I would like one of the 45-70 single shot 45-70's and am wondering about the strength of the guns from CVA and Traditions.
Are they made to withstand the pressure of a Ruger #1 load or just to the older lower pressure loads of the Winchester 1886, Trapdoor etc. loadings?
My 1902 1886 loads are kept low just because of the age and I have fun with low velocity Unique loads.
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There are three levels of "loads" for the 45-70. The actual low pressure loads are for Trapdoor rifles because there are still so many of them around being shot. Next is the 1886 and Marlin type loads, and last is the Ruger #1. The CVA and Traditions ARE NOT in with the Ruger #1 loads. I don't know of any break action guns that are rated like the Ruger #1 and I'd be very, very hesitant to even consider trying them in those guns.
Don't forget to take a look at
the new Henry single shots !
There are single shot's and double guns that will take the pressure's of heavy 45-70
and 458 Winchester Magnum loadings. BUT the Henry is not in the same class as
those.
I have been looking at the CVA in 35 Whelen.
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Do some research on what each gun will handle and use actual data, not internet opinions. Without data, no answer is any good. Every manufacturer will tell you what their gun will handle. Just ask them once you decide which gun you'd like to get. I've owned/own Sharps, High Walls, and 1886 lever guns. None of them will handle the pressure levels of the Rugers. I'm not aware of any commercially available single shot or double gun that will. I do know that the Lever guns such as the 1886 Win/Miroku/Pedersoli will do the mid range pressure. I don't recall what the CVA and Traditions are rated at, but I do remember that they are not rated as high as the Ruger. They may be rated mid range, but they might also be rated at Trapdoor level. I believe CVA produced two different frames for their guns and one was Trapdoor and one was mid range......but none of them are Ruger rated. If it's important to you then check it out before you buy a gun.
One other point to consider with these single shots. Weight of the firearm makes a big difference in felt recoil. A lot of these rifles are in the 8 lb range and launching heavy bullets recoil gets stiff more so with the High pressure loads. The Sharps and others from the era were in the 11-13lb weight range. The old English double guns chamber in the big "stopping" cartridges were also in this weight range. The marlins lever guns and H&R single shots are in the 8lb range and with the upper end loads recoil gets stiff.
just a kick, been very pleased with a CVA hunter in 450 Bushmaster, accurate, great trigger and smooth operation
The NEF/High Standard Handi Rifles are rated (by the manufacturer, I verified with them) to take Ruger #1 load data. They were factory chambered in .500 S&W, so they are strong receivers. The rifle will beat you to death long before you reach those velocities, however, especially with the Buffalo Classic stock.
Last edited by nicholst55; 03-31-2019 at 05:48 PM.
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I have 4 CVA rifles: 45-70, 444 Marlin, and two 35 Whelen's. All are superbly accurate, great triggers, top notch workmanship, and all for a very good price. The Hunter model is the lowest price at around $250. The V2 Scout version in stainless steel is priced at around $350. If affordability is not a problem then the Scout is the better buy as it has a simple take down feature for ease of cleaning and storage. I consider these rifles the best buy in the single shot market, especially for cast bullet shooters.
The Henry singles are priced in the range of the CVA V2 Scout but is plagued with a heavy trigger pull. For eye appeal the Henry's are beautiful rifles with fine walnut stocks. The trigger pull complaint is common among owners (I own 2 of them) but is in need of a trigger redesign.
These are rifles tailor made for our activity.
Are there CVA‘s in a wood stock? I don’t see any new ones with wood? I’ve been eyeing a 44 mag on one...Originally Posted by 8mm
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If you can find a Ruger #1 in 45-70, shoot a hand full of those loads first. You may well decide that's not such a big qualifier anymore.
Reply to Sukivel #11: The CVA rifles are synthetic stocks only. That probably accounts for a lower purchase price. Like most here, I prefer walnut but synthetics keep the price down with no detriment to function.
A CVA with top notch workmanship? Evidently we have different opinions of "top notch".
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Do it, like mine just fine. Working on cast loads for it right now.
I'd agree with that. Years ago I bought a new Ruger #1 in .45-70 and loaded up some really hot 400gr Speer loads using Hodgdon's data for H-4198. They were not very fun at all. Probably great stuff if you were about to be run over by a large bear or T-Rex, but definitely not enjoyable. I have another #1 but keep my 400gr bullets to 1700 and under which is still a Marlin 1895 type load.
Chris.
Years ago I called them (H&R, NEF) also and they said no problem on #1 load. The Marlin load with a 405 in a BC will make you hide pain in front of the boys! I am sure it will and can handle more than I.
I have a H&R in 45/70. With the light weight rifle a hot load is not pleasant to shoot, the recoil will leave a bruise. I load and shoot a 405 grain bullet that is powder coated with a home made gas check installed. I use Trail Boss powder and can comfortable shoot 50 rounds and enjoy the shooting. I installed Williams peep sights on the rifle and shoot the rifle a lot.
The gun will knock a deer down at 100 yards with the Trail Boss load, they usually fall where they are standing when hit with the cast bullet.
first and foremost, what's your intended purpose for a 45-70 and why the need for it to handle a ruger #1 load? hunting? target? plinking?
that heavy a load in a light weight platform (say 9lbs and under) will require a recoil pad on yer shoulder and/or the gun, unless you enjoy that kinda punishment. any crescent butt stock will only add to discomfort - you want a shotgun butt stock.
i dunno anything about those cartridge gun brands you mentioned (i think they're spanish built?) but pedersoli .45-70's in falling block or rolling block actions can take ruger #1 loads if need be and the guns typically will weigh in excess of 10lbs. i've had a gaggle of these guns, still have a pair in .45-70 and .40-65, cost less than shiloh or c.sharps, are available for immediate purchase, are well built and more accurate than any shooter. best prices still come from DGW.
Prior to "retirement" I had sufficient income to purchase almost any rifle or handgun that caught my eye. From that emerged a gaggle of high quality firearms that I could never afford today. Many Ruger's, Browning's, Winchester's, S&W's, Colts, and a few exotics followed. Owning and using them gave me a pleasurable past time. The economics of post retirement "poverty" was a reality check that has changed my focus to affordable usable firearms available today.
My interest now is single shot cast bullet rifles and that is why I hold the European singles in high regard. Many offer a quality advantage derived from worldwide CNC manufacturing capabilities at an affordable price. I prefer to be a champion of buy American, but unfortunately the influence of a predatory legal profession and bottom line corporate philosophy has shifted the price advantage off shore.
I apologize for wandering off topic with my rant. The original topic was " The newer single shot 45-70s". Much good advice has been offered by others in this posting. The 45-70 has always been a favorite caliber and tying that into today's available market, good choices exist at great prices. A lighter single in 45-70 loaded to "trap door" velocities will do the job for both hunting and on the range.
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