I had a 45-90 built up on a British military Martini .303. This was ordnance rework of a 450-577,. The most important features were Nitro proof (.303) and a dovetail insert on the breech face to allow a small diameter firing pin for higher pressure cordite and other smokeless powder loads. The 303 chamber was ok but the bore was near the end of its service life.
A new 0.458 standard profile barrel was fitted and chambered in 45-90.
Following are the three most consistent and effective jacketed loads on large hogs. Modern drawn brass cases,Federal 210 LR primers and IMR 3031.
405gr Remington IMR 3031 67.5gr 2130fps
400gr Speer IMR 3031 67gr 2130fps
350 gr Hornady IMR 3031 69.5gr 2270fps
I had a set of express three leaf sights fitted. I did a reasonable amount of load development so as the above had almost identical point of impact out around 70yds. The above loads gave faultless extraction!
I never got around to shooting cast gas check loads as the barrel was button rifled. I felt the rifling was too shallow for full on gas check loads. Also, on large hogs a single one shot kill or disable is essential when hunting alone. A 44 or 45 hand gun is good insurance but remember you have to be proficient in the draw , getting a kill or major disable with the first. All this must be flawless in execution when you are under pressure.
