Why does it have to be a lead bullet load? Do jacketed bullets not work on bears? What I have seen with the 45-70 is that even slow traveling bullets penetrate like a freight train, and if it is for bear defense, range should not be an issue. Go with a 405 gr Remmy flatpoint and take it as high as is safely manageable. Benchmark powder works good for me.


"Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." (Prov 4:23)

Brother Keith