Bfr 45-70

[161]

Just brought it home today
58920

[blademasterii]

You will love it. I just ordered hogue monogrips for mine. The factory grip is a bit long front to back for me. Cheap to shoot if you reload too.

[I'll Make Mine]

It's amazing how much that looks like the NAA .22 Magnum mini revolver -- until you see the grips, trigger guard, and rounds... :shock:

[blademasterii]

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn276/blademasterii/IMAG0211.jpg. Just ordered an earl too.

[saz]

You wont regret it either. I have a 7.5" in 500 S&W and it shoots better than I can hold it. I am sure 44man will chime in here soon, as he has developed quite a few loads for his in 45/70. They really are hard to beat for the $. Enjoy!

[44man]

Super accurate but it may not like some rifle loads and powders.

[161]

Here are a couple 405 paper patch groups with 4759.
59072
50 yards I threw one high left just nicked the plate.
59073
Three shots at 100 with the wind from the right. I had to but an eotech (SPELLING) on the gun the rear sight won't go all the way down so it shoots 30 inches high at 50 yards. I tried 2400 RL7 they both shot like poo. Going to try some naked 405s next.

[44man]

Doing good so far. It will get better.
How about your grip for high shots? I have to ask. You need to hold the gun tight, NO ROLL allowed at all. Same for all single actions. Hold just short of shaking and the stronger you are the better.
To get the barrel rise under control is important, it should not go high and the hard part is making it all the same.
True that a BFR 45-70 has less recoil then a .44 mag but it is still something to control. I just have no idea how to teach that. I have seen several guys split their heads with revolvers I shoot with one hand. My .500 JRH with one hand does not rise any more then my SBH. Hey, I am 75 years old too!
I just HATE when someone says "ROLLS NICELY" because I know he can't shoot. He has no control over barrel rise at all. Same thoughts from guys that say rubber grips scuff their palm, can you get real? You are letting the gun "ROLL." Just how do you grip a base ball bat?
When a new guy to my big guns comes over I have only one thing to tell them, "HOLD TIGHT" and they bust cans at 50 yards even with the .500.
But think about it, the revolver is dependent on barrel rise as to where it hits. It goes back to your hand. Torque from boolit spin must also be controlled and it is still your hand.

[161]

I know it's not a very good picture but is that all the lower the rear sight should go?? The pictures on their website show it up in the air like mine. When I got the gun the rear sight screw was as for up as it could go without falling out.

44man I'm sure I need to hold the nose down more. Hands are sore today not from recoil but squeezing so tight.

[44man]

I know it's not a very good picture but is that all the lower the rear sight should go?? The pictures on their website show it up in the air like mine. When I got the gun the rear sight screw was as for up as it could go without falling out.

44man I'm sure I need to hold the nose down more. Hands are sore today not from recoil but squeezing so tight.
Now tight does not mean stress or pain. Please don't get carried away, the gun will not hurt you. It is only enough to keep the gun in the same position in your hand from shot to shot. Enough to not let the grip slip in your hand. That is enough to help control barrel rise.
Hard for me to say but you might be exceeding "TIGHT." I would like to say "FIRM." instead.
Darn it, it is hard to explain.

[161]

I did have several FTF with LRP like you said I would. But that's what I had loaded. This next ones have LP primers

[44man]

I did have several FTF with LRP like you said I would. But that's what I had loaded. This next ones have LP primers
With 4759 I use a LP mag primer but you do not want to reduce a load. Rifle powders might need a LR primer. But notice the BFR 45-70 does not have a hammer spring for a LR primer, it is 22# to 23# and I change mine to 26# from Wolff. For a LR primer you should have a 28# but 26# works.
ALL of my revolvers carry a 26# Wolff spring.
Primers need a certain strike force to be consistent, The worst thing to do for accuracy in any gun is to reduce hammer or firing pin springs looking for a light trigger pull.
The rear sight is a Ruger sight and should bottom out flush. Maybe not the best sight but works. Take it apart and make sure the springs are not out of their holes. Some have one spring some have two.

[161]

I went out today with the Lee 405 water dropped and tumble lubed that I cast last Saturday. 4759 powder and a Tula LP primer. Two shots at 10 yards both key holed

[44man]

I went out today with the Lee 405 water dropped and tumble lubed that I cast last Saturday. 4759 powder and a Tula LP primer. Two shots at 10 yards both key holed
Most likely the booit. Check the diameter. You need .459".
All the BFR's I checked have .4592" throats and .458" groove.
I have the same mold for a rifle and never had luck, it drops at .457". My rifle needs at least .460".
The fast twist of the BFR is easy to skid a boolit in. It is 1 in 14".
These are all the boolits I shoot, 5 shot groups at 50 yards except one with 10 shots.

