.45/70 is it worth it??

jaeger · 04-12-2008, 12:40 AM

I do alot of hunting in eastern NC and shots are 25-100 yds most of the time. Would a 45/70 be a good choice. I know it will kill (anything) at those ranges. What I am asking is there something better. I use a .308 now and seems like I get far more runners from a pass through and could step up to a bigger bullet. any imput would be great..

Midas · 04-12-2008, 12:48 AM

The 45-70 is one of the best brush/short range cartridges in existence! I have shot one for a number of years, and with my 350 grain handloads, it will lay the smack down on deer and hogs. I highly recommend it.

AKHunter · 04-12-2008, 02:35 AM

I think that would be fine choice . I know I would choose the 45-70 or .35 remington if I were given those hunting situations on a regular basis.

Mooseman684 · 04-12-2008, 02:44 AM

45-70 will take a Whitetail off his feet and roll him over..A big slow bullet has it's place...
Rich

nathangdad · 04-12-2008, 04:35 AM

I strongly suggest you make arrangements to fire a .45-70 before purchasing one of them. I advise shooting both a lighter weight bullet for this caliber in the 300 grain range as well as the more classic loading of 405 grains.

This gun is definitely not for everyone. It is one thing to read a gun magazine written by people who truly seem immune to recoil and muzzle blast and it is quite another thing to pull the trigger when the gun is against your shoulder. You do not want a gun that will both give you flinch and make your hunting experience a thing of dread.

That stated, every coin has two sides and you might be one those
people who find happiness with a .45-70. My point is you had best find out in advance of putting one of them in your gun cabinet.

Good luck and good shooting.

samuel · 04-12-2008, 05:05 AM

A .45-70 in a 7.5lb gun,using 300gr bullets has 2lbs less recoil than a .30-06 using 180gr bullets and the same as the .308 with 180,s.The .45-70 is quite popular in Michigan,where most shots are under 100yds. sam.

turner · 04-12-2008, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaeger

I do alot of hunting in eastern NC and shots are 25-100 yds most of the time. Would a 45/70 be a good choice. I know it will kill (anything) at those ranges. What I am asking is there something better. I use a .308 now and seems like I get far more runners from a pass through and could step up to a bigger bullet. any imput would be great..

I'd like to recommend something similar, the .444 marlin. It's got a bit less recoil than most 45/70 loadings and with LE ammo a much better trajectory (MPBR of 197yds +/- 3") should something appear at closer to 200yds. Mine wears a peep sight, which could work for you. But a low-powered scope such as 2x or 1-4 would also be ideal. Good luck!

ArkansasHunter · 04-12-2008, 10:45 AM

Go for it !!! When I changed from shooting my 30-06 to my Marlin leveraction in 375 caliber I know longer had to go after the Deer I shot.
That little chuck of 375 lead knocked Deer slam down to the ground DEAD !
So I would think a 45/70 would do the same but better LOL.
Marlin has a Leveraction in 45/70 set up as an XLR along with a couple of there older models.
And come to think of it Hornaday as developed a rubber tipped pointed bullet you can shoot out of a tubular fed leveraction which in my thinking, that has to be one bad azz cartridge, a pointed 45/70 bullet WOW, so check them out if you buy a 45/70.

Would I buy one ? Nope I want a leveraction in .358 win...A.H

Windwalker · 04-12-2008, 10:49 AM

You won't get many runoffs with the 45-70 but the info. that Nathangdad gave to try one before you buy is good advice. The recoil with the lighter loads isn't bad but the muzzle blast is loud. Wear ear protection.

Pumpkinheaver · 04-12-2008, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mooseman684

45-70 will take a Whitetail off his feet and roll him over..A big slow bullet has it's place...
Rich

Amen to that!!!

