I read somewhere on this forum that since the 45-120's capacity is between the Lott and 460 Weatherby, it would be safe to use Lott loads in the 45-120, as long as you had a strong action. Would this be safe, what is the Lott's operating pressure? Or possible starting Lott loads being a max for the 45-120?

Possible consequence shown here:

http://www.mooncostumes.com/image/3226

If I shoot those loads I turn oriental?!

Guess it'll be blackpowder or Unique until I get some verified loads or join ammoguide.

Lipstick and a fake ax would....nice!!

I had a Ruger No. 1 in 50 3 1/4 Sharps that I loaded above 500 3" load equivalent. I used Bell brass and talked to Jim Bell about this. He said his brass was easily strong enough. I then talked to Fred Wells and said I was looking for a rimmed 510 Wells. He also agreed that the Ruger and Bell brass should be able to take the load. I ended up settling on a load that pushed a 600 gr Barnes at about 2250, out of the gun's 30" barrel. I never had any pressure signs on the brass, it extracted easily and was able to get many reloads per round of brass.
A shooting partner of mine rechambered a No. 1 in 45-70 to 45-120. He kept loading it to higher and higher velocities and had to quit as to the brutal recoil. It was basically a 7 lb 458 Lott. He also had no pressure signs. I think he stopped right around 2200 fps with a 500 gr Hornady.
These are two examples only and don't necessarily mean they are safe, just personal experience.

I have a .45-120 in a Ruger #1 and have loaded as high as 90 grs. of IMR-3031 (I don't recommend it), 96 grs. of WW785 with good results. Recoil can be described as "vicious" with the heavy loads. I ABSOLUTELY WOULD NOT LOAD ANY .45-120 TO THESE PRESSURES IF YOUR NOT USING THE RUGER #1 OR EQUIVELANT ACTION. None of the Sharps reproductions have the strength to take these loads. All my loads were with the Hornady 500 gr. FMJ's.

I have a converted 45-120 Ruger #1 (actually rebarreled with a heavier barrel). I load 300 grain bullets with a mid load for the 458 Lott. Action opens easily and brass pings right out with no pressure signs. This is with Norma brass.

Haven't tried any heavier bullets in it yet, but I know the gun is strong enough.

why no just rechamber from 45-120 to 450 nitro express

This will be on an H&R action. 500 S&W is chambered on this action, 60k pressures. This is why I wondering if starting Lott loads would be safe.

can't do a 450 NE on a 45/70 chamber.. wrong rim thickness

I made a 45-120 test rifle on an Enfield action with a full size Bauska bbl blank (wieghed around 11 pounds) to test loads for a double rifle that I want to build on a shotgun action. Then Jeffe and I decided to see just how hot you could load the 45-120. We got 2150fps with a 500gr. Hornady RN. The rifle was not yet fitted with an extractor and all I had to do was stand the rifle up and lightly bump the butt of the stock on the shooting bench and the empty case fell out of the chamber. No visual sign of pressure on the brass, could possibly go higher on the load. This same load in a re-chambered T/C Encore was extremely high on the recoil scale and the first shot tore the fore arm right off. I had a tapered octagon profile milled on the Enfield test rifle bbl and am going to build a nice single shot rifle for Hog Killing. I'll get Jeffe to post some pics of the rifle later.
Rocky

Yes- If the action is strong enough. Work up slowly and pay attention to the details. Stop if you get any bad vibes or signs.-Rob

Hey Rock
you had the barrel done? GREAT!!! I got a huglu and new metal for the mono block!!
oh, yeah, and my 8mm!
jejffe