Anyone have some suggestion for a 45/70 Sharps load?

I am going to hunt buffalo in a couple weeks. I have been trying out some different factory loads, but not sure if what I have been using is what is going to work. I am leaning towards a lead 405gr load. I have some JSP Rem stuff that I haven't tried in the gun yet, and maybe that is the way to go. I shot some 325gr Win. stuff, but after reading the box, it was for "light, thin skinned game", so that one is out. I also have some Hornady 325gr FTX with the plastic tip for the lever guns. I think it would have good balistics, but bad penetration on an animal like buffalo. I can "cook" up some stuff in the press, but time isn't on my side right now, so maybe a good factory load is the best choice. Handloads will come on down the road when I have more time.

Have you looked at the Double Tap 300 grain Barnes TSX. I think it would do a good job. Unless you looking at a 500yr shot, I'd think a 45/70 hunt would bring down most Buffaloes. If it didn't kill them, it would at least knock them off their feet, render them unconsious, give you time to get to the wind pipe out before he comes to!

Does anyone load that Barnes in a factory load? It would be a sledge hammer for sure. I was surprised when doing some research late last night, that the Hornady 325 FTX actually has more energy than the 405gr stuff, with way better ballistics down range. I have a couple boxes of the Hornady stuff, and I think that might be the ticket. My only hang up with these is I don't know about the bullet upset on heavy skinned tough animals.

Ammo Engine has it for $62.00/box

Curt wrote:Ammo Engine has it for $62.00/box

$3 a bang, almost as bad as Weatherby stuff.

I shoot plain old remington 300 grain jacket hollow points in my Marlin 45/70 and have shot thru a treated 6*6 at 50 yrds also deer never move when shot up to 150 usages.

Check out midway usa. They carry buffalo bore and grizzly ammo. I am sure both of those use a hard cast bullet. They also deliver very good velocities and energy down range. If all else fails, give me a call I have a .458 winchester mag. I will come punch holes in them for you.

I did a little more shooting today, and the Hornady 325gr FTX is some nasty stuff. They rung my bell pretty good. I think I am going to take along the Rem 405gr JFP stuff, and a box of the Hornady's, that should do the job.

Tennessee Bullitt wrote:Check out midway usa. They carry buffalo bore and grizzly ammo. I am sure both of those use a hard cast bullet. They also deliver very good velocities and energy down range. If all else fails, give me a call I have a .458 winchester mag. I will come punch holes in them for you.

I have a Magnum Mauser action that I want to rechamber to a .458 Win Mag some day. That round will punch a hole through a Sherman tank.

schmitty wrote:

Tennessee Bullitt wrote:Check out midway usa. They carry buffalo bore and grizzly ammo. I am sure both of those use a hard cast bullet. They also deliver very good velocities and energy down range. If all else fails, give me a call I have a .458 winchester mag. I will come punch holes in them for you.

I have a Magnum Mauser action that I want to rechamber to a .458 Win Mag some day. That round will punch a hole through a Sherman tank.

That it will.

The Hornaday would be my choice, works well in my H&R

for shame rob what the heck are you using jacketed bullets in that gun for? might as well run a chev in a f250....for shame....do i have to make two road trips to your place? one for the doors and one to load proper black powder cast lead loads? bobn

zbob wrote:for shame rob what the heck are you using jacketed bullets in that gun for? might as well run a chev in a f250....for shame....do i have to make two road trips to your place? one for the doors and one to load proper black powder cast lead loads? bobn

No shame in moving on up to something new. It's more like putting the C head deal in my truck and moving on up past the old iron heads. I wouldn't mind the black powder loads, but they requie constant immediate maintenance after shooting, and that might not be possible where I am going. I did shoot a box of 405gr LFP loaded with a black powder equivalent load made for CAS by Ultimate and they were fun to shoot, but they left a lot of unburned residue in the barrel, and the Rem 405gr JFP stuff burned a lot cleaner. Any time you want to come on down and help load for the old girl, you are more than welcome. We are still about a week behind on the framing right now, so probably second week of Jan to hang the doors will be about right.

rob for a more serious informational insight on your gun....pedersoli/uberti barrels are lead lapped till smooth by hand. jacketed bullets do them no good at all. 5744 accuarate arms powder on a lead cast bullet will work well till you are ready for the learning curve of black powder......bobn

Hell Rob just get you a howitzer that will take them out....or get a 50 BMG

the Coug wrote:Hell Rob just get you a howitzer that will take them out....or get a 50 BMG