This pic is my guidegun in 45-70. Every deer that has been shot with it has been a bang flop.

texnmidwest · 04-12-2008, 07:57 PM

Got to remember that 45-70 has a trajectory of a rainbow. But, in the hands of someone who knows how to use the thing it is capable of long range shots. I used to shoot with a guy who would hit the 300 yard ram almost with out fail with his 45-70 remington rolling block.

lefty o · 04-12-2008, 09:14 PM

.308 or 45/70 will both kill them fast. if your getting runners, you are not making great shots. upping the caliber will help, but practicing shooting would help more.

rdale501 · 04-12-2008, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lefty o

.308 or 45/70 will both kill them fast. if your getting runners, you are not making great shots. upping the caliber will help, but practicing shooting would help more.

I tend to agree here. You didn't mention what bullet you are shooting. That 308 should stop them dead within 100 yards, no problem.

jaeger · 04-13-2008, 01:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lefty o

.308 or 45/70 will both kill them fast. if your getting runners, you are not making great shots. upping the caliber will help, but practicing shooting would help more.

I practice quite a bit and all of the shot placements are good. I am not saying I have not had deer drop "right now" with a .308 just that more runners even after being double lunged. Granted they only run about 25 yds, but when you hunt in a swamp that can mean a long night with waders on. As for recoil, I am not too worried about that, I have fired 45/70 before and actually think my 300WM kicks quite a bit harder. I sure do like the looks of that guide gun, and think that will fill the bill. Thanks fellas

Mooseman684 · 04-13-2008, 02:02 AM

My 45/70 has a gentler Push when fired than my .300 Win mag does with 180gr. Bullets...They are not uncomfortable to shoot and you never feel it when shooting at an animal anyway...
Rich

irish murphy · 04-13-2008, 02:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nathangdad

I strongly suggest you make arrangements to fire a .45-70 before purchasing one of them. I advise shooting both a lighter weight bullet for this caliber in the 300 grain range as well as the more classic loading of 405 grains.

This gun is definitely not for everyone. It is one thing to read a gun magazine written by people who truly seem immune to recoil and muzzle blast and it is quite another thing to pull the trigger when the gun is against your shoulder. You do not want a gun that will both give you flinch and make your hunting experience a thing of dread.

That stated, every coin has two sides and you might be one those
people who find happiness with a .45-70. My point is you had best find out in advance of putting one of them in your gun cabinet.

Good luck and good shooting.

You must be a bit sensitive in the shoulder nathangdad?Everytime someone posts on anything bigger than a 30/06 you give them the speal mate.Like mooseman said,you dont feel the recoil when you take a shot hunting.Only time you would feel a good boot is from the bench.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pumpkinheaver

Amen to that!!!

This pic is my guidegun in 45-70. Every deer that has been shot with it has been a bang flop.

That is a sweet rifle man,would love one with that barrel length.

lefty o · 04-13-2008, 08:18 AM

well, some days they are going to go 30-40yds, even when heart shot. if thats going to far for ya, you need to shoot them in the brain. head shot deer only go one direction, straight down.

knightRider · 04-13-2008, 11:21 AM

i like mine

Ron AKA · 04-13-2008, 10:06 PM

Model 870 Remington pump with 12 guage slugs.

Ron

irish murphy · 04-14-2008, 07:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron AKA

Model 870 Remington pump with 12 guage slugs.

Ron

Thought you would have said 270,after all it will knock over buff hahahahahah

04-12-2008, 12:40 AM	#1
jaeger Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: NJ Posts: 301 Images: 3	.45/70 is it worth it?? I do alot of hunting in eastern NC and shots are 25-100 yds most of the time. Would a 45/70 be a good choice. I know it will kill (anything) at those ranges. What I am asking is there something better. I use a .308 now and seems like I get far more runners from a pass through and could step up to a bigger bullet. any imput would be great..

04-12-2008, 12:48 AM	#2
Midas Troll B' Gone Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Springdale, Arkansas Posts: 3,800 Images: 2 Blog Entries: 6	The 45-70 is one of the best brush/short range cartridges in existence! I have shot one for a number of years, and with my 350 grain handloads, it will lay the smack down on deer and hogs. I highly recommend it. __________________ "Recoil lasts for a second, gravity lasts forever"

04-12-2008, 02:44 AM	#4
Mooseman684 Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Alaska Wilderness Posts: 9,668 Images: 2	45-70 will take a Whitetail off his feet and roll him over..A big slow bullet has it's place... Rich __________________ You know you might be facing your doom,when all you get is a click when you're expecting a BOOM!

