45-70 queston

[Darto]

If you reload for .45/70 and use Lee brand dies,
then here is slightly different lee neck expander
plugs, depending on what type of bullet (lead, jacketed)
and diameter:

http://www.trackofthewolf.com/Search.aspx?search=45-70%20neck%20expander%20plug

black powder compression plug:

http://www.trackofthewolf.com/Categories/PartDetail.aspx/242/1/DIE-45-COMPRESS

I buy .45-70 bullets on Gunbroker, privately cast, cheap!

[saki302]

I have a Marlin .45-70 (early remlin) and an old Winchester .30-30.

The .30-30 is snappier, while the .45-70 has more muzzle flip. I actually think the .45-70 is more comfy to shoot. I ended up putting a 2X EER scope on mine in case I ever decide to do a little pig hunting again

-Dave

[drdarrin@sbcglobal.net]

I just purchased a Marlin 1895SS 45-70 and took it to the range last Sunday. Shooting Hornady 325 gr factory loads, it is fun to shoot and no joke in the recoil department. You'll definitely know it's there.

I intend to shoot primarily lead thru it so I've slugged the barrel to make sure the bullets I choose will be the right size. I don't personally need a 400 gr slug going 1800 fps for most of my shooting but it's nice to know I can go there if I want/need to.

Did I mention this thing is a kick to shoot?

[AceGirlsHusband]

From your picture, OP, or should I say, "General," I'd figure you more for a 1861 Springfield sort of guy.

[Timbob55]

I shoot a Marlin lever action in 45-70. Stout recoil but manageable with most loads. I use a rubber slip-on pad when practicing. Don't notice a thing when I am hunting.

[Calif Hunter]

As mentioned previously, a .45-70 works well on hogs within its range limitations - say within 200 yards. If you can hit at extended ranges, it will work, but a .30-06 class will give you more reach with less concern about range estimation. If hit well the first time, hogs die quickly. If not hit well, they can absorb a lot of lead. Lead-free loads will also be a concern, depending on where you're hunting. I used to assist a guide, and had to finish off a lot of hogs, including ones shot with .45-70s. I use a .300 Win Mag.

[RNE228]

You can get 30-06 and 300 Win Mag in Browning Lever Action.

45-70 should work well past 200 yards. Ya, you have some drop but it is predictable. In past I've cut 2.5" groups with a 50 cal Hawken and Maxi-Ball. A 405 in 45-70 should be able to easily go further with accuracy. Of course, my shots were from bench, not in the field.

Guess I'll find out; getting 1895 soon. Have 45-70 dies already.

As mentioned previously, a .45-70 works well on hogs within its range limitations - say within 200 yards. If you can hit at extended ranges, it will work, but a .30-06 class will give you more reach with less concern about range estimation. If hit well the first time, hogs die quickly. If not hit well, they can absorb a lot of lead. Lead-free loads will also be a concern, depending on where you're hunting. I used to assist a guide, and had to finish off a lot of hogs, including ones shot with .45-70s. I use a .300 Win Mag.

[HickFu]

I Love my Marlin 1895SBL Co-Pilot, I cast my own for it and have loaded a 535gr boolit up to 1600fps... Yeah I know, it was way past Marlin loads... but it sure was fun!

Here is a pic of my cast


535gr vrs 45acp

[jeffrice6]

535gr vrs 45acp

That pic says it all!

[dozer wright]

That is no joke

That pic says it all!

A serious chunk of lead.

[JohnCCW]

Load the 45-70 to trapdoor levels and have fun. If those early loads took buffalo (bison) then with proper shot placement the pig will be history.
Later play around and load it up a little.
Big heavy bullets do recoil, but a 405 grain at trapdoor specs not so bad.

Even loading the 30-30 this way makes it a hoot to shoot. Then you can imitate Chuck Connors' style of ammo conservation.

[Darto]

" While I'm not sure if such a rifle will tame recoil, mine is extremely loud with its factory porting. "

Amen! The worst invention in the history of guns in porting holes on the barrel ends. Will reduce recoil very slightly, and increase noise tremendously. Not good!

[JohnCCW]

" While I'm not sure if such a rifle will tame recoil, mine is extremely loud with its factory porting. "

Amen! The worst invention in the history of guns in porting holes on the barrel ends. Will reduce recoil very slightly, and increase noise tremendously. Not good!

Yes-
The ports are there to reduce muzzle rise, which will reduce felt recoil, not actual recoil. Especially to your face...
Only a properly designed muzzle brake will reduce reward recoil.
Tremendous is the perfect description of the increase in noise with big bore rifles and handguns.
Rarely are ports not optional. When they aren't, there is a reason...

[jeffrice6]

A serious chunk of lead.

No doubt!

[Wrangler John]

Wild pigs are not miniature Abrams tanks with stubby legs, nor are they tough as Cape Buffalo. First thing you'll learn is that the large aged boar is not the best eating, the smaller younger pigs are more tasty, especially when the hams are commercially prepared and smoked. The sows were our primary targets as they can produce up to six litters a year, which is why pigs are so prolific. When I managed a wild pig eradication program our hunters took them primarily with AR-15's and the .223 Remington. Later, the contract trapper dispatched them in the traps with a .357 Magnum lever rifle loaded with .38 Special ammo. He later switched to .22 Long Rifle to keep the noise down and reduce cost (this requires a special permit from Fish & Wildlife). A single laser aimed shot to the head did the trick. The meat from trapping could not be sold or transferred for human consumption as a federal meat inspector was not present at the slaughter. The carcasses went to a rendering plant, licensed hunters are allowed to keep the meat they take.

The .45-70 is a great cartridge, I used it extensively back in the 1970's and '80's. It shoots very well in my two Browning 1886 reproductions, with both 350 grain jacketed bullets and a similar weight commercially cast bullet, over Varget powder. My custom Siamese Mauser was barreled with a 1:18" twist barrel for use with up to 500 grain jacketed and cast bullets. It will still hold .75" ten shot groups, one big hole, at 100 yards - unless I flinch somewhere along the way. Some of these loads with IMR 4198 or IMR 3031 in the Siamese Mauser are skirting 50,000 psi cup, which will disassemble or damage lever rifles, and come within a couple hundred feet per second of .458 Winchester Magnum performance.

.45-70 Rifles, especially lever actions with a full magazine, are heavy and cumbersome, and really do recoil with authority. When equipped with a crescent steel buttplate they can be painful. A .30-30 lever action is plenty for wild pigs, and in my opinion, more economical and practical. We should not forget about the .35 Remington either, currently listed by Marlin. There is also the .308 Marlin Express, although a proprietary cartridge limits ammo availability. Any .308 Winchester from a single shot, to a bolt action, to an AR-10 is another ideal choice.

Wild pig is just about the tastiest meat available to the hunter, good luck.