Marlin 1895 45-70

[Bardo]

I have a chance to get a marlin 1895 in 45-70 for $200 (i helped him out with some cabinet stuff for his house also) I know the guy pretty well and he said he got it about 15 years ago and has never fired it. I think i will get it regardless for that price. But a few questions. What boolit do they like? I was looking at some of NOE molds. And was kinda thinking in the 350 gr range. I have never loaded for this cartridge. Im not going to load real hot. What powder is good? I have 10lbs or SR 4759 and would like to use that. Im not opposed to using fillers or wads. I also got about 30lbs of 3f goex.

thanks, Bardo

[Lonegun1894]

I use a RCBS 45-405-FN in mine most of the time, but it does well with a Lyman 457122HP also, both sized to .460". I can't help with the NOE molds for this gun, but mine doesn't seem to be very picky at all regarding powder. I have used Unique, 2400, and 3031 in it, and all shot well.

[JesterGrin_1]

I have a chance to get a marlin 1895 in 45-70 for $200 (i helped him out with some cabinet stuff for his house also) I know the guy pretty well and he said he got it about 15 years ago and has never fired it. I think i will get it regardless for that price. But a few questions. What boolit do they like? I was looking at some of NOE molds. And was kinda thinking in the 350 gr range. I have never loaded for this cartridge. Im not going to load real hot. What powder is good? I have 10lbs or SR 4759 and would like to use that. Im not opposed to using fillers or wads. I also got about 30lbs of 3f goex.

thanks, Bardo

Bardo if you did a search you will probably find more information on the Marlin 1895 in 45-70 Government than you could probably read in a year lol.

But here goes. The Marlin 1895's in 45-70 Government are known to shoot sub moa at 100 yards. So to say that they are very accurate would probably be a huge understatement.

As for Boolit weights. It all depends on what you are going to use said Marlin for. But my recommendation for weight is anything from say the 330Gr Gould boolit to probably around 435Gr but the most common weights used are probably the 330Gr Gould and the 350Gr offerings such as by NOE as the Ranch Dog copy of which has proved to be a very accurate design and has worked well for myself on Hog both small and large and Deer. And of course another huge favorite is the 405Gr boolits. And as said I would highly recommend sizing the boolits to .460.

If you decide on the NOE copy of the Ranch Dog 350Gr RNFP/GC then go to Ranch Dog Outdoors . com and you can find his load notes for that boolit that will list many powders and load information.

As for powders there are many powders that work well in the 45-70 Government. So your SR 4759 should work fine. Just as in everything else find the load information and work from the bottom up to best accuracy. I however have not used the powder but have used H-322 of which proved to be a very accurate powder with the Ranch Dog 350Gr RNFP/GC but they were also higher end loads. I am now going to be trying Unique for more low end loads so it does not rattle what little brains I have left out of my ears lol.

So again I would have to say do not walk but run to purchase the Marlin at that price as they are one heck of a great hunting and fun firearm. You can not go wrong. :)

[PbHurler]

I have an 1895 Guide Gun, Ballard rifling. Here's what I use(d) in it.

NOE #460-350RF
Accurate #46-350B
RCBS #45-300-FN
RCBS #45-405-FN
RCBS #325-FN-U
SAECO #017

All, yes, all of these bullets work beautifully in this Marlin. I'm particularly pleased with the Accurate (350gr), NOE (350gr) & RCBS (405gr)molds. I size for mine at .459".

Like JesterGrin said, it depends on what your intended purpose is, but in my opinion you will have trouble finding a mold that will NOT shoot well.

I've settled on primarily two powders; IMR 4198 & IMR 3031, These two seem to do everything I want to do.

I'd say JUMP on it Bardo!

[tim338]

I shoot a 300 grain cast with Reloader 7 out of my guide gun. Very accurate.

[Wally]

RCBS 82045 325 RNF sized to .460" and 16.0 Grains of Unique with a poly filler works great in mine... Also have the Lyman 457193 405 RNF that also shoots accurately...

