The Accurate Reloading Forums
45-70
20 July 2007, 07:34
Guy Morrison45-70
Hi
I may have a chance to visit and shoot a few critters. Do you think a 45-70 Marlin loaded up with heavy loads would be sufficient for scrub bulls, buffalo or guar if the opportunity presents itself?
Thanks
Guy
You can't miss fast enough to win
20 July 2007, 07:53
Bad Ass WallaceNo worries but chose your bullet wisely. Rem 405gn SP's are designed to expand at moderate velocities in repro Springfields etc.; the same bullet push hard in a Marlin or Ruger No.1 is quite explosive on thin skinned game.
Hold still varmint; while I plugs yer!
If'n I miss, our band of 45/70 brothers, will fill yer full of lead!
I have used the woodleigh 405 gr 45/70 bullet and that will indeed hold together and expand at 45/70 speeds.................that set up will be fine with the right bullet.
05 August 2007, 20:45
NitroXBAW or PC,
What bullet do you recommend for Buffalo in a .45/70?
NitroX,
Based on experience where I raked a Sambar hind end to end ... I'd be confident using the TenRing 420gr hardcast FNGC projectile at 1780fps. Broadside, I reckon it'll cut anything biggish down. Unsure if TenRing is still operating though?!? But ... a 45/70 is not what I'd recommend for something the size of a buffalo, but concede it can do the job.
Cheers...
Con
06 August 2007, 06:39
NitroXCon,
The guy that shot cape buffalo in Zim with a .45/70 when I was there in 2002 used a 550 gr Flat nosed hard cast projectile. Just wondering
which factory projectile does the job, AND is available in Australia.
06 August 2007, 07:16
billinthewildGo Randy Garrett's web site. His ammo works.
A friend in Argentina used some 1650's (fps) I left him and had excellent results on their water buffs.

"When you play, play hard; when you work, don't play at all."
Theodore Roosevelt
quote:
Originally posted by NitroX:
Con,
The guy that shot cape buffalo in Zim with a .45/70 when I was there in 2002 used a 550 gr Flat nosed hard cast projectile. Just wondering which factory projectile does the job, AND is available in Australia.
NitroX,
Have you got a 45/70? If yes ... I think I have a few TenRing 420gr projectiles I'd be happy for you to have and try. In a Marlin 1895SS I got 1780fps and it made my CZ 458Lott feel real comfortable in comparison. Nothing beats a light rifle and heavy loads ... better yet try a hardcast 500gr at 1500fps ... that really HURTS!!!
Cheers...
Con
07 August 2007, 16:48
NitroXCon
Thanks for the offer but I don't have a .45/70 yet. I almost bought a replica falling block (Springfield ?) a while ago though. One day ...
Hopefully one day I will run across a Siamese Mauser too.
I was interested in what bullets are actually being used on Aussie water buff.
Nitro I would be pretty happy to use the woodleigh 405 gr bullet shoudl I ever have the chance to hunt Buff....................but I's probably use my .458 lott or .416 Rigby.