Home Forums Lever Action Central Big Bore Levers 45-70 factory ammo

Gonna be getting my SIL an 1895 of some configuration SOON. So what is a good factory deer load that doesn't tear up the meat. I know accuracy first and foremost but until then he may be hunting with this ammo before we can get some reloads together so we're interested in bullet integrity. TIA!

The Remington 405 grain load is quite reliable.

I use the Remington 405 bullet in my handloads (that TNrifleman is refering too). It is a very accurate bullet in my Marlin M1895 and very cheap as big bullets go. I would try that factory load first - if it's good in your SIL's rifle you know where to start your reloading.

The 405 grain Remingtons are probably the least expensive bullets available for the 45/70, and also one of the best. They punch big holes in game, and if they don't drop on the spot, there's buckets of blood to follow. I handload them, so I can't speak for the factory loads. You can spend a lot more and not get a better bullet.

Three for three on the 405gr Remington. That's making the bullet choice easy.

I mostly use Buffalo Bore 430 GR HC WFNGC but recognize not everyone needs that. My next go to is Winchester Supreme Partition Gold with the 300 gr Partition Gold, if you can find them.

The .45-70 300 grain Winchester Supreme partition Gold at about 1850 fps is my favorite factory load for a combination of acuracy, flat shooting, and devastating performance on game. We also have loaded the Nosler protected point bullet used in these Supreme factory loads on up well above 2000 fps. 2200 fps is the upper limit recommended by Nosler and this is my standard 300 grain hunting load. At 2600, they make a super varmint load. BTW, I am using a Winchester 1886 .45-90 with 26" full octagon barrel which makes for a 9.5 pound rifle that absorbs much of the jolt from hot loads.

I've got two 45-70s one bolt action (Siamese Mauser) and a New Winchester 1886. I've not fired a single factory round through either of them. I bought a lot of Remington, Winchester and Speer cup and core 400- 405 grain slugs that proved very accurate. They shot close to the same point of aim, so for close shots like we get here in Virginia, didn't matter much which I used.
Once I started casting the jacketed slugs were shoved to the back of the shelve never to see the light of day again.
I'd bet that the 350 grain jacketed would be the best bet.

Jim

For Deer, any of them will work, provided they are accurate in your gun. I still have 3 1/2 boxes of the win. supreme, nosler part. The 300 gr. nosler is my go to load for practically anything out of my guide gun. Good luck finding any of the factory loads. You really don't need the nosler for deer, and the bullets are expensive. Depending on your average shot length, the Rem 405s will be ok. However, if you are getting into some lengthy shots, you might try a box of the leverevolutions from hornady.

maddog

"Good luck finding any of the factory loads."

ANY factory stuff! Pickins are slim out there.

Hunts will be strictly short range woods and brush type.

No one has mentioned the Hornady "Leverevolution" loads. I got a box at a dealers recommendation last week but have not fired any yet in my 45-70.

Are the answers indicating they are not worthwhile as ammo?

EZEARL, do some on line looking. Cabelas has some Rem. 405 fodder[as of today]. They and midway also have hornady leverevolution. Another outfit that has ammo is in Idaho, www.buffaloarms.com/

You can also check:

able ammo
midsouth shooters supply

Hope this helps.

maddog

Yea it does help,md. THANK YA! SIL decided on the 1895G by the way.

Found some. Check Natchez.

boliep, nothing wrong with the LE load. I killed a bear with it a few years back, in Idaho. Still have 3-4 boxes of the stuff. One of these days I'll use it up on a Texas hog hunt.....

maddog