[Edward]

I have the same gun and it loves NOE 460-350-RF ,I purchased the 4 cavity 2GC /PB and get perfect boolits and have the option of plain base today and gas checked tommorow .Great target and I kill deer too will saving lead !

[Hickok]

Bardo, you better grab that Marlin, and I mean right now!:awesome:

[Nicholas]

Mine shoots every thing I have tried quite accurately. I sure can't imagine delaying acting on such a generous offer. Someone else might just pony up the market value of the rifle.

[tinhorn97062]

I've found a Lee (457-340) 350gr cast lead over 44gr IMR 3031 to be very accurate for me. That same boolit over 38gr H4198 is just as accurate, a few feet per second faster, and works very well over all. They are moving at about 1500fps.

This same Lee 457-340 boolit is also very accurate over 15gr Trailboss and clocks around 1050fps.

A 430gr (Accurate 460-430VG) is very accurate over 40gr IMR 3031.

This is all in Remington brass, CCI 200 primers, and an OAL of 2.545.

[MrWolf]

Run, don't walk and grab her, especially at that price. The Marlin 45-70 was my first levergun and I had a grin from ear to ear after shooting factory loads. Can't wait till I can cast for her.

[JesterGrin_1]

Just as a further FYI that rifle if in good shape will bring $600.00 on up. But believe me if you get it you will probably never part with it. As a 45-70 can be loaded from a pop gun to anything that walks the earth including Dinosaurs lol. :)

[TXGunNut]

As my friend from San Antonio said the 1895 Marlin and the 45-70 cartridge are big-time favorites around here. There are very few cartridges and rifles as versatile as this combo. As mentioned there seem to be something odd about just about every one of these leverguns, they think they're bolt guns and will actually outshoot more than a few of them. It's a fun gun to hunt with as well, when one of RD's boolits smacks a deer or hog it's generally all over for the critter right there, right then.

[Bardo]

Well i just picked it up and it is in perfect shape. But it is a guide gun and has a muzzle brake. I like the short barrel but I dont like the idea of the brake. Im wondering if a low preasure load with fast powder will tame the noise a little. Plus now it only has 16" of barrel to burn the powder.

Bardo

P.S. It was made in 2001 (serial # starts 99) i think it has a balard barrel. It is t marked micro groove and a quick look down the barrel looks like ballard barrel.

[Lonegun1894]

Bardo,
Congratulations on a fine rifle!

Mine is the SBL with an 18" barrel, and yours will be fine performance wise. I can't speak for the porting, and would be concerned about that too, but the 16" barrel won't be an issue. If noise is a problem, and it was mine, I would have it cut back to 16", or maybe a bit longer if possible, but just to get rid of the porting, and have the front sight remounted.

[Bardo]

Bardo,
Congratulations on a fine rifle!

Mine is the SBL with an 18" barrel, and yours will be fine performance wise. I can't speak for the porting, and would be concerned about that too, but the 16" barrel won't be an issue. If noise is a problem, and it was mine, I would have it cut back to 16", or maybe a bit longer if possible, but just to get rid of the porting, and have the front sight remounted.

I was thinking that but, Im not sure were the barrel is considered to star but from the reciever to the first hole for the break measures just under 15.75" so that would be a short barreled rifle. Plus all the gunsmiths around here ask alot for there work. Probably would sale or trade for an unported one. Unless its not as loud as i think. Anyone have experince with this?

[Lonegun1894]

The barrel is measured with a rod down the bore, so it is bolt-face to muzzle. Then you would just take the measurement from muzzle to rear most port and get your measurement. I can't speak for a ported .45-70, but have a ported shotgun that isn't bad at all. I would say just try it and see for yourself if the noise is acceptable or not. I would hope not, but only you can make that decision.

[JesterGrin_1]

The noise should not be a problem for the shooter. But as the standard one should always wear ear protection when using firearms. As I know I say ha what did you say far to often lol. :)

I have the JM Marlin 1895 GS (Guide Gun in Stainless ) but without the ports. At this moment I can not think of anything to add but then again I might be a might tired lol. But please feel free to ask any questions you might have.

