Hey Guys:
I have recently purchased a Marlin .45-70 with a 22" barrel. I am using it as a back up for archery bear hunting. Believe it or not my wife carries it and does well with it. Given all of the discussion of fire lapping I'm wondering what improvement I will be likely to experience with this stock weapon and if any of you can tell me from your own experience with .45-70's how much improvement you found after fire lapping. I'm shooting Randy Garrett's solid lead bullets in the 420 grain load. My real question is fire lapping really worth the effort for shots under 50 yards? I'm willing to do the work required but not if the return is negligible for up close and personal type shots. Am an avid archer and will not likely use this weapon for anything out beyond 100 yds even for meat hunting. Your help will be appreciated.
I have recently purchased a Marlin .45-70 with a 22" barrel. I am using it as a back up for archery bear hunting. Believe it or not my wife carries it and does well with it. Given all of the discussion of fire lapping I'm wondering what improvement I will be likely to experience with this stock weapon and if any of you can tell me from your own experience with .45-70's how much improvement you found after fire lapping. I'm shooting Randy Garrett's solid lead bullets in the 420 grain load. My real question is fire lapping really worth the effort for shots under 50 yards? I'm willing to do the work required but not if the return is negligible for up close and personal type shots. Am an avid archer and will not likely use this weapon for anything out beyond 100 yds even for meat hunting. Your help will be appreciated.