45-70: Loaded for Bear

[Pilgrim]

Looking at the "Linebaugh" tests, the difference between the 325 gr. +/- in the .45 Colt at 1200 fps and 400 gr. +/- in the .45-70 at 1400+ appears to be a wash! Anybody else notice this? Anybody have any thoughts? Pilgrim

[jmort]

I have noticed it. Speed and penetration are not a given unless the bullet does not expand at all. That is why the punch bullets cannot be beat. The test results are most interesting and worth consideration.

[RugerFan]

With my Guide Gun I've been shooting the RCBS 45-300-FN with 5744 and 45-405-FN with Varget. The 300 gave me a little better accuracy, but I wanted the higher down range energy the 405 would provide. 51.0 gns of Varget propel the 405 @ 1,745 FPS. The boolits weigh 424 with gas check (before lubing) with #2 alloy.

I recently completed a float hunt using this gun/load combo. I didn't get a bear, but put down a good bison (the write up with recovered boolit pics is in the hunting section). At least one boolit (@ 105 yds) traversed the entire length of the buff with very little deformation or weight loss. I am very comfortable using this load on grizz also. I would say your loads are on target as well.

[dlbarr]

With my Guide Gun I've been shooting the RCBS 45-300-FN with 5744 and 45-405-FN with Varget. The 300 gave me a little better accuracy, but I wanted the higher down range energy the 405 would provide. 51.0 gns of Varget propel the 405 @ 1,745 FPS. The boolits weigh 424 with gas check (before lubing) with #2 alloy.

RF, what's your powder load for the RCBS 300gr w/5744?

[jonp]

Why did you choose the relatively fast IMR4198? Did you consider IMR3031?

I had the same question

[RugerFan]

RF, what's your powder load for the RCBS 300gr w/5744?

42.0 gns of 5477 yielded 1,866 FPS.

[g.man10mm]

I recently completed a float hunt using this gun/load combo. I didn't get a bear, but put down a good bison (the write up with recovered boolit pics is in the hunting section). At least one boolit (@ 105 yds) traversed the entire length of the buff with very little deformation or weight loss. I am very comfortable using this load on grizz also. I would say your loads are on target as well.

I read your bison hunt thread with great interest - excellent write up. The picture of the bullets you recovered is a great reminder of just how many variables are at play on a hunt. I'm aiming for deep penetration with no/minimal deformation in soft tissue, and bone-breaking force without shattering. It looks like that's what you got.