[Stan in SC]

I have owned Handi rifles in 30/30,.243,.270,45-70 and .223.Also a Buffalo Classic.Of all of them I think the most consistently accurate,fun and trouble free is the 45-70.This explains why at present there is only a 45-70 in my gun safes.
When I see posts on this forum from someone wondering which caliber to obtain the 45-70 always gets recommended.
I would venture to say that this caliber is the best of them all.I'd like to know how many of you think so also.Thanks.

Stan

 

[Dee]

I have owned a 4570 in a Handi, (about 4 days worth) and a Marlin 1895 CB, also in 4570. It is as good as it gets, especially if one were to be caught in a stampeding herd of cottontails. ;D No actually it is a great cartridge, and I believe if one can stand the recoil, with reloads it will do anything a 458 win. mag can do, and do it just as well. I have yet to figure out why folks think a bolt gun is faster, than a lever gun in Africa hunting dangerous game. I just don't see it.

 

[quickdtoo]

Yup, I'd agree 110%, that's why I have 4 of em.... well, 3 and a 45-120. And I'm always temped to buy another when I see a good buy on one!! :

But I have no intention of getting rid of any of the 30 some other H&Rs that I have, in fact, I have 2 new barrels coming from H&R this Friday, a 357mag and 44mag, and 2 used frames coming from other members, one for the 44mag barrel and one for the extra 280 barrel I have.

No sir, don't have a problem with any of em, all great shooters.

Tim

 

[Sportster]

If I didn't have my Marlin 1895GS, I'd buy another .45-70 Handi. It is the best Handi caliber IMO.

 

[Bingo]

I don't like guns that kick. I have never shot a 45/70 but just the sound of it makes my shoulder hurt. I have heard that the 45/70 can do some long shooting too. Where I hunt, I commonly shoot 300 or more yards. What kind of bullet drop would you be looking at and how much energy would be left at that kind of range? And will it put me in the half moon club when the scope comes back at me from a shoulder busting recoil?

 

[quickdtoo]

Not that a 45-70 can't be used for 300yd work, but fun shooting trapdoor loads have recoil comparable to 30-06 or less, but they aren't what you'd want to use for 300yd work. Considering the majority or deer are shot at considerably less than 300yds, that's not really an issue IF you want to have a rifle that's just plain fun to shoot and put big holes in things!

Tim

 

[Sportster]

With the Remington 405 grain factory loads mine is no worse than a .30-30. I see no reason to hotrod the .45-70. It nearly eliminated the American Bison using 70 grains of blackpowder and lead bullets. This same loading killed them at very long ranges in the hands of folks who knew how to shoot.

 

[EVOC ONE]

From my own experiences, I would place the .30-30 beside the .45-70. Both are wonderful cartridges in the Handi rifle.