NEF 45-70 action?

[Vicious-Peanut]

Hello everyone.

Something about the 45-70 has caught my eye, and the price of the Handi-Rifle is great, but is it strong enough to hold the level III loads for the Ruger #1? I wouldn't shoot these loads much, but just want the ability.

 

[B.D. Turner]

You must be wanting to hunt a big ole critter. You can get Hornady LE in .45-70 that should do good from a single shot. Im no expert on load levels so I am going to leave that to wiser heads.

 

[steveno]

I would not consider it capable of Ruger #1 loads. considering it is a break action I would limit it to middle of the road lever action power levels

 

[chad1043]

There are a lot more people who can answer your questions here:

http://www.go2gbo.com/forums/index.php/board,126.0.html

Chad

 

[stolivar]

good gun

It will take the Same loads as the Marlin 45-70 lever action. Level 2 loads. they are still hot. I was shooting 300 grainers at max loads at 2100 fps. Very accurate tool.


steve

 

[fatelk]

I have one, and a friend of mine has another. I wouldn't be brave enough to try those full-power Ruger #1 loads. I believe that the Ruger is a much stronger action, whereas the Handi-Rifle is basically a beefed up shotgun action. I have shot some pretty potent middle-of-the-road rounds through it with no problems, other than a very sore shoulder.

BTW, my friend's rifle is quite accurate, mine shoots mediocre at best. I still haven't been able to figure out what's wrong with it.

 

[Stinger]

I have no imperical data to back this up, but the NEF is not capable of Level III 45-70 loads. I'd even think really hard before sticking high Level II loads. The 45-70 has plenty of punch for big game even with Level I loads. It is not killing with hydrostatic shock, it is killing with penetration.

 

[stolivar]

Not true

The factory has stated that the Handi rifle will take marlin loads. which is level ll loads. I have shot hot loads through mine for over 15 years.


steve

 

[jcord]

I can understand wanting to know if the action is strong enough to shoot them.

I can not understand why you would punish yourself and your light-weight gun with such loads.

I own a marlin guide gun. All I hunt is deer. I do not load my marlin anywhere near its full potential. If I really need more power I take my 30-06. Hunting with my 45-70 is about playing cowboys. My load is a hardcast hollow base 405 grain at 1500-1550 fps. A little hotter than factory but still mild. It is good and accurate to 150 yards and hits like a freight train.

 

[Cocked & Locked]

I stay with the Lever Action level loads with my NEF .45-70

 

[Zeke Menuar]

I have a load for my BC that is one grain under minimum level III Godzilla loads.

It uses AA2015 and a Speer 350gr bullet. Clocks at right around 2300 fps.

If you can't knock down Godzilla with that load you need a 458 Win Mag.

My bumming around load is the Remington 405 gr with the aforementioned AA2015 lumbering along at 1700fps. Plenty for around here and doesn't turn your shoulder pretty colors

Gratuitous BC pic


ZM

 

[Ranger J]

I have shot mine at Marlin level and judging from the recoil on this little rifle, even if it was capable of level 3 loads, I can't imagine shooting them in it. Unless there are some stray rhinoceroses around level 2 loads will take anything in NA. Even the trapdoor loads were enough for bison.

RJ

 

[James T Thomas]

impressions

There is a full level of understanding in the post by Stinger.
As used to be said, "Right On."

Beautiful case hardened gun owned by Zeke M., and though I personally did not care for the esthetics of the multicolored laminated stocks; that is before I viewed the nice, very nice, rifle owned by Cocked & Locked.

 

[BRASSM]

Don't even think about using the hotter loads. The really stout loads are meant for the Falling Block actions and the Siamese Mausers. The steel is strong enough to take the pressure, but the action will probably spring open. It will probably not be a pleasent experience. Remember the 45-70 in the old black powder loads was sufficient to kill Bison. It may have a rainbow trajectory, but it is accurate and bucks the wind. You can reach out and touch someone with it.

 

[The Goose]

Below are my two NEF .45-70's. The Buffalo Rifle and Handi Rifle. I have put many 100's of rounds through them including level 3 loads and they function flawlessly. However, I may need a shoulder replacement soon, LOL! I also have a .38-55. These are great rifles and wickedly accurate. Stay with the lever action loads for the sake of your shoulder, but the gun will take it.

 

[Vicious-Peanut]

Damn, now I cant decide on a SKS vs Saiga vs Handi rifle. I know weird comparison, but I can only afford one and want them all. lol

 

[chad1043]

VP, Get the Handi... American made... If you need more than one bullet, you need to practice more.


Chad

 

[ArmedBear]

Buffalo Bore says it's safe to shoot their hot .45-70's in NEF break-action guns.

http://www.buffalobore.com/ammunition/default.htm#4570

I think they're stronger than people think. And the Buffalo Classic is a real nice gun, probably the only gun I've ever drooled over at the range that was anywhere near its low price.

 

[Big Az Al]

NEF actions

Cast Iron or STEEL

If it is a cast iron action the lower powered (IE pressure) loads are the right way to go.

If it is the steel action they are rated for top of the line centerfire rounds, 270 and the like, other then being as bad on the shooter as it is on the target, no reason not to shoot any load at all.