[161]

These pictures belong in the smokless paper patching area> But 44 man asked to see them in a PM. So here ya go.
405 Lee sized .452 then patched back up to .459.
59439

Here loaded in the case.
59440

[44man]

Should work good. I have never made one, too stinking lazy!
I want to power lap my Marlin, the bore is tighter at the chamber then at the muzzle. It took 2 weeks just to cast some boolits and roll them. They are sitting on the bench and I just stare at them.
How is THAT for ambition? :mrgreen:

[I'll Make Mine]

How is THAT for ambition? :mrgreen:

Sounds more like cold feet to me... :kidding:

[monge]

Wow all this BFR talk is getting me interested I love the 45-70 cartridge in my marlins have RD mold and sizers tell me more about these pistols !

[44MAG#1]

Really nothing to tell. they are ala Rugeresque single actions with a long cylinder to accomodate the 45/70.
They are very accurate for the ones that do any amount of experimentation.
They are heavy even the shorter version.
They can be loaded anywhere from mild to very powerful.
More of a specialized revolver in that the guns are not belt guns and most never need the power ability that they have.
I like mine in that I love the 45/70 and it will shoot any decent load very well. Or at least as well as i can shoot iron sights at 100 yards. I shoot middle of the road loads powerwise in mine.

[44man]

Wow all this BFR talk is getting me interested I love the 45-70 cartridge in my marlins have RD mold and sizers tell me more about these pistols !
The shorter barrel is kind of touchy for powder choice. But the BFR has a good twist and tight dimensions. It took me a month of searching loads before I even dropped the hammer. I had no mold made yet and started with the 300 gr Hornady, cut some 1/2" groups at 50 yards. But 4198 gave me a problem with cast. I went to 4759 after trying a lot of powders and it has worked the best, it has bulk and the right speed. It will work in the Marlin too.
The BFR has gotten boring. I use an Ultra Dot 4 minute dot for hunting but it still allows me to shoot small groups. I have three BFR's and no more work is needed on any because there is no way to make them better.
My best group with the 45-70 was 2-1/2" at 500 yards with my 317 gr boolit, 31 gr of 4759, Fed 155 primer and some Dacron over the powder. 1632 fps. Kind of crazy with a red dot!
See the hole in the top of this can? It is 5 shots from the BFR 45-70 at 100 yards. I had to walk down and set it back up after every shot. Not getting it set straight opened the hole but I say it is 3/4".

[frogman44]

Either y'all are a lot tougher than me or the BFR is a lot more ergodynamic than a T/C Contender. Fired about 1 shot through it. sold the barrel for enough to pay for the physical therapy, but at least I didn't drop it!

[monge]

wow thats great shooting! My marlins like 350gr rd with 27gr of 2400 under dacron soft shooting and acurate I wonder how those bfr would do with that load , Do you like the short or long barrel in 45-70 how does the gun balance with both barrels ,and lastly whats a good price for one? sorry about all the ? But this gun has my mind going.

[161]

I just bought mine off Gunbroker new for $849 $19.00 shipping.

[monge]

Going to start saving for one this looks like a must have gun to me! Like to here more on your testing and load data. THANKS

[44man]

wow thats great shooting! My marlins like 350gr rd with 27gr of 2400 under dacron soft shooting and acurate I wonder how those bfr would do with that load , Do you like the short or long barrel in 45-70 how does the gun balance with both barrels ,and lastly whats a good price for one? sorry about all the ? But this gun has my mind going.
Go with the long barrel, the case is too large for a short barrel. That creates more powder problems.
I can't remember if I tried 2400 because I write down nothing that does not work. I tried Unique and it was sad.
The gun is heavy and with a proper load has much less recoil then a .44. It takes time to get used to off hand but I have hit deer off hand at 100 yards. I had the same problem with my SBH in 10-1/2", the darn barrel would droop out on me but I got used to it.
A TC in 45-70 will beat you to death but the BFR is a joy. Mine with the Ultra Dot weighs 5-1/4#. I feel nothing but grins after running 100 rounds in a day---well maybe the thought of having to cast and load more! I just can't keep my guns fed. Started too many deer seasons with 5 shots.
I did it again this season with the .44, ran out of my boolit and did not notice all I had was a few Lee 310's, just slipped them in my .44 and killed 2 deer with 2 shots. After hunting is when I seen the Lee boolits. No matter, they work.
When you get the gun I will again list my loads, done it many times but always willing to help.