I will add that if looking for brass it would be hard to go wrong with Starline Brass of which can usually be purchased directly from the factory at a very good price. Also if you can afford it Remington Brass is very good. Especially for low end loads as the brass is softer and will expand better at said low pressures to fit the chamber. As the Starline web site does state that if using there 45-70 Government brass than one should anneal the case necks. I would however avoid Hornady brass as it is shorter to accommodate the Hornady gummy tip bullets designed by them for the 45-70 Government in Lever Guns. That is unless you plan to reload for that type of bullet.

I will however add a congratulations on the purchase of one heck of a fine firearm.

[Bardo]

The barrel is measured with a rod down the bore, so it is bolt-face to muzzle. Then you would just take the measurement from muzzle to rear most port and get your measurement. I can't speak for a ported .45-70, but have a ported shotgun that isn't bad at all. I would say just try it and see for yourself if the noise is acceptable or not. I would hope not, but only you can make that decision.

i think i can shorten the barrel then. But i will try it out first.

bardo

[Bardo]

Can you shot plain base boolits with it ported? That would be a big deal if you cant.

bardo

[JesterGrin_1]

Can you shot plain base boolits with it ported? That would be a big deal if you cant.

bardo

Yes you can. :)

And by the way if you wish to shoot jacketed the Hornady 350Gr RN is also accurate and a fine bullet for Deer and Hog. Just as a further FYI.

[PbHurler]

My Guide Gun is the Stainless, 18.5" Ported barrel version. Shoots plain based just fine, the RCBS #325-FN-U mold I listed earlier is a plain based.

I've not been disturbed by the porting at all. Admittedly, I've never touched one off without hearing protection, sadly I've not got to hunt with it (yet). Give it a fair trial before you consider cutting it, I LOVE mine as it was built.
I Have added a WWG Large loop lever, WWG peep sight & aluminum magazine follower. This is one of my very favorite rifles to play with.

JesterGrin's right about the Hornady 350's. (I like the flat nosed)

Oh, and Congratulations!

[missionary5155]

Greetings Bardo
Buy.. BUy.. BUY ! You just never know when a rampaging Datsun will come over the hill.
Yes on the plain base. But you may have to clean out the ports off and on. Plus I would look at them very close before firing to determine if there might be an ugly burr hanging down.
Mike in Peru

[Bardo]

I just sluged it from the breech and the muzzle with .495 prue lead round ball. They measured .456-.4565. That seems off. I cleaned the bore first also.

[Hickok]

I just sluged it from the breech and the muzzle with .495 prue lead round ball. They measured .456-.4565. That seems off. I cleaned the bore first also.Bardo you are probably pretty close, as my Marlin slugs @ .4567". (Ballard rifling)

[Bardo]

Well i ordered 250 pieces of starline brass and got some lyman 45/70 dies. If the bore is that small i may go with a lee mold.

[Bardo]

I bougt the lee 457-340-f. I will give it a shot. Now i have to wait for everything to get here.

[tinhorn97062]

I bougt the lee 457-340-f. I will give it a shot. Now i have to wait for everything to get here.

I shoot that boolit, sized at .460, and lubed up with Recluse lube. It does quite well around 1500fps with my loads.

[JesterGrin_1]

I may need to say this again. But for best results size boolits at .460 . Yes some do fine at .459 but why chance it.

[robinsroost]

I congratulate you on selecting the 45-70. I don't have one yet but it or a .444 Remington in the 1895 Marlin are on my bucket list. I also kind of like the 38-55 cartridge or .375, which are essentially the same. I do have an 1894 Marlin in .44 magnum and it is a very accurate 100 yard gun. For it I load 240 grain LHPGC bullets or Speer 300 grain SP's over H-110 powder........robin

[Lonegun1894]

I may need to say this again. But for best results size boolits at .460 . Yes some do fine at .459 but why chance it.

There's a reason several of us here size to .460", just sayin...

