Having a discussion on LRH.com, we weren't sure how much a BFR could take. Trapdoor, Lever, or #1 level loads? Will it beat a 500 S&W when both are loaded full tilt?

Beat the .500 how? Velocity? Muzzle energy? The .500 will always be higher up on the food chain by virtue of the 1/2-inch diameter.

Muzzle energy...velocity with same bullet weight maybe?

In a handgun, the .45/70 will never be in the same category. Are we talking about remaining within SAAMI specs, or exceeding them?

The BFR 45-70 is rated for the Marlin loads and no it will not beat the performance of the 500 Mag in a handgun.

I'm talking 45-70 loaded to Marlin level loads, or Ruger level loads.

The 45-70 should not be loaded above Marlin level loads in the BFR. A 45 revolver is always going to be lower on the balistic food chain than the 50 cal revolver

quote:

Originally posted by jwp475: A 45 revolver is always going to be lower on the balistic food chain than the 50 cal revolver

Amen. That is what I said earlier.

Keep it at Marlin levels. No need to go hotter anyway.
I was testing 4198 loads with a 317 gr cast and got bad pressure excursions with some jumping from 1500 fps to 1800 fps and sticking cases.
I only use 4759 in it now, best powder for it.

Using the right powder bullet combination the BFR in 45-70 is right on the heals of the big 500 in ballistics at Marlin levels which are 40,000 CUP/42,740 PSI or the 450 Marlin at 43,500 PSI.Mine shoots 420 cast from Garrett(under 35,000 CUP) right at 1600 fps and looses 2-300 fps from my Guide Gun velocities depending on the bullet.

My 525 grain cast load at 1515 fps in my Guide Gun does 1300 fps in my 7.5" BFR and this load is less than 35,000.If you were to take a Max Marlin load like Buffalo Bores 400 grain at 2000 fps,it would probably be at 1700+ fps in a 7.5" BFR or the 2350 fps 300 grain Speer Unicore would be knocking the door of 2100 fps in the BFR and I am sure,quite un pleasant to shoot.All at Marlin levels just like the 450 Marlin.

Never had a problem jumping crimp even with Garretts 420 grain Hammerheads at 1560 fps(39 degrees) which would be more like 1600 fps in warmer temps.

Jayco

WOW, that's good to know. I was unaware that a 45 caliber projectile could ever be"on the heels of the big 500 in ballistics". How in the world is a 45 cal projectile going to leave as large of a wound channel" as a "big" 500?

I'll leave you with his picture of an exit in the rib cage of a 6X7 bull Elk inflicted by my 500 JRH with a 440 grain wide flat point hard cast at only 950 FPS




I am holding a 300 win mag for size comparison

You don't have to be a smart a$$..The question was "How hot can you load a 45-70 BFR?" and no one had answered it yet other than Marlin loads which differ from manual to manual.You can load the 45-70 BFR to #2 45-70 pressures for Marlin Leverguns which is 40,000 CUP not the #1/Ruger #1 loads of 50,000 CUP.

Wished I could kill an Elk some day.

Jayco