I handload for my Marlin 1895 45-70; and I have just bought an H&R 1871 Buffalo Classic in the same caliber. According to the Hodgdon manual, and others, the modern Marlin 1895 can safely be loaded to 40,000 CUP or 40,000 psi (which produces 35%-45% higher velocities than most factory 45-70 ammo). The Ruger #1 and most types of bolt action rifles chambered for the 45-70 can be loaded to even higher levels safely -- 50,000 CUP. I have heard of instances in which people loaded the H&R or NEF single-shot rifles such as my Buffalo Classic to much higher pressure levels than that without the guns failing, although I don't know that it is necessarily a good idea. Would I be on reasonably safe ground in loading the Buffalo Classic to the levels of the Marlin handloads -- 40,000 CUP or 40,000 psi? What about the Ruger #1/bolt action level of 50,000 CUP?
Posts: 189 | Location: San Jose, CA | Registered: 02 January 2003
That second link calculates that there is allot of safety margin for 50 kpsi.
The first link would imply, by saami's 1.35 ratio for proofing center fire rifles, that my 45/70 handi rifle is good for 65 kpsi.
That turns out to be academic, as with 405 gr. and IMR4895, my shoulder can only take the recoil with a 20kpsi load once a year, and a 17.5 kpsi load regularly.
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I'm just finishing up a Siamese Mauser in 45/70. Did a recoil calc using max loads with 550gr bullets in a 9.5 lb rifle, comes out to 57ft lbs. A max loaded 30/06 (also 9.5lbs) using 220gr bullets works out to 22ft lbs. I don't think I'll be shooting too many 550's off the bench or offhand either!
Posts: 8169 | Location: humboldt | Registered: 10 April 2002
Clark: thanks for the links. That information is helpful. Your test is a little scary. I hope that if you fire any more loads at 87k psi, you will not be holding onto the rifle at the time.
BigBrass
Posts: 189 | Location: San Jose, CA | Registered: 02 January 2003
Quote: Clark: thanks for the links. That information is helpful. Your test is a little scary. I hope that if you fire any more loads at 87k psi, you are not be holding onto the rifle at the time. BigBrass
My left palm was on the butt and my right hand was on the pistol grip and pulling the trigger. The recoil stoke was 2 or 3 feet. If that recoil went into my shoulder it would have broken my collar bone.