I know Swift makes a 350gr partition bullet in 45-70, but they are rather spendy ($64.00 a box).

Does anyone know of any other cartridge company that makes partition bullets in 45-70?

I have never been a fan of the all lead bullets and have heard nothing but bad news about the Hornady 325 gr FTX bullet.

Thanks.

BH63

One of the companies loads Nosler partitions as I recall...

I always liked the Hornady RN soft point 350 gr...I think it was intended for the .458 Win. but it sure worked good in my 45-90 and they didn't cost much..They are still available Im pretty sure.

Both Nosler and Barnes have some recent offerings
in .458 diameter bullets.

The 350 gr Hornady is a tough bullet-I use them
along with Alaska Kodiak Bonded core bullets.

The 405 gr Alaska Bullet Works bullets (Juneau) are bonded core and they are very much like Woodleighs.


Get a few of all makes-then see which bullet is most accurate in your rifle. After that its just
shooting enough to be comfortable with the rifle.

RM

Winchester did load the 300 grain .458 Nosler protected point in their Supreme line of .45-70 ammo. They were devastating on thin skinned game at a MV of 1800 +.
I bought both loaded ammo and the Nosler bullets and loaded them up to 2200 fps in my .45-90 and still have a few left.
If you can find any, buy them.

Buffalo Bore loads the 300 grain NP, 350 grain Barnes TSX (not available to hand loaders unfortunately) and 405 grain Woodleigh.

Thanks.

I decided to go ahead and buy a box of the Swifts. With shipping it was almost $70.00 bucks for the box, but I will be on a black over bait hunt this fall, and I want to see how the bullet works out.

I have used Swift A-frames on cape buffalo and I couldn't ask for a better bullet for the shoulder shot.

The 45-70 bullets are designed a little differently so that they open up at around 1200 fps, but they still have the partition, so it will be interesting to see if they can smash through both shoulders of a blackie.

I'll let everyone know how they work out(if I get a shot, of course, LOL).

I'll keep an eye peeled for the Win Supremes.

BH63

If you do a search on the Marlin owners forum there's a guy who did pretty extensive hunting both in North America and Africa with 300 grain Nosler Partitions, he swears by them. He posts as Mad Dog here also.

For black bear a bullet that opens up but holds together and driven fast is IMO the way to go. That's why I like the 405 grain Woodleigh flat point.

Good luck and have fun on your hunt.

Thanks.

BH63

quote:

Originally posted by BuffHunter63:
... The 45-70 bullets are designed a little differently so that they open up at around 1200 fps, but they still have the partition, so it will be interesting to see if they can smash through both shoulders of a blackie...

That's the trouble with selecting bullets for the .45-70, of course - the duality of having some for trapdoor rifles and some for Mach II.

My worry is that the 405gr Woodleigh bullets I've got are not specified to work well below 1700fps. While I can reach that at the muzzle, beyond 100 yards I might be in trouble.

If not mistaken I believe Nosler discontinued the partition for the 45-70. Haven't been available for some time. If you know of some please let us all know.

kda,
Agreed - the Protected Point partition was dropped, but there may be other partitions that will work.

I am surprised there is not more interest in the 45-70 as a heavy gun. A heavily-constructed 45-70 should be able to handle loads that can kill anything in NA to include Brown Bears.

Going to a magazine instead of a tube feed, should allow for more ballistically improved bullets.


BH63

All those "Special" bullets are a waste of money in a 45-70. At most you can't get them fast enough to take any advantage of them that you can't get from a good standard bullet. I find.
And it is two different calibers; if you shoot at BP velocities, then shoot lead bullets. If you shoot at higher, then I use Speer 350s; definitely shoots through a bear. Done it.

According to Swift's specs, the 45-70 350 gr A-frame kicks out at about 1771 fps and will start expanding at 1200 fps and will handle speeds of 2600 fps. They claim 95% weight retention.

I don't handload so I am pretty much stuck with factory loadings. I bought some 45-70 +P (430 gr at 1800 fps) that are all lead. I will probably use them as the backup shot.

As to cost, if you are shelling out a couple/three grand for a bear-over-bait hunt with an outfitter, paying an extra 30 bucks for premium ammo might be the difference between getting your bear or losing a wounded one in the woods.

One of the guys I know, told me he has lost two wounded bears on Canadian hunts (he uses a 450 Marlin) because the guides weren't that keen on following a wounded bear into the thick stuff.

BH63

True enough what dpcd said. If you go with Buffalo Bore's 350 Hornady or Woodleigh 405 grain loads and put them into the right place you will do fine. It's close range so expansion isn't a worry.

Your friend losing two bears tells me he needed to be a better shot regardless of what the guides did.

^
I have a feeling you might be right about my bear hunting friend. He is an ex-CEO of a large company and seems to always have 10 times more gear than needed. To me that spells novice.

BH63

I observed 3 elk shot with a Ruger #1 45-70 loaded pretty hot with Noslers partitions and was not impressed in the all of them went quit a ways and left a poor blood trail that slowed recovery down big time..Im am a big Nosler partition fan as a rule, but not in the 45-70,although they performed better in the 45-90.

I told the owner to try the 350 Hornadys..He called me a year later and said they used the Hornady bullet and shot 6 bulls between the group, they all use the Ruger SSs in 45-70..They really were pleased with the Hornady 350 gr.

I might try some of those Hornadies, Ray. With luck the cannelure is far enough forward to keep the nose off the rifling.