[Ray Floyd]

Hey, Jack, my 1895ss will "do it all" as well, though I suppose you are including the CAS stuff in there.  I personally don't have any need for the Cowboy look.  

If I were going to Africa, I think I would load that 325 grain Beartooth up to around 2,000 or 2,100 fps, and buy a couple boxes of Garrett 540 gr. Hammerheads for buffalo.  

Then again, if I could afford to go to Africa, I wouldn't hunt with just the .45-70.

Ray

 

[Ray Floyd]

Jack:

If you have seen any info on that Garrett load, you know that it is impressive.  A 540 grain hard slug at 1600 fps or so will take any thing down that currently walks the earth.  Garret posted info from a guy who shot his buffalo in Africa with that load.  The first one penetrated both shoulders.  The buffalo went down, then got up facing him.  The second one entered his chest, and exited his rear.

I think that would take an elephant!  From what I understand, with an elephant, you have to find the exact spot where the brain is located inside that big head.  All that is needed from there is adequate penetration.  Elephants have been killed with much less gun than a .45-70, especially with that load.  I think it was Bell who killed many elephants with a .257 Roberts (I think that's the caliber).

The weight of .45-70 bullets is what makes them so effective.  I wouldn't think that 4 inches would make much difference.  Depending on the powder used, it might not make any difference at all, but then, I'm on shaky ground there.  I'm going by what I've read, not tested.  A lot of bison fell to a 500 grain .45 caliber bullet, backed with blackpowder, and operating at lower velocities.

Regards,
Ray