45-70 happiness

[bigbear]

Took my Browning 1886 carbine out for a run today. With RCBS 300gr mold GC ( cast weight 325gr) over 60gr Varget, I got a 3 shot 1" group at 50 yards[smilie=w:, ladder sights. about 21/2 " group with the one load i tried with a 425grGC bullet (NEI), not impressed:neutral: I enjoyed the 325 bullet and was pleased with my first go at loading for the little 45-70. The heavy bullet rapped my knuckles (in the lever) to the point I think one could develop a flinch. I was thinking of maybe wearing a glove on my right hand, any other fixes.
Tried some 170gr gc in my 30-30 (Win 64),not impressed with my first loads, but the 30-30 felt like a 22 after the 45-70. heck my 300 Win Mag, Sako Finnlight felt like a 308, got a stunner 7/8" group at 100yds with an old reload i was just blasting off for the brass, Nosler 180gr, Reloader22,75.5gr remington once fired brass, Win LR Mag primer
Back to the 45-70, the 325 gr bullet was pleasant to shoot, think I'll stick to it for awhile.

[jh45gun]

The 45/70 and the 30/30 are two of the finest cartridges ever developed which is why they are still popular today even in this age of the wiz bang magnums.

[Big Ryan]

The 45-70 is one of my fav rounds to use Trail Boss in. Just a heck of alot of fun to shoot with Big Ole Lead.:razz:

[Phat Man Mike]

:cbpour: :redneck: the only it would be better was to be close to the lake and get some fishing too! I have a 45/70 in a single shot !! wow is it fun to shoot like chucking a bowling ball down range!:holysheep

[missionary5155]

Good morning
Now a Browning would be a nice way to start with the 45-70. I have been launching .460 boolits for right at 35 years and still look for the next opportunity..
The new made rifles are well made and will easily put a thump on any criter out there. I have 2 of the jap made Winchesters and the Carbine model is a real favorite. I really like the 350 grainers as a standard load for anything I would need to pop. I just cannot imagine any critter in the state of ILL that will survive very long getting one of those at 1600 fps.
Do not overlook Black Powder... The clean up is NOT as bad as some like to cry about. 10 minutes.. Max ! And again there just is no critter around that will handle a 40-1 lead 350 grain pill at 1200 fps for walk away very far ....

[jh45gun]

I really clean my muzzle loaders well and that is a chore I would not want to mess with a lever gun just my opinion. Yea I know guys do it but since I have a choice with smokeless I will stick with that.

[ammohead]

The heavy bullet rapped my knuckles (in the lever) to the point I think one could develop a flinch. I was thinking of maybe wearing a glove on my right hand, any other fixes.

My Marlin cowboy raps my fingers pretty good if I leave all 3 in the lever loop. So I let my middle finger hang out. That way I can flip off whatever I am shooting at the same time.

ammohead

[tcrocker]

You could get some leather boot laces and wrap the lever. I ahve a Marlin 1895gs I had to put a Wild West loop on mine. I shoot a NEI 464gr bullet it thumps preaty good.:lovebooli

[bigbear]

It took me awhile to figure the "flip off" comment;), but I figure 325 gr of lead should be enough to give your target an idea of your sentiments. My Browning is a High Grade engraved model I got for a good price, second hand. I would really like to put a receiver sight on it, but can't bring myself to have holes drilled into it. i have an old Lyman 56 sight, would that work?A bigger front bead would be swell too.Methinks it would be sacrelidge though to muck with such a pretty little thing.What say you all?

[jh45gun]

I say what ever you need to get it shooting well for you. It is not a original by any means so it is not a collector so I don't see the problem. back in the old days they drilled and tapped the old ones before they ever became collectible. If you were ruining collector value and if that means something to you then I would hesitate but your Browning no matter how pretty is a repo so whats the harm if it gets you shooting better? I am of the school guns are made to be used not hung on the wall and looked at as art.