I've been on a Lever rifle buying spree and am looking for info on good .45/70 Elk factory ammunition.

Figured that these would make great dark timber rifles...

I remember two or three years ago that most factory ammo we were shooting out of the 1895's and BFR were pretty weak. The only one that felt like it was getting closer to our reloads were the Hornady 325gr LE.

I don't reload anymore and plan on just getting by with factory ammo.

Look at Hornady LEVERevolution 325 grain load. Federal Premium has a choice of Speer Hot Core HP, Fusion, or Trophy Bonded Bear Claw bullets in .45-70. Garrett also offers a selection of .45-70 http://garrettcartridges.com/4570.html in various power levels depending on the strength of your rifle. There was an article in a gun magazine I read where the author used a Marlin .45-70 with Garrett Hammerhead ammo on cape buffalo. The bullet killed a bull, penetrated fully and killed a cow on the far side. In my experience with 1886 Brownings and a Siamese Mauser the .45-70 is anything but weak.

Also check out Buffalo Bore ammo.

A word of caution about Hornady Leverevolution 45-70 factory ammo
Do Not leave live rounds stored in the magazine of a lever gun.
Over Time (one year plus) the plastic tips will turn HARD as
a walrus usik and indent the primer ahead. I have half a box of
these damaged factory rounds as my Marlin Guide Gun used to
ride full time behind my seat. I now reload and use 350gr North
Forks for all serious work on big game or DG.

Good hunting in the dark timber.
Tetonka

DRSS
Band of Bubbas w/ 45-70s

CorBon pencil point. They are a nice flat point with a small exposed lead tip about the size of a pencil lead. Deadly, and safe in a lever rifle...

Buffalo Bore (in only modern rifles)

I've heard folks say they were worried that the Hornady 325 gummy tip might not tough enough for elk, but have not heard directly from anyone with first hand experience using this bullet on said critter.

The Hornaday's have way to much recoil for my liking. It's like getting slapped up side the head every time i touch one off in my Marlin. I prefer the Remingtons with the 405 gr. loads

I've shot a bunch of the Lever Evolutions and didn't mind the recoil. I wasn't sure what the consensus was on the bullet for elk sized game.

I hadn't tried Garrett or Buffalo Bore ammo...but the Remington factory ammo as well as the Black Hills Cowboy Action, Winchester , Ultramax, and Federal stuff seemed pretty weak. Maybe that stuff was for older rifles.


My two rifles are Marlin 1895G [2004] and 1895GBL [NEW]

I like the looks of this stuff!

Grizzly .45-70 +P
Cast Performance Wide Flat Nose Gas Check
405gr @ 2,050fps. 3779ft lbs

quote:

Originally posted by Bill/Oregon:
I've heard folks say they were worried that the Hornady 325 gummy tip might not tough enough for elk, but have not heard directly from anyone with first hand experience using this bullet on said critter.

Not shot them on Elk, but in my opinion too soft for deer! Which means way too soft for elk! The jackets seperate if shots are under 100 yards.

Ended up ordering some HSM "Bear Load" 430gr Hard Cast @ 1800+ fps. The price was right, specs seem great, and I've never had any issues with the HSM ammo for my .300 H&H.

Anyone tried this stuff yet? A google search shows this ammo has been available for a few years.

If they still make it -- PMC ,350 gr flat nose @ 2050 --serious cartridge !