04-12-2008, 04:35 AM	#5
nathangdad Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 2,469	Fire one as the best decision basis I strongly suggest you make arrangements to fire a .45-70 before purchasing one of them. I advise shooting both a lighter weight bullet for this caliber in the 300 grain range as well as the more classic loading of 405 grains. This gun is definitely not for everyone. It is one thing to read a gun magazine written by people who truly seem immune to recoil and muzzle blast and it is quite another thing to pull the trigger when the gun is against your shoulder. You do not want a gun that will both give you flinch and make your hunting experience a thing of dread. That stated, every coin has two sides and you might be one those people who find happiness with a .45-70. My point is you had best find out in advance of putting one of them in your gun cabinet. Good luck and good shooting.

04-12-2008, 10:49 AM	#9
Windwalker Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 3,578	You won't get many runoffs with the 45-70 but the info. that Nathangdad gave to try one before you buy is good advice. The recoil with the lighter loads isn't bad but the muzzle blast is loud. Wear ear protection. __________________ America: Love it and protect it or leave it

04-12-2008, 02:35 AM	#3
AKHunter Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Alaska Posts: 899	I think that would be fine choice . I know I would choose the 45-70 or .35 remington if I were given those hunting situations on a regular basis.

04-12-2008, 05:05 AM	#6
samuel Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 5,087	A .45-70 in a 7.5lb gun,using 300gr bullets has 2lbs less recoil than a .30-06 using 180gr bullets and the same as the .308 with 180,s.The .45-70 is quite popular in Michigan,where most shots are under 100yds. sam.

04-12-2008, 10:45 AM	#8
ArkansasHunter Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: South Arkansas Posts: 10,694	Go for it !!! When I changed from shooting my 30-06 to my Marlin leveraction in 375 caliber I know longer had to go after the Deer I shot. That little chuck of 375 lead knocked Deer slam down to the ground DEAD ! So I would think a 45/70 would do the same but better LOL. Marlin has a Leveraction in 45/70 set up as an XLR along with a couple of there older models. And come to think of it Hornaday as developed a rubber tipped pointed bullet you can shoot out of a tubular fed leveraction which in my thinking, that has to be one bad azz cartridge, a pointed 45/70 bullet WOW, so check them out if you buy a 45/70. Would I buy one ? Nope I want a leveraction in .358 win...A.H

04-12-2008, 07:57 PM	#11
texnmidwest Listen to yur Inner Hippo Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: South east Wisconsin Posts: 3,450	Got to remember that 45-70 has a trajectory of a rainbow. But, in the hands of someone who knows how to use the thing it is capable of long range shots. I used to shoot with a guy who would hit the 300 yard ram almost with out fail with his 45-70 remington rolling block. __________________ "Quando Omni Flunkus Moritati" (If all else fails play dead)

04-12-2008, 09:14 PM	#12
lefty o Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: mn Posts: 4,804	.308 or 45/70 will both kill them fast. if your getting runners, you are not making great shots. upping the caliber will help, but practicing shooting would help more.

04-13-2008, 02:02 AM	#15
Mooseman684 Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Alaska Wilderness Posts: 9,668 Images: 2	My 45/70 has a gentler Push when fired than my .300 Win mag does with 180gr. Bullets...They are not uncomfortable to shoot and you never feel it when shooting at an animal anyway... Rich __________________ You know you might be facing your doom,when all you get is a click when you're expecting a BOOM!

04-13-2008, 08:18 AM	#17
lefty o Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: mn Posts: 4,804	well, some days they are going to go 30-40yds, even when heart shot. if thats going to far for ya, you need to shoot them in the brain. head shot deer only go one direction, straight down.

04-13-2008, 11:21 AM	#18
knightRider Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: you know where Posts: 2,683 Images: 19 Blog Entries: 11	i like mine __________________ I'm part kalishnakov, part heckler and Koch.

04-13-2008, 10:06 PM	#19
Ron AKA Banned Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 704	Model 870 Remington pump with 12 guage slugs. Ron