Mine slugs at .4555, and I still shoot .460" out of it. .457" gives me shotgun patterns, .459" does 4-5"@100, but .460" does 2-3"@100 (and often 1.5-2.25") and that's with the issue post front and rear peep on mine, so I bet a scope would bring it even tighter. Shoot the biggest it will chamber, and as long as it is bigger than the bore, it should do well. Mine will chamber .461" but I have to force it just enough that it doesn't feed right, but a .460" feeds fine and chambers without forcing anything, so that is what I shoot.

[TXGunNut]

Mine is an early ported Guide Gun. It's not near as brutal as my ported Contender in 35 Rem but you don't want to be standing beside it when I light a case full of Reloder #7. And it you're a stand hunter make sure it's as far out the window as you can get it, lol.
I'd slug that bore again, did you notice any tight places?

[Bardo]

Its killing me having this gun and have not shot it yet. I think my mold and brass will be here monday so i should be able to take it out tuesday. Im going to put a scope on it for load development but it will end up with a peep sight. I have a old redfield that will work but am also thinking of a skinner. The redfield is probably a little more delicate but i can dial in for elevation. Also if i use the redfield im maybe thinking of a lyman globe sight with it. I have some lee shaver inserts.

bardo

[Markbo]

Remember too that these guns can be accurate with mice to Grizzly loads - with requisite recoil. I am not particularly recoil shy but I have shot a few loads off the bench that literally knocked some breath out of me. You may come to appreciate that brake. ;)

[Fishman]

Try the porting. I have its little brother, a 44 in an 1894 with a 16.25" barrel and porting. A full bore .44 is quite tame and the recoil is straight back with no muzzle rise. I use h110 in these loads. You may really like the 4570 outfitted that way. If not, it is a highly desirable gun in that configuration.

[Nicholas]

In the OP, the intention was moderate loads. Porting means his gun is somewhere else getting modified instead of at the range having fun. Load up some fun loads and shoot it. I have shot full bore 300 gr jacketed in my 1895 and the recoil is not that bad. Most riflemen should be able to accommodate that level of recoil, if necessary. And that is the point, because in most cases it certainly is not necessary or desirable.

[Fishman]

In the OP, the intention was moderate loads. Porting means his gun is somewhere else getting modified instead of at the range having fun. Load up some fun loads and shoot it. I have shot full bore 300 gr jacketed in my 1895 and the recoil is not that bad. Most riflemen should be able to accommodate that level of recoil, if necessary. And that is the point, because in most cases it certainly is not necessary or desirable.

My bad, I thought he said it came factory ported. Regardless, I totally agree. Shoot it as is and see how you like it.

[220]

This same Lee 457-340 boolit is also very accurate over 15gr Trailboss and clocks around 1050fps.

I could never get it to shoot as well as I would like with Trailboss, around 4" was the best it would do in mine, yet change powders and 1-2" was achievable.

Have also used it with 3f 67-70gr depending on compression gave me around 6" but good enough to take deer at 100y and great fun, no one seems to be able to fire just one 45/70 BP load when they have a play on the range.
The lee 340 doesn't hold much lube so fouling will be an issue with BP but accuracy holds in there long enough for any hunting situation and the boom and cloud of smoke are more fun than hitting targets on the range anyway.

[Motard]

Slugged mine SBL barrel 456,7 so I had to lap lee standard sizer about two thou. But cause both Lyman and Lee molds I have are dropping 460 and 461 casts with my alloy and I don't use Gas Chechs I mainly load bullett's just as they come out from casting. I also does'nt have any leading issue untill now. Have some starline brass but leverevolution cases are good to go if you aren't looking for superhot loads. Being 2mm shorter than saami i can dropp less powder, seat the boolits in the groove, and stiill have a reliable load, with low pressure and a fair speed around 1400/1500 fps. My preferred bolits are 405 and 427 gr

[rockrat]

You might be able to have a sleeve made to just slip over the ports. Loctite it in place with loctite red. I would think that would take care of noise. If not, then you probably can trade it for a regular 1895

[birddog]

The one I had back in the late 70's had a steady diet of 300gr RCBS FN over RL7 and shot great, also had the 500gr RCBS mold and that one had lots of athourity on both ends. My Marlin liked RL7 over other powders with all bullets j-word and cast.
Charlie