I was reading hot loads for a 45-70 and had a question. I will have a WY. buffalo tag this year, and thinking about useing my guide gun. I haven't shot or loaded anything for it yet. Do you guys think most of these loads listed in the hot loads for a 45-70 would sork for buffalo? Thanks for any info.

The old timers killed something like 20 million or so buffs using 500 grain dead soft lead cast bullets with 70 grains of black powder.
Not sure that super duper bullet smokeless powder loads are required.
My favorite loads for the Winchester 1886 are 50 some odd grains of IMR 4064 and a Lyman 445 grain gas checked and a similar charge using a 350 grain gas checked, I think it's a Saeco, cast bullet.
Never shot a buff with either, I'll bet they will do the job.

Jim

Thank's, I was thinking about Cast Performence hard cast bullets, or see what Barnes has.

I use 45/70 a lot. The load I use the most pushes a 420 gr. cast performance GC @ about 1800 fps. I've never recovered one because they have ALL gone through the animal. And big animals too. Moose, Brown bear, etc. Major broken bones. Some at up to 150yds...So I hope this helps. Have fun!! marc

I've killed four buffalo, two with a 45-70. My friends and I have taken about a dozen between the four of us.

We have found that a 480 to 520 grain bullet at 1150 to 1300 fps will shoot through both shoulders and come out the other side.

Powder Inc. has a really good flat nosed 497 grain bullet that shoots very accurately in my 1895 Marlin Cowboy and cycles through the action with room to spare. Load it with 36 grains of 3031 and it is as accurate as you can hold the rifle and has all the horsepower you need, and then some. Contact Powder Inc. at (479) 705-0005 by phone or check out their website for a great bullet. This WILL solve your problem for a buffalo load--or anything else, for that matter.

Thanks guys, this will get me started. that's what I needed. I've never shot anything with this gun.So I didn't know where to start.