Going old school

[idahoron]

Since my son shot his deer this year with our Marlin 336 with an Old weaver k3 I got to thinking that I would like a thumper. I am thinking a XLR in a 45-70. I am also thinking about using a mould that I have for my Muzzleloader the Lee 459-405-HB.
Any insight on the XLR? Ron

[MtGun44]

I think you may find that there is a maximum load level which you can push the HB before
it started having very poor accuracy. Apparently it can have the skirt blow out as it exits
the bore if the pressure is high enough. I have been able to get good accy with an old
REALLY worn barrel Trapdoor Springfield with the Lee 405 HB, but have not tried it in other
guns.

Bill

[Tony65x55]

The XLR is a very fine rifle. I have one in .444 Marlin and it is very well made, reliable and accurate. One of my favorite rifles.

[Good Cheer]

Ron, check your messages.
Looks like a fine opportunity.

[idahoron]

Thanks GC for the PM. I am wanting to paper patch this bullet like I do my .458 muzzleloader. Ron

[northmn]

The Marlin Cowboy is a very nice rifle and I ahd one and sold it because I do dumb things like that. I think now all Marlins ahve Ballard rifling in 45-70 so that cast should not be a problem. My favorite bullet for a levergun in that caliber is the Gould 322 grain HP. PLenty good for deer even at BP velocities. If you like to load up then make another HP pin.

DP

[bigted]

the absolute most comfy 45-70 i own is a marlin SBL model stainless with real walnut wood , pistolgrip with an enlarged loop lever and the barrel length mag tube. it sets with a leo 2 - 7 power and a limbsaver in addition to its own recoil pad just for the length of pull for my long arms.

cant go wrong with a marlin lever in 45-70 and they will give tons of usage over the years.

also a load that thumps is an rcbs 45-500gc boolit loaded to shoot at 1400 fps. this load should drop anything in its path including young forrests and small redwood trees. but you wont want to shoot a bunch of those as if your shoulder and teeth are valuable to you it wont be prudent. have fun and def get a marlin

[pls1911]

Get one, and you'll love it.
I suggest you try a Ranch Dog 350 grain, and 40-45 grains Reloader 7.