Is there a 45/70 necked down for .452" bullets instead of .459"? I shoot a 444 Marlin and 44 Magnum Bisley and I love the fact that that I can use the exact same bullets in either. The 444 is also just a larger version of the 44 Magnum so velocity is also increased dramatically. I like the idea of using the same bullets for both rifle and revolver. You could really get those lighter 45 colt cast bullets going in the 45/70 cartridge, and if you wanted more power you could go with the Casull-type in 360 grain, etc. The variety of bullets you could use would also be increased, and if you already own a 45 colt/casull you have a start.
Of course this has probably been done, but I haven't found any info on it. Any thoughts/history on this? Reinventing the wheel?
Thanks,
Mark.

300H&H,

You might want to check out the 416 Barnes. 4000 ft/lbs without undue stress.

Roger QSL

Thanks for the reply, Roger.
I checked out the 416 Barnes, which uses the 416 bullets. There isn't much to choose from in 416 diameter bullets, and I was thinking of something that could use the 452" cast bullets and generate more velocity than the 454 casull. I just think the options available for the 45 colt type bullets is expansive and you could really experiment with a wide range of types, and at varying velocities.

300H&H,

I have seen Contender bbls that were chambered in 45/70 but built on .452" blanks. Not sure how they were throated or how well they work but it can be done.

HTH,
Tim

I built a 45/70 with a .452" Shilen barrel blank on a 91/30 action.

Clark,
Have you fired it yet or is it still in progress? I am not familiar with the 91/30 action (bolt action I assume?) Sounds like a neat project, how about dies as the 45/70 would have to be sized down a bit.

I have taken it to the range once, and with a a scope it weights 17 pounds and still can kick like a mule with 230 gr Montana Gold. I made a rifle in 45acp with the same type of barrel blank that is accurate [ a couple .7" 3 shot groups at 100 m].


The 45/70 is not accurate, [~6" groups] and I blame the lack of a reamer [I used boring bars and straight reamers and drills] and the lack of a good seater die.
http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?s=&postid=127760

Here are my load notes:
10gr Bullseye 230 gr FMJ, 45/70 brass with smaller rim thickness and dia, wimpy
15 gr Bullseye 230 gr FMJ, ", ok
10 gr Bullseye 230 gr FMJ, 45Colt brass, in 452/70 chamber, case did not seal, extractor that may have heat dammage from weld looks even worse.
32 gr Bullseye 230 gr FMJ, 45/70 brass, 45acp sizer for crimp, dirty,
56 gr Re#7 has 5 pound extraction



[ 09-26-2003, 20:56: Message edited by: Clark ]

You might think about the 444 Marlin case or a blown out 307 winchester? I use the 444 cases in my 45/410 derringer. I was thinking it might help not haveing such a huge jump to the rifleing. Then you could just use your 45colt loading dies.
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