Your thoughts on factory 45-70 ammo...

[meanc]

from Remington, Winchester, Hornady, etc...

[sore shoulder]

My thoughts are, have you seen prices? I ask this because now more than ever 45-70 is a very good reason to start reloading.

[Old Ironsights]

#1 - I agree with SS. When 300gr Winchester CXT is cheaper than bulk Cast Lead from Cabelas there's a problem.

#2 - Factory Loads are Lame/Plinker loads. Remember, they are SAAMI spec'd for Trapdoors. If I want Plinkers, I can do it a durn sight cheaper than $33/20.

[Old Savage]

The Hornady Leverevolution 325s and the Federal 300 grs are very accurate in my 1895SS and chronograph in the 1800+ fps range. That seems adequate for the hunting that would most commonly be done with the 45-70. JimT said the Leverevolution worked well on an African hunt he was on.

[meanc]

Reloading for this 45-70 may be in the near future as I've done the calculations up and down and front and back.

I figure for about $330 I can buy all the components I need to load up 500rds (~$14 per 20), which is more than half of what the lowest factory ammo goes for.

But for right now, just looking for some opinions on the factory ammo.

[Chuck 100 yd]

I own 3 .45-70`s and have never bought a single loaded round in that caliber. Handloading is the way to go!

[Lastmohecken]

I handload, and have for 25years or more, but I also shoot factory loads, and the factory 45/70 loads are plenty powerful enough for most uses.

I like the 300gr hollowpoints (factory), and they have always done a good job for me on deer sized game, and the grand old 405 gr. load was the load that pretty much built the reputation of the 45/70 as a good game killer.

[Old Ironsights]

Reloading for this 45-70 may be in the near future as I've done the calculations up and down and front and back.

I figure for about $330 I can buy all the components I need to load up 500rds (~$14 per 20), which is more than half of what the lowest factory ammo goes for.

But for right now, just looking for some opinions on the factory ammo.

Your calculations are in error.

Because of case size, and general anal retentiveness, I reload my .45-70 ONLY on a Classic Lee Loader. For cartridges that size it really isn't that much slower than a single stage, or even a turret press.

Less than $30 gets you the Lee Loader. Add $12 for a custom case-flaring tool, another $11 for a dipper set and $3 for a funnel (optional).

If you don't have a decent mallet, add another $15.

So, all in all, you can load .45-70 really easily and well for less than $75 for everything but Brass, Bullets, Primers & Powder.

[meanc]

So, all in all, you can load .45-70 really easily and well for less than $75 for everything but Brass, Bullets, Primers & Powder.

I hear ya' All I'd need though is the dies. Got the other reloading hardware.

Sadly that's where the "bulk" of the expense comes from, especially the brass and bullets. Then you have to factor in shipping and hazmat fees for the Primers and Powder.

I don't forsee shooting this one quite as much, maybe a box and a half of shells a year at most for sighting in and hunting.

That is, unless someone would care to donate a few pieces of brass and some bullets to help me on my way.

[Old Ironsights]

You don't have anywhere down there to pick up a pound of powder & flat or 3 of primers?

Besides, you don't need to buy 500 brass. 100 is plenty to start.

[meanc]

I could pick powder and primer up locally but would still pay the same amount as if I bought it online with hazmat fee.

Here's whats local:

1000 primer $32
1lb powder $26 x4 = $124

But if I buy it online, I can combine shipping costs with the other items.

Here's what I'd have to buy online:

Dies $35
Brass (x100) Starline $50
Bullets (x500) 405gr $120


All together, that's enough for 500rds (if I reload the brass 5 times).

Total is right around $365.00

I'll buy all the components eventually, but it's going to have to be a piece by piece affair, as my gun fund is running on fumes.