[161]

It's fun to shoot with Trapdoor loads. Marlin lever gun loads are fun but not for an all day shoot. I thought my 44 with the Lee 310 fit steel hard but a 405 with a charge of RL7 puts the smack on steel.

[monge]

Thanks for all info guys this will be my next gun ill keep my eye for a good deal.

[161]

Little shooting today tried some RL7 paper patch 405 nine shots with LRP had one misfire. 50 yards
60299

[44man]

Looking good, I will blame the flier on you!
Remember, the hammer spring is not for a LR primer.

[161]

Yep the flier was mine.

[monge]

I have seen a couple used ones on gun broker eneny thing to look out for , are all model years the same? Thanks JOE

[44man]

I have seen a couple used ones on gun broker eneny thing to look out for , are all model years the same? Thanks JOE
Yes, but later ones come drilled and tapped with a scope base. I had to make my own base and drill and tap. Look at my avitar, I made that base.
MR has made it easy to mount a scope with the later guns.

[161]

So why do 500 gr. at 1100 fps sometimes keyhole??

[44man]

Too heavy of a boolit shot too slow.
The heaviest I have shot is 420 gr and a few 448 gr booits sent to me. I did not chrono them but they should be near 1600 fps, at least 1500 I would say. I still have a few and will see what they do when it warms up a little.
My best boolit is 317 gr and I have a 378 gr that shoots good.
I have the same problem with my BPCR with heavy boolits. It is 1 in 18". Watching in a spotting scope you can see boolits go so far and then start to go every which way.

[monge]

hey 161 not to change subject but how is Iowa to live in got a job offer there a while back wife did not want to move, kind of regret it my kids are still in school and she did not want to move them again! just wondering?

[161]

Not a bad place I don't think but it's the only place I ever lived. I'm in the eastern part and there's too many people for me. My county is 18000 population but still to many for my liking. Gun laws aren't bad better than Illinois next door. Good hunting, clean air, and most everything you need within 30 minute drive.

[Whiterabbit]

So why do 500 gr. at 1100 fps sometimes keyhole??

Really? That is just bizzare. I just shot some 590 grain bullets and what MUST be slower than 1100 fps in a gun with a 16" twist and no keyholing at 50 yards, at least my cylinder full. I am very surprised your BFR keyholes shorter bullets shot faster.

[44man]

Could be a difference in drive length, nose length and who knows what. I can't explain it either.
All boolits are different.

[161]

If I order springs from Wolf does the BFR take the same extra power spring as the Super Redhawk? I didn't see any listed for a BFR.

[Whiterabbit]

super red or super black, I can't remember. But they are definitely available at brownells, I put the 26 lb in mine.

[161]

Yea I typed Redhawk but meant Super Blackhawk

[44man]

If I order springs from Wolf does the BFR take the same extra power spring as the Super Redhawk? I didn't see any listed for a BFR.
Super Blackhawk! NOT SRH.
My spring package lists all these Ruger's. Single Six, Blackhawk, Super Blackhawk, Hunter, Maximum BH, Bisley and Vaquero.

[161]

I been out shooting a little this week. The eotech couldn't take the abuse so I'm back to iron sights. When I get the pictures downloaded I'll post them. Shot some Hornady 325 Leverevolution today. 1600 fps 15 feet from the muzzle and they shoot to point of aim at 50 yards with the rear sight all the way down. Everything else shoots way high.

[44man]

Why I like the Ultra Dot----CHEAPER and I have never harmed one on any gun. I was having trouble and called magnum Research, they told me about the Ultra Dot.
Don't buy fancy ones, get the straight 30mm with the 4" dot, no adjustable stuff. The rings with them work on the 45-70 but I use 3 on the .500. Ask them to send extra rings.
Do not mount a ring over any glass, the base allows you to stay away from glass.
The BFR's are just large Rugers, cast by Pine Tree but they have hand lapped Badger barrels and dimensions are all correct.
Ruger and Magnum Research work together, a good combination.
I have no load for the Leverevolution but shoot the Hornady 300 gr rifle bullet with 32.5 gr of 4759, tuft of Dacron, Fed 155 for 1632.2 fps. Superb accuracy and deadly on deer.
To own a BFR will open worlds that no custom revolver I ever shot can match. Just try to pry one from me! Just keep the gun out of bed, it is lumpy!

