I want a 45-70 but, which one?

Status
Not open for further replies.
F

flip180

Member
Joined
Feb 10, 2004
Messages
722
I am really looking into getting a 45-70 for reloading. I specifically want to get a 45-70 because it is such a cool and easily reloadable caliber. I don't hunt but, I like reloading though. I thought about a Marlin 1895G but, I already have a 1894C that I reload for. It would be almost the same shooting experience but on a bigger scale. They can be had at a reasonable price to boot but, a single shot like the Contender or Encore would be nice also. The encores are pricey though. 500.00+ for one but the Contenders are a little cheaper. The rimfire/.223 options would be great to have especially with my daughter. I know she's only seventeen months old but she'll get there;) . I know the 1895G is one stout pig but how stong are the contenders? Can they handle a good stout 45-70 load such as a 300 gr. at 1700-1900 fps or a 405 gr. bullet at 1300-1400 fps. I'm not talking about ruger no-1 handloads but a standard 45-70 load. March is one of those great months that I get three paychecks and, I have some time to weigh the options but any input will be appreciated.

Thanks, Flip.:)
 
Flip - only one answer from me - Ruger #1 :) I load for BFR (mid loads) and this - and that rifle will take the full 35,000 pressure loads - it is build like a brick latrine ;) In fact I am loading down a shade to increase accuracy and save my shoulder. :D

If you can afford one - get it - and I think you will enjoy. You do tho IMO need to ''tailor'' your load to suit and find the ''sweet'' load.

Of course - if you only want to shoot trapdoor loads then the field is wide open for choice. In fact in the intermediate range are some levers - they are nice too. IIRC Savage does a nice one.

To add - sorry forgot! The Contender will IIRC take mid loads just fine and probably with factory trapdoor loads be very comfortable indeed.


ruger-no1-86-s.jpg
 
I agree with the Ruger #1S especially since I have one also. I had a guide gun and while it is a well made rifle I think the stock design sucks. the Ruger #1S is a lot easier to shoot. I have a Burris compact 4x scope on mine
 
I read about a great(?) new 45/70 a couple of weeks ago. A new single shot hunting pistol from EAA/Tangfolio.

Thor.gif

Go ahead, work up some hot loads for it.:uhoh: :confused:

I believe there are a couple of models of the H&R break action single shot chambered in 45/70. There is the standard handi-rifle with basic adj. sights, drilled and tapped and the buffalo hunter with a 32" barrel and excellent sights.
 
flip180....You might want to have a look at the H&R Buffalo Classic http://www.hr1871.com/firearms/index.php?cat=4&subcat=23
It's a 45-70 and is priced at about $320 at Wal Mart. From what I've heard it is a very nice rifle, I've ordered the H&R Target Model. These rifles may have a waiting period though, mine will have taken 3 month's before I get it.

H&R also makes a Handi Rifle in 45-70, it's more like a carbine. Basically its the same as the Buffalo Classic but with a shorter barrel and plainer stock.

Another option is a 1874 Sharp's replica, but they can be $1000+ new, but you may be able to find a used one for less.

The 45-70 is an interesting round, been around for about 130 years. Good luck.:)
 
Agree with your first two responses: Ruger #1 all the way AND as steveo, I have a Burris compact on mine. I've taken a couple of deer and a hog with mine shooting reloads. A real game-getter AND a MOST fun gun to shoot. You can shoot the 'low powered' cast lead bullets from 'boom-wait-wait-wait-whoomp' all the way up to the 'full speed ahead' heavy weight, fast stepping stompers! You won't be sorry with a Ruger#1!!
 
How about a Springfield Trapdoor rifle. Originals in shootable condition go for about $600 around here. Of course,these are blackpowder rifles, Pedersoli makes reproductions but I'm not sure if they use blackpowder cartridges or smokeless cartridges.
 
pmbiker said:
I read about a great(?) new 45/70 a couple of weeks ago. A new single shot hunting pistol from EAA/Tangfolio.

Thor.gif

Go ahead, work up some hot loads for it.:uhoh: :confused:
Click to expand...

Oh I gotta see a video of someone shooting THAT thing!
 
I wasn't looking to spend much Money then I would go with a buffalo classic or handi-rifle in 45-70. Both inexspensive reliable guns. My father owns both and they are both good firearms. He actually own 2 Buffalo classics one in .38-55 as well.

If you want very high qaulity I would suggest a Browning High wall or Ruger no.1.

My personal favorite is the Remington Rolling block.

Brother in Arms
 
My vote was hands down Guide Gun, but since you already have a Marlin, the only other candidates (for me) are Ruger #1 or Quigley Shiloh Sharps. Mmmmm...Shiloh. :D
 
I have a Pedersoli that I'm not happy with. It will shoot smokless loads. It seems as though the twist is too fast for the standard 405gr cast bullets. I think I just about have something worked out with a 500gr. .458" bullet. If I had it to do over I would $pend the extra for the Shiloh or Christian. +1 on the #1. Look at the Ruger #3 if you are interested in a carbine size. I hear good of the H&R also.
 
flip180 said:
I am really looking into getting a 45-70 for reloading. I specifically want to get a 45-70 because it is such a cool and easily reloadable caliber. I don't hunt but, I like reloading though. I thought about a Marlin 1895G but, I already have a 1894C that I reload for. It would be almost the same shooting experience but on a bigger scale. They can be had at a reasonable price to boot but, a single shot like the Contender or Encore would be nice also. The encores are pricey though. 500.00+ for one but the Contenders are a little cheaper. The rimfire/.223 options would be great to have especially with my daughter. I know she's only seventeen months old but she'll get there;) . I know the 1895G is one stout pig but how stong are the contenders? Can they handle a good stout 45-70 load such as a 300 gr. at 1700-1900 fps or a 405 gr. bullet at 1300-1400 fps. I'm not talking about ruger no-1 handloads but a standard 45-70 load. March is one of those great months that I get three paychecks and, I have some time to weigh the options but any input will be appreciated.

