H & R handi rifle .45-70

[351 WINCHESTER]

Is this rifle up to the heavier loadings or should I just stick with the original trapdoor loads?

 

[VA27]

The guns built on the SB2 frame work with 'Marlin' loads. That is if your shoulder can stand it.

 

[jmortimer]

Look at the Buffalo Bore site, the Handi is specifically listed. If it can take Buffalo Bore it can take most anything. In fact, the Ruger #1 is probably the only .45-70 that is "stronger" but at these levels it really does not matter. Bottom line - real strong.
http://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=150

 

[351 WINCHESTER]

What is a SB2 frame? Will it be stamped accordingly?

Thanks to all.

 

[JAGGUY]

Yes, an SB-2 frame will be marked as such. SB-1 and unmarked frames are cast iron and won't handle the pressure.

 

[Dr T]

With the Buffalo bore, this rifle will recoil with about 45 ft/lbs of energy at 20 fps of recoil. My 375 H&H Model 70 recoils about 37 ft/lbs at 17 fps.

Better your shoulder than mine.

 

[Owen Sparks]

As I understand it, NEF rifles have stronger frames than their shotguns.

 

[Owen Sparks]

BTW, mine is about 10 years old and ejects (throws out) the spent shell. The new ones don't, right?

 

[W.E.G.]

 

[Kentucky_Rifleman]

I had one of the HRs in 45-70 and shot some hot handloads through it. The rifle will handle anything in the 45-70 load data from major bullet and powder makers (Hornady, Hodgdon, etc.)

I did say "had" one. With hot loads it was extraordinarily unpleasant to shoot. It wasn't awful with milder loads, just moderately unpleasant

KR

 

[jmortimer]

I understand the Marlins are no fun with the hot loads either.

 

[Dr T]

On recoil: It is not that I am so much a wimp as that I am getting careful. I have a friend that got a detached retina from over indulgence with a hot loaded, light weight 45-70. Not a gun to take for a fun day at the shooting bench.

It should be noted that people will shoot 12 ga. shotguns all day without a second thought--and a 12 ga. kicks about like a 375 H&H. They do it while standing, however, not from a bench rest.

 

[TIMC]

I keep my buffalo classic in the trapdoor range with my loads. When you get up into the heavier loads it is very unpleasent to shoot. There is just not enough weight to smooth it out.

 

[Kentucky_Rifleman]

On recoil: It is not that I am so much a wimp as that I am getting careful. I have a friend that got a detached retina from over indulgence with a hot loaded, light weight 45-70. Not a gun to take for a fun day at the shooting bench.

This is a good point. All too often I read statements on here to the effect of "man up" or "grow a pair" when a poster asks about recoil or remarks that the recoil of a particular gun or cartridge is unpleasant, as if the ability to withstand heavy recoil were some measure of masculinity.

I shoot because I enjoy it. I hunt because I enjoy it. I assume most folks here do the same, so I'm perplexed by posters who mock others over recoil concerns. My philosophy is simple; if you don't enjoy shooting a gun, you won't be as accurate with it, because you'll dread the recoil. That's a perfect gun to trade for something you will enjoy shooting. You'll shoot more and be a better shot in the bargain.

I traded the HR 45-70 because I didn't enjoy shooting it. Even with milder loads, the light weight and short barrel of the gun gave it more recoil than my 375 H&H Browning A-Bolt Medallion. I traded off a perfectly good Winchester 70 in .300WM for the same reason. I keep the big Browning because the weight of the gun, the port, and hand-loads leave it with little more felt recoil than my .30-06 700 with the 20" barrel and hotter hand-loads.

Everything is relative. I had and traded a Marlin in 45-70 for much the same reason.

To answer the OP, yes the HR is strong enough to take heavy 45-70 modern loads, but you might want to work your way into them once you're shooting the gun. You can download the .45-70 to levels not at all unpleasant, but by the time I could have downloaded that far, I was ahead to go with a different cartridge/rifle altogether.

Just my two cents worth,
KR

 

[fireside44]

All too often I read statements on here to the effect of "man up" or "grow a pair" when a poster asks about recoil or remarks that the recoil of a particular gun or cartridge is unpleasant, as if the ability to withstand heavy recoil were some measure of masculinity.

Well, the Handi in 45-70 with stout loads will bring you closer to shoulder fired enlightenment, no doubt. A stout load will literally beat the comb into your face. Hope you are quick with sighting in a rifle.

Will make a lot of friends on the range for such a cheap rifle though.

Is this rifle up to the heavier loadings or should I just stick with the original trapdoor loads?

The real question here is whether you are up to the heavier loadings.