Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Single Shots NEF Handi Rifle

Does anyone know or know where I can find out what is the max pressure limit I can load in a 45/70 Handi-Rifle? My loading manual lists three different ratings based on different actions. But doesn't tell wich one applies to the NEF. Thanks for your input.

go with the marlin 1895 levels.
have a look at the nef/handi forum on graybeardoutdoors.com. you'll get the best data there for handloading the handi.

Thanks Fish I'll check it out.

The biggest trouble you will have with the NEF Handi-rifle is extraction problems. I had some 243 loads that were a little sticky, and when I checked the Barnes manual, I found they were 1.5 grains over their listed maximum. Brass was fine, primers fine, accuracy fine -- extraction was not fine. Took a cleaning rod down the bore. Backed it off to the maximum load, and everything was back to normal. Gotta love a good shooter for a few $$'s.

I use the Marlin data in mine. They did chamber .450 Marlin last year, so I reasoned that similar velocities would have similar recoil (not pressure). A top load will wallop you real hard, I broke a blood vessel last fall and turned black all the way to the elbow. That is getting past the fun stage.