priced 45-70 Contender pistol barrel, it's "game on"!

 

[PapaG]

Had one. Loaded for the 73 level with Lyman 457124 at 370 grain. Shot it. Sold it. And I'm not particularly recoil sensitive. Steel, narrow butt, fairly light, unpleasant. I can shoot a 250 bird program in an afternoon, sight in my slug gun with ten to fifteen rounds, but I didn't enjoy that one much.

 

[db_tanker]

yeah it is definitely a "buddy" gun.



I still would love to have a friends Encore 15" 460 Weatherby rig I got to shoot a few times.



now that the stars are starting to align for the wife and I however I might just get me one of those HR classics...I do love my single shots.

I have been looking at lee and lyman and their 450-500 grain moulds...found a pointed RN 500 grain from lee that looks interesting... Would make for some fun shooting gongs at a few yards.