I was at the range the other day sighting in my .45-70 Contender when I got to wondering what a reasonable maximum range is for this caliber.

With my favorite load I have a 405gr hard cast flat point at about 1450fps. This load will give me 1.5", 3 shot groups at 100yds if I do my part. I know that this load hits right about 10" low at 150yds if I zero 1" hight at 100yds.

I'm just wondering if 150yds is a reasonable range with this caliber on deer or elk. I need a lot more practice from field positions before I would start shooting deer at 150yds with a handgun though. I just thought that if the gun shoots this well with a 2.5x scope, would it be worth it to buy a 2-7x variable to extend my range? I'd like the thougts of some handgun hunters with more experience than me, which would probably be most of you.

Thanks, Andrew

I'd recommend spending your money on bullets and powder to practice. If you are getting the 1.5" groups at 100 yards with a 2.5X scope, I'd stick with it. Although better optics are nice, extending your range of view does not necessarily equal extending your range to hit your target. If your scope gives you a clear view in shaded or dusky situations, I'd stick with it. Raising the point of impact a couple of inches at 100 yards will raise it about three inches at 150 yards. You'd be better off shooting your Contender at different ranges and scope settings to see how it works best for your needs. Meanwhile, with the shooting you will gain some valuable knowledge regarding the performance of your firearm and loads.

Yes, the .45-70 is very effective at 150 yards on deer and elk.

I've used my .450 Marlin BFR (10" barrel) on 200 meter silhouette with both 350 and 405 grain bullets. I shoot the latter at around 1,500 fps and it's accurate at this distance (hits hard too). 200 meters is about as far as I'd go on game however.

Lee Martin
www.singleactions.com

The caliber has the punch at 150, and you're accuracy is fine, too.



The Burris 2x7 is not likely to tolerate the recoil; I'd stick with the one you've got.



Since your groups are fine with your current scope, the only reason to upgrade would be to improve your ability to see the target under hunting conditions. Will you need this improvement if you stay within 150 yards? If you do need the extra magnification, I'd go with a better variable, like a Leupold, because the recoil won't break it. (I've got the Burris 2x7--I've had it fixed under warranty and now reserve it's use for lower recoiling calibers). If you don't want to spend a rediculous amount of money, try a 4x Leupold. You can get one for about $160 off the forum classifieds.

The real limitation on your rounds range is it's trajectory, not the power or accuracy. If you really want to extend the range, then put the money on a laser rangefinder so you know exactly where to hold to compensate for the drop. Past 125 yds, your bullets are falling like a brick, though one I wouldn't want to be hit by

I put a TC "recoil proof" 2-7x on my 12" 45-70 hunter bbl. It is not recoil proof. I would try sighting off of the post on the bottom of the verticle cross hair to see where that hits at 150 or beyond, then use that the estimate the hold over you might need. You might also invest in a lazer range finder and practice guessing ranges while out walking in the woods, then check it with the range finder. Maybe shoot rocks and stumps also to get a better feel for the trajectory?? The 2.5x is probably pleanty of magnification. You can always go larger and try it if you want. If you don't like it, then get a 30-30 bbl to put the new scope on?

Your statement about shooting with field positions is a good one. When you can hit a paper plate all the time is your real range with field positions. The round will have punch but you have to know the drop.

Hcliff

Thanks for all of the feed back. I bought this barrel to replace a 14" 30-30 barrel that was on the Contender frame when I bought it. The 30-30 shot well, but I just didn't feel like it had the power to take an elk unless it was a perfect broadside shot. I know that shot placement is extremely important, but it was hard to turn down the penetration of the .45-70.

As far as changing the scope, I think that I'll just stick with the scope I have. It sounds like this caliber is really hard on scopes. I quess there's no reason to fix something that isn't broke. Plus, this scope will help to keep me honest about the ranges of my shots. I would like to think that I know my limits, but the higher magnification might give me a false sense of confidence. Just because I can put the cross hairs on the critter at 200yds, doesn't mean I can hit it.

Thanks for all the great responses. You've all been a big help, like always.
Andrew

With my 45-70 and shooting 400gr speers, at about 1450fps if I recall, I sighted in +3 inches at 75 yds and would bo about -4 inches at 150yds. It has been some time since I have worked with the 400's in my contender. Work has it where deer are about all I have time to hunt and the 300's will do fine for that. Also, the 350's are a great choice for larger game. They will not expand as well as the 300's or 400's but will leave a big hole and penatrate very well.