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.45-70 load classes question
Mgderf
Member Posts: 907 ✭✭✭
I want to load for a brand new H&R Handi-Rifle chambered for .45-70Govt.
I find three different load classes, Springfield, Marlin Lever, and Ruger No.1 & No.3.
How strong is my Handi-Rifle?
Will it hold up to the Ruger loads, or do I want to stay with the Marlin lever data?
I'd appreciate any help I can get.
I find three different load classes, Springfield, Marlin Lever, and Ruger No.1 & No.3.
How strong is my Handi-Rifle?
Will it hold up to the Ruger loads, or do I want to stay with the Marlin lever data?
I'd appreciate any help I can get.
Comments
I like the handy rifles. The last 2 I played with were in 280 Rem and 25-06. The 25-06 shot sub .5 MOA right out of the box with factory ammo.
I'm not sure what there design pressure rating is but I don't think they were ever made in 270 Win or 7mm Rem Mag.
I have a Mexican Small Ring Mauser in 45-70. It held loads that blew the extractor out of a number 1. The rifle loaded, with sling and full peeps is less than 6 pounds. Pleasure to carry, not so fun with 458 light load equivalent. I have a 600 Rem in 45-350 Rem Mag from P. O. Ackley himself. 4OO grain Barns bullets are doing 2200 fps from the 18" tube according to the CCI Chronograph Laboratories. The rifle weighs 5.25 pounds, loaded with sling and full peeps. Most people will only shoot it once.
The warmer ones won't be a lot of fun in that light rifle.
W.D.
I shot some Ruger #1 level loads with 405 grain cast bullets; unless you are trying to stop charging elephants, trains or tanks they had too much recoil for my likes.
17,000 CUP (Lyman "Trapdoor") will get a 400 gr JSP to 1500 fps.
27,000 CUP (Lyman "lever action", SAAMI max is 28,000) and that becomes 1700+ fps.
Do NOT put Ruger loads in that gun.
I don't like them, but it will handle whatever load you want.
The question is if you can handle the recoil of one of these ill fitting prizes.
Handi Rifles handle 50,000+ CUP cartridges everyday.
I don't like them, but it will handle whatever load you want.
The question is if you can handle the recoil of one of these ill fitting prizes.
+1000
Those guns come in .444 Marlin which can push a 240-grain bullet at velocities over 2,400 ft/s generating 3,070 ft?lb of energy . The 300 grainers go at 2000fps. SAAMI has rated this cartridge at 44,000 CUP.
Again, if YOU can take it.
There's a reason I use mine in 30-06 as a cast bullet only gun. I tried some milsurp M2 ball out of it once. With a high power coat on. The resulting shoulder bruise from the light gun and straight stock convinced me not to do it again.
I also have a NEF in 30-06. That's even worse...
The 22/250 remington is among the highest psi out there!!
I try to compare psi along with bullet weights and the size of the base of the casing.
A barrel chambered in 22/250 has twice the steel around it as a
45/70 barrel.
A .223 rem has 3 times the psi of a 12 gauge, which "kicks" more.
In the case of the op's gun, the .444 marlin is almost the same as
the 45/70 parameters.
Think about ALL the factors and you will never get into trouble.