The Accurate Reloading Forums
Can a 45.70 really be used in Africa
10 March 2004, 05:57
Robert_James_Jones_JrCan a 45.70 really be used in Africa
Gentlemen.
There seems to be a pretty good team of knowledgeable hunters on this forum.
I have recently been reading a lot about the 45.70 and a sudden resurgence in its use as a rifle for big game.
Is this in fact true?
Do any hunters here with actual experience hunting in Africa reccomend this caliber?
10 March 2004, 06:05
ScottSIf you pay my way I will shoot dangerous game with the 45-70 and a 50 Beowulf too! Of course I have always suffered from a suicidal tendency, read adrenaline addiction.

If I survive these encounters I would them use my 500 AHR and 416 Rigby so we could see if there was any appreciable difference between the traditional African rifles/cartridges and the "under-powered" ones.
Naturally everything would have to be video taped for posterity. Besides the videos may prove far cooler than those of Mr. Sullivan.
As I said earlier though, my way must be prepaid by someone else. I refuse to pay for my own potential suicide!

Scott
Jeezz...here we go again!

10 March 2004, 06:31
MacD37Quote:
Gentlemen.
There seems to be a pretty good team of knowledgeable hunters on this forum.
I have recently been reading a lot about the 45.70 and a sudden resurgence in its use as a rifle for big game.
Is this in fact true?
Do any hunters here with actual experience hunting in Africa reccomend this caliber?
Yes, Robert, it can, it just isn't the best choice one could make! Now! Drop this string, it isn't productive!

10 March 2004, 06:55
HunterJimRobert,
You might want to try searching this forum for .45-70, because there is past history as noted.
The short answer is you can do it, but it is not the best choice -- and that is by a long shot. (Pun intended)
jim dodd
10 March 2004, 07:16
FjoldSince your question is about Big Game, and not specifically Dangerous Game then yes, the 45.70 can be used for hunting in Africa. Different countries have laws that state the minimum calibers and energy levels required for shooting different animals, but for all of the plains game you could use your 45.70. For Dangerous Game check the regulations of the country you are planning to visit.
First of all, Robert, welcome.
I should tell you, if you haven't guessed by now, this isn't a new topic here and the way the subject has been handled in the past has led to some heated comments and bad feelings.
I do urge you to search the past threads. Yours is a good, legitimate question and should have been treated as such.
10 March 2004, 07:43
Robert_James_Jones_JrUhhh....
I didn't mean to cause a stir. Just asking what I thought was a legitimate question.
RJJ Jr.
Robert Welcome..I'm brand new here too. The one thing i noticed is if you mention 45-70...weatherby...Troll..these terms knot up panties for some reason..Go figure. I will say there really is some good information posted in these forums.
10 March 2004, 07:51
Robert_James_Jones_JrQuote:
Robert Welcome..I'm brand new here too. The one thing i noticed is if you mention 45-70...weatherby...Troll..these terms knot up panties for some reason..Go figure. I will say there really is some good information posted in these forums.
I understand the issue dealing with trolls. We get them in other forums as well. However one would think that questioning a particular rifle/loading for use in Africa on an African Hunters forum would be on-topic. At least I would think so.
But it seems you guys have had some recent bad experiences.
RJJ Jr.
10 March 2004, 08:07
T.CarrRobert,
Just a couple of the recent 45-70 threads
NO1 NO2 Those are just the recent ones. We have a history of several years on this topic.
Regards,
Terry
10 March 2004, 08:12
ErikDWelcome to the forum Robert. May I suggest that you use the search function yourself on the 45-70. You'll quickly see that it has been discussed recently and at great length. You'll undoubtably find all the answers you're looking for. Inbetween the quarrelling and banter!
Erik D.
www.dunia.noRobert,
I don't mind answering you question with my own experiences. Took a 45-70 on my last safari and shot a Gemsbok with it. Had planned to take my 300WSM B-A on a trip booked for June, but my 17-year old son will be taking his 300WSM B-A and RSA will not issue anyone under 21 a Temporary Firearms License. So..we may be forced to take his 300 and I'll lug the 45-70 around. We will be hunting PG only. 405 gr. LBT's @ 2,000 fps are plenty for what we will be hunting.
To go a step further, I am planning my first Cape buff hunt and will be using a Ruger Safari Grade 416 Rigby with solids.
Hope that answers your question...
10 March 2004, 08:32
Robert_James_Jones_JrQuote:
nope cant be done

[image]
Hey Tonto, difficult to see the rifle you are using from the pics. What rig/cal you got there?
RJJ Jr.
10 March 2004, 08:50
tontothats a repro of a sharps 45/70 calvary carbine. It worked good even though the sights suck at best. But i new the guns and my limits nothing over 100yards and better if 50yards. Impala was taken at 50 yrds zebra at 75yrds(didnt use it for any DG just PG) In some areas you might have problems getting that close.
Dean
10 March 2004, 16:04
CCM DocQuote:
Robert Welcome..I'm brand new here too. The one thing i noticed is if you mention 45-70...weatherby...Troll..these terms knot up panties for some reason..Go figure. I will say there really is some good information posted in these forums.
Add:
a)anything related to Remington (especially the extractor)
b)belted cases
c)pushing .416 bullets at greater than 2400fps (according to one prominent figure)
probably quite a few other topics that get some people's blood pumping.
I will point out that though I may disagree with some of the opinions on these issues, the very people who offer them also have my greatest respect for their experience and knowledge. I read it all, listen to it all then do my own investigation - usually leads to the truth.
Stay well,
Paul