Chili Vega
US Veteran, Absent Comrade
Looking for a factory load in 45-70 for bear. Any recommendations?
45-70 advice
- Thread starter Chili Vega
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ArchAngelCD
Moderator, SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
A factory load for what type of rifle? Trapdoor, Levergun or Modern Rifles like the Ruger are all capable of different power levels.
If you're looking for a good middle of the road load but with a premium bullet give Federal Premium ammo a try. They have a 45-70 load that carries a 300gr Trophy Bonded Bear Claw bullet that's an outstanding performer. (Part #P4570T4) That's a tough bullet that will work well on Bears and almost anything else in North America too. (and without breaking the bank either)
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Garrett Cartridges Inc.
I bought both B B and Garrett. Good ammo but the price has gone up. Try this. I haven't bought any but they look good. I have tried their other bullets though, no problems.
DoubleTap Ammunition
I bought both B B and Garrett. Good ammo but the price has gone up. Try this. I haven't bought any but they look good. I have tried their other bullets though, no problems.
DoubleTap Ammunition
Sebago Son
Member
45-70 Gov and Bears.....
Surprised than no one has asked this important question.... Which KIND of bear?
If you put it in the boiler room, Eastern Black Bears will go crupper-over-tea-kettle with the old Remington 405 grain Core-Lokt Factory Softpoint at around 1400 fps...
In truth, regardless of all the stories, Eastern Bears rarely go more than 350 pounds.
But, were I facing this guy, I'd want something with more Ooooomf!
Surprised than no one has asked this important question.... Which KIND of bear?
If you put it in the boiler room, Eastern Black Bears will go crupper-over-tea-kettle with the old Remington 405 grain Core-Lokt Factory Softpoint at around 1400 fps...
In truth, regardless of all the stories, Eastern Bears rarely go more than 350 pounds.
But, were I facing this guy, I'd want something with more Ooooomf!
Until this question is answered, the only possible safe answer is trapdoor-level ammo.
People answering with Garret-level answers are setting the OP up for possible disaster.
OP
Chili Vega
US Veteran, Absent Comrade
Gentlemen, thank you all for the advice. My apologies for not giving the needed info on rifle and bear when asking for advice. It will be a newer Marlin 1895 lever gun. This was a limited run rifle about the size of a guide gun w/o the ports. The bears will be black.
crofoot629
Absent Comrade
Remington 405's already cost an arm and a leg.
I see no reason for anything else.
I have a Guide gun in 45-70. On our two extended rafts trips down the Lower Rogue this year we saw 13 black bears. I'm in bear country all the time. They're in my neighborhood here in Ashland. They love the apple trees. I load out with 405's.
Emory
I see no reason for anything else.
I have a Guide gun in 45-70. On our two extended rafts trips down the Lower Rogue this year we saw 13 black bears. I'm in bear country all the time. They're in my neighborhood here in Ashland. They love the apple trees. I load out with 405's.
Emory
Having had some experience with 45-70s, you may need to try out several different loads and bullet weights to determine what is the most accurate for your particular rifle. Slow twist versus fast twist, length of barrel, etc. will affect performance. If you are using it on bears, better make sure you have the most accurate ammo available for the old Marlin.
ArchAngelCD
Moderator, SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
That Federal ammo I suggested above will do the job as will the newer Hornady Leverevolution ammo. Nothing wrong with Remington Core-Lokt round which has been stopping game for a very long time. No reason to spend big money on exotic ammo for your use...
HSM has their own "bear load", a 430 gr. hard-cast LRNFP rated at 1780 fps and over 3000 ft-lbs. You can get it direct from them, but it looks like the web store site is down. Also found at Cabela's and Sportmans Guide.
The Sportsman's Guide
Good bang for the buck at about $30/ box of 20. There are a couple of threads on it over at the Marlin Owners forum, pretty good reviews.
HTH
ETA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2dbzguLOiU
The Sportsman's Guide
Good bang for the buck at about $30/ box of 20. There are a couple of threads on it over at the Marlin Owners forum, pretty good reviews.
HTH
ETA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2dbzguLOiU
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smithnframe
Member
Rifle or handgun?
mkk41
US Veteran
I roll my own ammo for my Marlin '95 , but if I had to choose factory fodder , my first thoughts would probably be something from Garrett or Cor-Bon.
ArchAngelCD
Moderator, SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
I would possibly agree if he were shooting a Ruger Model 1 but he's shooting a Levergun.
The OP said he is talking about Black Bear. Since when did they start wearing armor plating? They are dangerous but not all that hard to kill, especially with a round that can take down a Buffalo. For the 3rd time, normal Federal or Remington 45-70 ammo will do a great job and without ruining your rifle. (or your shoulder either)
I don't own a 45-70 but black bear drop quickly with the LeveRevolution rounds out of my 336 in 30-30. I can only imagine they're even more potent out of a larger bore rifle.
Tapatalk ate my spelling and grammar.
badguybuster
Member
I load up some 525 grain hard cast thatll knockem outta their knickers
