Loading the 45-70 down?

Full-choke · December 6, 2007, 06:35 PM

My question is can you load a 45-70 down as far as bullet size by using something like a 45 Long Colt style bullet? The reason I'm asking is I would love to see what a 250 grain bullet would do to a coyote (as I'm not too concerned about pelts, just protecting the farm critters...)

So can it be done?

F-C

steelbuster · December 6, 2007, 10:19 PM

These loads use 300gr bullets which work great on deer. They are accurate and shoot pretty flat, you might want to try them. They are pressure OK for the Browning HighWall I have. Don't use them in the Marlin lever gun or Trapdoor.
Hornady 300 JHP, 64.0gr VV N133 powder, WLR primer,2.580" C.O.L. =2300 fps
Sierra 300gr JHP, 62.0gr VV N133 powder, WLR, 2.570" COL = 2236fps

These will shoot to pointblank +/-3" to 150yds.

angeldeville · December 6, 2007, 10:39 PM

I'm not aware of any bullets designed for a 45/70 below 300 grains.

I think what you are getting at is can you use a bullet designed for 45 Colt in a 45/70.... the answer is no... 45 colt bullets are traditionally sized from .452 to .454.

While 45/70 bullets are generally .457 to .459.

My Lyman reloading book has 3 separate load sections with loads for the 3 basic 45/70 actions...

#1 Trapdoor Springfields, H&R Shikari and Rem. rolling blocks (weakest)

#2 Marlin and Win. Levers

#3 Ruger no.1 & no.3's (strongest)

I suspect steelbuster's Browning is in the #3 catagory as well....

The #1 levels will shoot fine out of all 3 types of rifle, and a 300grain cast or FP jacketed bullet will do nicely for Coyotes.

What are kinda rifle you shootin' them thar' critters with?

Buzzcook · December 7, 2007, 05:03 AM

There's a 250gr here.
http://www.realguns.com/loads/4570.htm

iirc one of the old colt army revolvers was chambered in a military rifle cartrige. It be pretty scary if it was the 45-70 wouldn't it

December 6, 2007, 06:35 PM	#1
Full-choke Senior Member Join Date: May 10, 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 617	Loading the 45-70 down? My question is can you load a 45-70 down as far as bullet size by using something like a 45 Long Colt style bullet? The reason I'm asking is I would love to see what a 250 grain bullet would do to a coyote (as I'm not too concerned about pelts, just protecting the farm critters...) So can it be done? F-C __________________ TC Encore -6mm Rem Rifle; Ruger 10/22; Ruger 10/22 Ultimate; Stoeger Condor 20; ; Remington 1100 12; Stoeger 22 Luger; Taurus PT1911; Ruger SR40c God gave us the gift of life. It is the most precious gift ever. To be unarmed is to be helpless to protect that gift; that is outright irresponsible. - Ted Nugent

December 6, 2007, 10:19 PM	#2
steelbuster Member Join Date: December 1, 2000 Location: Indiana Posts: 66	These loads use 300gr bullets which work great on deer. They are accurate and shoot pretty flat, you might want to try them. They are pressure OK for the Browning HighWall I have. Don't use them in the Marlin lever gun or Trapdoor. Hornady 300 JHP, 64.0gr VV N133 powder, WLR primer,2.580" C.O.L. =2300 fps Sierra 300gr JHP, 62.0gr VV N133 powder, WLR, 2.570" COL = 2236fps These will shoot to pointblank +/-3" to 150yds. __________________ Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please..

December 6, 2007, 10:39 PM	#3
angeldeville Senior Member Join Date: October 19, 2007 Posts: 192	I'm not aware of any bullets designed for a 45/70 below 300 grains. I think what you are getting at is can you use a bullet designed for 45 Colt in a 45/70.... the answer is no... 45 colt bullets are traditionally sized from .452 to .454. While 45/70 bullets are generally .457 to .459. My Lyman reloading book has 3 separate load sections with loads for the 3 basic 45/70 actions... #1 Trapdoor Springfields, H&R Shikari and Rem. rolling blocks (weakest) #2 Marlin and Win. Levers #3 Ruger no.1 & no.3's (strongest) I suspect steelbuster's Browning is in the #3 catagory as well.... The #1 levels will shoot fine out of all 3 types of rifle, and a 300grain cast or FP jacketed bullet will do nicely for Coyotes. What are kinda rifle you shootin' them thar' critters with? __________________ That's the way John Wayne woulda done it.

December 7, 2007, 05:03 AM	#4
Buzzcook Senior Member Join Date: November 29, 2007 Location: Everett, WA Posts: 6,126	There's a 250gr here. http://www.realguns.com/loads/4570.htm iirc one of the old colt army revolvers was chambered in a military rifle cartrige. It be pretty scary if it was the 45-70 wouldn't it