[161]

7604376044
First target is the leverevolution 4 shots I threw one to the left. Second is 34 gr RX7 LEE 405 paper patch I threw one left again. The 405 is clipping along at 1250 and shot a good foot high at 50 yards. Looking at my records 4759 shoots as well. I tried cci LPM primer and groups looked like a shotgun at 50 yrds with any powder bullet compo. I put the 26 lbs. Wolf spring in and it fires 100% on Remington LR. I had my fun shooting the Marlin level loads in it AKA 42 gr RL7 405 Paper Patch, it shot that load well at just under 1600 FPS. But I don't think I need a gun that I have to wear a glove to shoot. It's fun for a few but the trapdoor loads are more fun and if that won't kill it I shouldn't be huntin it.

[44man]

I would not complain. I tried every powder you can dump in the 45-70. Some did well but nothing matched 4759. I have shot 8 different boolits and have been down to 3/16" at 50 yards.
You do not need full power or real heavy boolits but the gun has a range that makes it fun.
I want to test Varget yet. Slow powder with a huge range. I hate to use my Varget because I have little left but I get it to work in guns Hodgdon says it will not work in.
My life revolves around 3 powders, 296, 4759 and Varget. Rifles different.

[161]

Bought some more 4759 yesterday. Going to try the Hornady 300 JHP .458 with 32 gr of it with a Remington LR primer. The eotech was just something I had here, didn't buy it for the BFR. Took it off and AR15.

[44man]

Bought some more 4759 yesterday. Going to try the Hornady 300 JHP .458 with 32 gr of it with a Remington LR primer. The eotech was just something I had here, didn't buy it for the BFR. Took it off and AR15.
A lot of those things will take recoil but have one screw to hold them to the base and they can bend or shear. Mount systems are made for the .223.
You did good with the spring but try the Fed 155 too, just compare groups.
My load of 4759 with the 300 gr Hornady is 32.5. Do not download the powder too much, it can fail to light.

[161]

Had to put the BFR away for awhile, shooting hand is killing me.....

[Whiterabbit]

hehe. When I first bought my BFR I sprained my wrist on the second or third trip out. I had trouble even lifting cast iron pans for a couple months at dinnertime! Lesson learned. Today my forearm is probably measurably larger than it was a couple years ago!

But even now, from 400-550 grains, I stay in the 1300-1350 fps range for "powerful" loads. 405 at 1600 must be seriously brutal!

Oh, and the factory grips polished the palm of my hand just below the index finger. That grip is nice and abrasive. :|. The slip on grips that are form fitting are far better (for my dainty spider-leg hands that are 9 inches long)

[44man]

Yeah, no sense in going crazy with recoil. I am sort of immune to it and love the .500 JRH. The 45-70 really does kick less then a .44 with good loads. The gun is super with 300 gr bullets and a little heavier with cast. There is just no need for 500 gr boolits.
My heaviest was 420 gr, shot very good.

[Whiterabbit]

I like 500 grain bullets. They are so heavy that they can be shot slow with ANY lead, if it melts it gets cast. No fanagling with alloy, no fanagling with gas checks, almost no fanagling with lube. Because the speed is so slow the recoil is lower compared to a light bullet shot faster.

But mostly it's the recoil and no gas checks. Based on market value of gas checks and lead these days, shooting a 500g PB is cheaper than shooting a 425 grain GC bullet. And that doesn't begin to figure cost of my time to snap on a gas check and crimp it on.

Actually, just bought a new mold for no other purpose than shooting in the BFR:

http://media.midwayusa.com/productimages/880x660/primary/317/317308.jpg

[jmort]

"I like 500 grain bullets."

Me too. Big/giant slow bullets are beautiful things, like little freight trains, they pack a punch and tend not to stop easily in a target.

[Whiterabbit]

and AND, they let you shoot cheap mild steel without denting. I can shoot a dead soft 300 grain 45 cal at 2000 fps from my inline and it'll destroy steel in short order. I can shoot a 740 grain bullet at 940 fps from my BFR and it just splatters, no dent.

[161]

It's the web of my hand that's taking the hit. I'll give it a couple days. I called Magnum Research and told them my gun was shooting high. I planed on buying a taller front sight. But the sent a med. and a high free. I thought that was good of them.

[Whiterabbit]

man, I gotta find out how you guys are talking to manufacturers. MR told me to go jump in a lake, as did ultradot west. Maybe "polite" speech means "hey we can steamroll this customer"? MR would not pay to ship my pistol back when the ERH seared off under recoil. Every story I read online, the mfg pays for shipping both ways for this kind of thing. It's a major reason why when people on this and other boards tell me to call the mfg I get real nervous.

[161]

I had my.card out Ready to pay $12.95 each when they told me they were free. I can't get 500 great to shoot in mine they keyhole about half of them