.45-70 in a Handi-Rifle, what data?

[Landric]

I know, another .45-70 question, seems to be popular this week.

Anyway, I have a H&R 1871/NEF Handi-Rifle chambered for .45-70. Mostly its just for fun shooting, so I have been sticking with the lower pressure trapdoor data for handloading. However, I think I might be taking it out hunting this fall, so I was considering maybe stepping up in data. I know the action can handle more than the trapdoor .45-70 loads, I have the same rifle chambered for .444 Marlin, which is a much higher pressure round.

Anyway, what is the consensus on what works for the Handi-Rifle action, if there is one? I figure it probably fine to load to the lever-action data. I really don't see a need to go further than that. Anyone have experience loading for the .45-70/Handi-Rifle?

TIA

 

[rcmodel]

1. Trapdoor loads will handle deer & hogs just fine.

2. NEF Handi-rifle will handle Marlin loads just fine.

3. NEF Handi-Rifle should handle Ruger loads, but it will also handle you to an extent you never thought possible.

rc

 

[Landric]

1-I am sure they will, but I thought it would be fun to push the bullets faster, and I figured actually using the gun for more than punching paper and shooting steel would give me an excuse to go there.

2-Thanks for the reassurance.

3-I have no doubt, especially since my .45-70 Handi has the synthetic stock. My .444 has wood and feels significantly heavier than the synthetic (I haven't weighed them). However, those 300 grain XTPs @ 2000fps pack a pretty good punch on the blunt end. I expect a 100 grain heavier bullet at 2000fps or more in a synthetic stocked Handi is not something I have any interest in trying.

Thanks a lot for the advice!

 

[EMC45]

I load a 405gr handcast Lee round nose flat point over 14.5gr Unique. Killed 2 deer with it last year. I also loaded a bunch with 50gr. varget with CCI LR primer and they would rattle your brain. They actually made my teeth hurt!!

 

[25-20 WCF]

Trapdoor-level loads are not always weak-kneeded by any means. Hodgdon lists a 300-grain HP at over 2200 fps, plenty for any deer and within the Trapdoor pressure levels. No need to use higher pressure loads with their excessive recoil - you may find the above load more than enough 'fun'......



.

 

[Ranger J]

The Handi will probably handle more than you can. Saying that NEF does not recommend it be shot above Marlin levels. Loading with Varget and Rem 300 HP will almost make you think you have over gunned the deer. 2400 is also good for that bullet but slower and kinder to shoulder. If recoil is a problem take the recoil pad off the gun and fill the bolt hole with #2 lead shot. The 45/70, in my opinion, is the best barrel NEF makes and has grouped everything I have ever shot in it. One of my favorite loads is with OT 300 gr hard cast and Trail Boss. It's almost like shooting a 22 and I wouldn't be afraid to use it to punch a nice 45 cal hole through a deer at a reasonable range.

RJ

 

[GooseGestapo]

What others said above...

I've owned a NEF/handi-rifle in .45/70. I traded up to a Marlin 1895 GG. I also owned a full sized Marlin 1895 once too, but it didn't do anything for me. (not a bad rifle, just needed something else at the time...) NEF was accurate, but recoil was obnoxious...... Made my teeth hurt too !

I cast several bullets, and have an unopened box of Remington 300gr Hp's.

I too stick with the "trap-door" loads as they'll do anything I need to.

I've loaded 55gr of Varget and IMR4064 under some 405gr HB's heat-treated, and got 1,950fps from my 18.5" bbl, MORE THAN ENOUGH !!!
My favorite loads are a 405gr over 25.0gr of #2400, and 300gr FNGC over 30.0gr of #2400. Accurate, powerful, and flat-enough shooting....... and cheap!

 

[TIMC]

I'm running 57 grains of Varget and 300 grain JHP bullets in my Buffalo classic which is well within trapdoor range and runs about 1800 fps. I get fantastic accuracy with this load and have taken a few pigs with it.

I have tried beefing it up a little to 62 grains of powder but it didn't take me long to put it back! The gun was miserable to shoot; all I can say is ouch! Something about this design makes felt recoil much more than my Marlin 1895 in 45/70 with the same loads.

 

[redneckdan]

Trap door style loads probably account for more buffalo than any other load back in the day.

You will quit adding powder long before the handi-rifle is even slightly strained. I loaded up 10 rounds of .45-70 with 500 grain paper patched to low end ruger #1 ballistics. When I shot them I used a sissy pad over a heavy hunting jacket and the steel plate still left a healthy mark. Had them on my cartridge belt for several range trips before one of the more inquisitive types really wanted to try one. I told him several times just how strong it was and that the buffalo classic only weighed 7 and a half-ish pounds. Undetered, he loaded one up and managed to hit the 100yds gong. He was actually obviously dazed, like someone had hit him with a baseball bat upside the head. I honestly thought at first that he was seriously injured. After a minute or so he was about as normal as he was to start with...

 

[redneckdan]

I have tried beefing it up a little to 62 grains of powder but it didn't take me long to put it back! The gun was miserable to shoot; all I can say is ouch! Something about this design makes felt recoil much more than my Marlin 1895 in 45/70 with the same loads.

I'm pretty sure the steel plate on the end has something to do with it. I got one of the bob allen shot gun sissy pads and it makes it tolerable. I'd chop it and put a rubber pad on but the cresent plate does have a certain visual appeal.

 

[fireman 9731]

I have loaded my Buffalo Classic to just below max Ruger #1 levels... I wont do it again unless I am hunting elephants!
The cartridges showed no signs of overpressure but the action would open up whenever I fired. The weird thing about it was that I'm pretty sure that it was just the momentum from the recoil depressing the breakdown lever and opening it up. It locks up tighter than a tick every time. I think a heavier spring might fix that problem but I'm in no hurry to shoot anymore loads that heavy.

 

[redneckdan]

Make sure the locking lug is fully engaging. I had that problem on a handi-rifle and the cause was incomplete lock up.

 

[PA Freedom]

Ive had great success with Sierra 300 gr. JHP's and IMR 4198. Someone from Sierra told me that 4198 is possibly the best powder for .45/70 and .444 Marlin. I only load to "trapdoor" pressure levels. I know the rifle can safely handle higher pressure, but not me!

 

[Landric]

I've had great luck with H4198 in my .444 Marlin. I'm still playing with it for .45-70, but I must confess, the Trail Boss in .45-70 is a great plinking load, and I'm kind of stuck on it right now. I need to do some more testing with 4198.

Thanks, and keep the info coming!

 

[moooose102]

Why is it that 1/2 of us 45/70 guys want to make 458 win mags out of them???? We must be nutsy-koo-koo! Lol!

 

[Landric]

I think the short answer is because we can. After all, why spend the extra money on a new gun chambered for whatever one is trying to duplicate, like a .458 Win Mag, when one can handload up to that level? That, or we are nuts.