Dialing in the H&R 45-70

Levergunz · #1 09-11-2010, 06:26 PM

Earlier this year I picked up a H&R 45-70 handi-rifle with 22 barrel and synthetic stock.I already had reloading supplies for it from nine years ago when I had a Marlin guide gun.I never could get the Marlin to group that well,so it went bye-bye.I had two new LEE bullet molds so I cast up some bullets in 340 and 405 grain.I have tried a dozen different loads that resulted in marginal accuracy.I finally hit a potentially great load today using the Lee 405 gr cast lead (from WW)and 46.0 gr IMR4895 in REM cases and REM LRM primers.It seems to have pretty good thump on both ends.I only have an old Jason 4X scope on it and I'm shooting at 100 yds.group size is 1.5 " I bought this rifle only because I was set up for 45-70 reloading and its another rifle to tinker with.I think I may use it for deer this season.All in all the 45-70 for some reason has given me the most trouble dailing in and I have firearms in about 35 different calibers.

tacklebury · #2 09-12-2010, 04:38 PM

My H&R Buffalo Classic in .45-70 is shooting great groups with FTX or Interlock bullets. I have yet to find a lead bullet it'll like. My current best accuracy load is 46.7 grains Reloader7 and my best group as such is 3/4" spread at 100 yards. 50 gr. Reloader7 is a second sweet point and grouped 7/8" at 100 yards. Nice thing is I can use either bullet currently with basically no POI shift. I don't know if you want to try a different powder, but my luck has been very good in my long barreled version. I don't have a 22" Handi yet, but intend to have the BC receiver sent in next spring to get one added for hunting purposes. The 32" is a little nose heavy to lug out hunting. Good Luck though! 8)

*edit* Couple pics added. Fliers were called as I was using an elbow rest only, no bags and it was windy. Sometimes gust would hit and make me wobble some. 8)

Oh, shot with std. williams receiver sight and lyman 17a that came with the rifle. I didn't have the pic of the 46.7 gr. load, but it was tighter than the 50 slightly. 8)

Levergunz · #3 09-24-2010, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tacklebury

My H&R Buffalo Classic in .45-70 is shooting great groups with FTX or Interlock bullets. I have yet to find a lead bullet it'll like. My current best accuracy load is 46.7 grains Reloader7 and my best group as such is 3/4" spread at 100 yards. 50 gr. Reloader7 is a second sweet point and grouped 7/8" at 100 yards. Nice thing is I can use either bullet currently with basically no POI shift. I don't know if you want to try a different powder, but my luck has been very good in my long barreled version. I don't have a 22" Handi yet, but intend to have the BC receiver sent in next spring to get one added for hunting purposes. The 32" is a little nose heavy to lug out hunting. Good Luck though! 8)

*edit* Couple pics added. Fliers were called as I was using an elbow rest only, no bags and it was windy. Sometimes gust would hit and make me wobble some. 8)

Oh, shot with std. williams receiver sight and lyman 17a that came with the rifle. I didn't have the pic of the 46.7 gr. load, but it was tighter than the 50 slightly. 8)

Thanks for the reply.Looks like you have a accurate load there.
I also have RL7 powder,so I may try some loads with that too.