Thanks, Flip.:)
Click to expand...


The Marlin 1895G is what first came to my mind, other than that the Ruger is
a great choice. If you are thinking about .45-70 in a hand gun P95Carry
(IIRC) can attest to the BFR .45-70. I have pushed mine rather hard (405
gr. @ 1900 fps) with no ill effects.
 
P95Carry said:
Working man - you remember well :)
Click to expand...

That's a tribute to your pictures (always a joy to see) plus we are in a rare club, I think only 2 others on this forum have stated they have a BFR .45-70.
 
I was well on my way to joining that exclusive club...

Just itchin' to get a pic of my own .45-70 BFR next to P95's, when something else in .45-70 got in the way of my checkbook. Call it a weak moment, or what you will, but I just had to have it in my stable of boomsticks. :D

1174b.jpg
 
P95Carry, your BFR looks like something out of 'Escape from New York'. ;)

I thought for awhile that I wanted a .45-70 lever action, but now I'm leaning single shot. The Ruger or Sharps rifles are the most likely choices.

jmm
 
I would chime in for the encore with a 45-70 barrel. I have one with a .450 barrel on it (same as 45-70 just a belted cartridge).

You do pay $500 once but from then on every new rifle barrel you want to try is in the $200 to $250 range.

It makes for relatively cheap but high quality additions to your collection of calibers and if you like to reload well an encore can be downright addictive.

They will definitely handle the mid range loads and you can get a short ported 18" barrel or a longer one if that suits you.
 
Keep your eyes open, Flip180.

Every now and again you'll see a nice used Ruger #1 for sale on forums like THR, or on GunsAmerica.com, or even AuctionArms. Many a time, somebody bought the rifle for the purpose of running .45-70 Level III (Ruger/Siamese Mauser) hot loads, more like .458 Win Magnum, and after a few replacement fillings decided it wasn't what they wanted. There was a nice stainless/laminated Ruger #1 in .45-70 for sale right here on THR several months ago, and I kick myself for not grabbing it.

I found this one at a discount, unfired in the box, after the spouse of the owner brought it to a local gun shop. He had purchased it, and within a week had suffered a heart attack and passed away. I sincerely hope he at least enjoys watching me shoot it from his new location, since he never got the chance.

The gun's been quite a companion to me, and has recently served as a testbed for the 500gr black powder loads I make for the Sharps Model 1874 Business Rifle I pictured above.

rugerbenchsmall.gif
 
Those No-1's are nice but, they are pricey. I had my 1894C out of the safe tonight just to ponder if I needed two leverguns. The 1895G doesn't sound too bad. I have Williams fire sights on my Marlin and the 1895G would be the only one out of the ones I've mentioned or you all sugested that I wouldn't scope or need to scope. I love my peeps on my Marlin and given the range that I'll be shooting this at, peeps would be nice to have. The 200.00 I'd save on the scope could go toward reloading components. I found Encores at www.sportingarms.com for under 500.00. That place is a two hour drive from me and, it is real tempting to have a place so close with such good prices on the Encore's.

Flip.
 
You could do a lot worse flip than an Encore - plenty of ''pleasure grins'' to be had. I adore my Contender - and only reason that has no 45-70 barrel yet is because of the BFR and #1.

Plus of course - you can accumulate extra barrels over the years to come ;) :)

Sounds like a trip might be in the offing!!:cool:
 
How strong are the Encores compaired to the 1895G and the contender?

Flip:)
 
I have to think hard to get this right!

The Contender is the ''weakest'' - and barrels like .308 are not feasable - so for 45-70, top loads are out. The Encore came next IIRC and is stronger and probably will permit some quite hot options.

If I am right - the G2 is the latest and strongest - probably able to take plenty hot loads.

If I am wrong then hope someone puts me right but for now - this is how I remember it!

Re the 1895G - no experience and can't place it in the ''strength/power'' equation.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

Coltdriver
  • Locked
Effect of Barrel Length on 45/70 Velocity?
Replies
7
Views
13K
Ridgerunner665
R
I
  • Locked
any tc contender fans out there?
Replies
11
Views
487
Ian Johnson
I
L
  • Locked
uberti 45/70
Replies
2
Views
525
littlebit1
L
76shuvlinoff
  • Locked
Marlin 1895 cowboy 45/70.
Replies
8
Views
3K
cpt-t
C
R
  • Locked
  • Poll
Which 45/70 for Hunting?
2
Replies
25
Views
2K
Cthulhu
C
Back
Top