With these rifles being a break action, they should be really strong. Does anyone know or have experience shooting hot/hunting loads in this rifle, or can they only handle cowboy loads?

Thanks

According to the factory, they can be shot with all the major brand factory ammo.
They are having a problem with the rear sight on the BC, so expect it to shoot low, even at the highest setting. I've read that the factory sells an optional rear sight. Not sure why they don't send it with the gun, as mine ran out of adjustment at 50 yds, and was 6" low with all ammo at 100 yds.

Sounds like that williams sight is just something they threw together real quick. thanks for the info.

Yea, I think it was picked as the least expensive option. Most folks go to a long range sight, mounted on the stock, behing the hammer. There are also the various better barrel mounted sights too.

Idaho

Call NEF. My 45-70 shot very high with open sights. They have available different heighth from sights. I don't remember anyone else shooting so low, but at $6-$7 per front sight, you won't waste much if you use a file on the front to raise the point of aim. I just installed the Williams FP on my Handi and I have not attempted to shoot it yet, but before I removed the notched rear sight, I set the Williams to look throught it to the front sight. Kind of poor man's bore sight job. I use the "tall" front sight. It is about 1/8" taller than the one that came on the rifle. Maybe you have this one on your BC.

Dave

If you check the Garret Cartridges website below two of their hottest loads are listed as for the NEF (H&R) rifles. That makes the newer NEF/H&R actions level 2 capable. Best BIG bang for the buck IMHO.
http://www.garrettcartridges.com/products.asp

With these rifles being a break action, they should be really strong. Does anyone know or have experience shooting hot/hunting loads in this rifle, or can they only handle cowboy loads?

Thanks

Idaho

Call NEF. My 45-70 shot very high with open sights. They have available different heighth from sights. I don't remember anyone else shooting so low, but at $6-$7 per front sight, you won't waste much if you use a file on the front to raise the point of aim. I just installed the Williams FP on my Handi and I have not attempted to shoot it yet, but before I removed the notched rear sight, I set the Williams to look throught it to the front sight. Kind of poor man's bore sight job. I use the "tall" front sight. It is about 1/8" taller than the one that came on the rifle. Maybe you have this one on your BC.

Dave
The BC uses a different front sight than other H&R's. It uses a Lyman globe front, with interchangeable apertures. No way to "file it down".

The Buffalo Classic will handle the same 45/70 loads as the Marlin 1895. The stronger falling block action of the Ruger #1 will handle hotter loads, but I see no reason to go any hotter than the Marlin loads. These guyas are right about the rear sight. The rifle was sold without sights for years, it's just the last few years that they have been equiped with the Williams rear, and Lyman globe front sights. My eyes, not being what they used to be, made me go to a scope on this rifle. I hated to do it, and felt blasphemus, but had no choice. Many good iron sights are sold that will fit this gun. Track of the Wolf sells a nice sight for it at a good price.
Don

Idaho -

I shoot a Lee 518gr GC (~10.5BHN)w/Lee Liquid Alox @1685 avg mv in my H&R Shikari.
After over 100 of these, plus 400+ lighter loads, I CAN'T CLOSE THE BREECH ON .003 CELLOPHANE! NO increase in headspace yet. :-)

Since the 450 Marlin is also offered in the H&R single shots, it stands to reason the 45-70s are capable of handling the same pressure as a Marlin Lever Rifle.
Andy

Interesting comments about the sights. I have both the Buffalo Classic and the Target Model. The Target Modal shoots a little high, but I figured it had been sighted at 100 yds. and I've been shooting at 60 to 70 yds. and have not moved the sight. The Buffalo Classic, which I got after the Target Model, came with the rear sight in the highest position. I wondered about that, but at 60 to 70 yds. it is dead on. If I shoot the 38/55 first I have to adjust my aim point higher if I go to the 45/70. I like the factory sights quite well, but may have to adjust when I try them ar longer range.

I Was Told Only Use Class 2 Loads Or Lower In My Buffalo Classic. Up To 40,000 Cup.