How many of you use a .45/70 for deer hunting? Which bullet wieght do you prefer and why? THANKS for the help.

Stinger

How many of you use a .45/70 for deer hunting? Which bullet wieght do you prefer and why? THANKS for the help.

Stinger

My 45/70 is an origional 1879 Springfield carbine(Trapdoor)
My long time hunting load uses the 393 grain Lyman 457193HP bullet with 36.5 grains of Reloader#7 powder.
Frank

How many of you use a .45/70 for deer hunting? Which bullet wieght do you prefer and why? THANKS for the help.

StingerI've had a Marlin 1895 45-70 for 30 years. Any of the 300 grain hollow points (Hornady, Sierra, Remington or Speer) work fine on deer driven 1800 to 2200 fps (I wouldn't push the Remington over 2000 fps).

I used the Remington 300 grain JHP load for deer last season. It is loaded light to be safe in trap door rifles. It killed the deer just fine. He never took a step after I shot.

Next year, I will be using a 405 grain cast of some flavor. I just ordered a couple of moulds to try out. I will probably push it to 1600 to 1650 fps. It doesn't need to be a grizzly load to kill a whitetail deer.

I've used the Federal Classic 300 gr hp load or a 300gr Barnes X handload that also works great on bear.

Several years ago I had a Trapdoor that I loaded 300 gr hard cast flat nose bullets to around 1800 fps. I killed deer to 140 yards (rangefinder) that went in one side and out the other. These weren't huge deer and they were standing broad side shots in a hay patch. But I was impressed.

I have a 1895G, haven't carried it hunting yet, but have hunted a season with a 1895GS. (didn't like the stainless and sold it) The 300gr Partition Gold loading from Winchester shot really well out of the GS as did a 405gr Beartooth load. I killed deer with the 405s. Big hole in, big hole out, lots of blood, deer didn't go fart whats not to like?

As a anniversary gift, my wife gave me a Marlin CB in 45/70 a feww years ago.

I cast a 405 gr. flat point for it, and shoot it every chance I get.

I've wiped out many ponds of thier excess turtles with it.

And I've slaughtered hundreds of those little black dots that commonly appear on pieces of paper about a hundred yards away,,,,,,,,, and mock you..........

Anyway:

Last year, I took it deer hunting,,,,,,, open sights & all.
(the wife had asked for 3 years, "Why don't you ever go hunting with the gun I gave you")

So,,,,,,, I did....
I shot a 160 pound, 8 point, deer at about 80 yards on a quartering/walking away shot.

The 405FP gr slug moving along at 1600fps entered low behind the (facing) left leg/shoulder.

The wound channel totally wiped out the heart/lungs, and upon exit, more or less blew off the right leg.


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