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.45 - 70 Gov't in revolver

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02 July 2002, 19:40
Woodrow
.45 - 70 Gov't in revolver
Has anyone tried firing the .45 - 70 Gov't in a BFR revolver? What is the felt recoil like? What is the firearm like, and is it worth the $1800 Canadian sticker price?
CDW
03 July 2002, 01:58
Sean
The 45-70 wasn't designed for a revolver, therefore I don't think that it would be very efficent. I have heard that the recoil is not bad. But for $1800 why not get a Freedom Arms in 475 Linebaugh or 454?
09 July 2002, 13:40
Woodrow
You have to remember though, Sean, that $1800 Canadian is only like about 25 bucks American....
LOL... Seriously though, I just thought it would be neat to have as there are so many 45-70 lever action rifles readily available, that it'd be nice to have the pair.
CDW
09 July 2002, 13:53
RNS
I have never shot one but the local gun shop sells them and they took one out and shot one. The salesmen I talked to are not into the really big stuff but all of them commented on how surprised they were at how well it shot and low recoil. I am sure if you worked up some loads that compaired to a contender/encore you could get the recoil to where I would be a trick to handle. I guess that would be the fun part. I believe that they are made at the same place the rugers are and last year I think they had some improvements in them. It would be a fun toy. here bear, here bear. RNS
10 July 2002, 07:03
<RU Kidding>
I've had a BFR 45-70 w/10" bbl for the last 2 1/2 years. I've shot 40 factory loads & about 1500 handloads. I really love it! The handloads do get your attention. The grip frame is identical to the Ruger's but as far as I know the rest has nothing to do with Ruger (RIP Bill Ruger)
10 July 2002, 07:57
Sean
RU Kidding, How fast are those factory and handloads going? What weight bullets?
10 July 2002, 11:40
<RU Kidding>
Sean-I used the data I found on a chart that accompanies an article on the BFR by Dick Metcalf of Shooting Times. It's on the Magnum Research page under News & Reviews. It lists the factory loads as follows:
Federal 300gr.HPFN @ 1361 Fps.
Winchester 300gr.JHP @ 1355 Fps.
Garret 405gr.JSP @ 1424 Fps.
Remington 405gr.JSP @ 1019 Fps.

Handloads:
Hornady 300gr.JHP @ 1548/42.0 gr. of H110
Sierra 300gr.HP @ 1533/42.0 gr. of H110
Speer 400gr. SP @ 1399/50.0 gr. of IMR-3031

I used both H110 & IMR-3031 but I don't remember the velocities. I have tried 300,400/405 & 500 gr. bullets. I have a Pact Professional Chrono & I printed out my results but I don't recall where the printouts are just now.Guess that means I'll "have to" go chrono my loads again-if the Forest Service ever re-opens the Tonto Natl. Forest here in sunny Az. I do remember the IMR-3031 had a very impressive muzzle blast compared to the H110.It sounds more like an explosion than a gun going off.Hope this info helps!
Randy in Phx.
10 July 2002, 12:01
<chevota>
The dealer I go thru bought one for himself. He loves it, he even brought it in from home to show me. But to him, and like most of my guns it's just a toy. There's no real world need for it, but that doesn't mean it can't be one of the coolest things you own. Just a matter of what trips yer trigger [Smile]
I thought it was neat and if I have the spare cash someday it's on my wish list.
10 July 2002, 13:05
Lloyd Smale
totally agree a .475 or .500 will do everything and more then the .4570 and in a more reasonable sized package.
quote:
Originally posted by Sean:
The 45-70 wasn't designed for a revolver, therefore I don't think that it would be very efficent. I have heard that the recoil is not bad. But for $1800 why not get a Freedom Arms in 475 Linebaugh or 454?