45-70: 5 Reasons You Need One And 3 Reasons You Don't

[@shaundevrisky349]

In 2005 our father sold his Vietnam era Colt AR and bought a "Quigley" Sharps in 45-70. We thought he was making a mistake but he taught himself to smelt and cast bullets and load and shoot black powder cartridges and became very proficient at 500 yards. (This isn't much to most people but due to nerve damage he had bad tremors so for a shaking person he did quite well. Some of his shooting is on my meager channel). Always humble, he would always attribute his hits to "I got lucky". 🙂 Dad had more fun with that Sharps than with any gun he ever owned. I loved watching him shoot and then we would drive out in the field and look at the hit-marks on the disc blade, and look for and pick up mushroomed slugs for re-smelting. By 2018 Dad declined to the point he couldn't shoot anymore and transitioned to watching shooting channels on KZbin, particularly Hickok 45 (his favorite) and sharing them with me. My hope was that he would shoot his 45-70 again someday, and until then I oiled up all of his dies and reloading equipment for storage until then. But it wasn't meant to be. He left us in April of 2021. I now have his Sharps and everything needed to cast bullets and load for it. He must have planned on shooting for a long time, because his stockpile included a brick of primers, hundreds of new and used shell casings, half of a 5 gallon pail of cast bullets, about 150 loaded rounds, nine pounds of black powder, and what I estimate to be around 400 pounds of lead, including 60 feet of two inch diameter lead water pipe. (Being a plumber must have been a PITA back then!). I have never fired his 45-70 since he died and have done nothing with the reloading equipment. It's been so long since I watched him cast and load that I am clueless now. But it's just as well. That was his thing, and it would almost feel like sacrilege to shoot that Sharps in his stead. But Watching this video reminded me of how much fun it is to shoot the 45-70 and how much fun Dad had, and I watching him. Thanks for posting this video and bringing back good memories.

[@NathanEdwards-t3y]

Great story, man really touched my heart.

[@shaundevrisky349]

@@NathanEdwards-t3y 🙂🙂

[@hail_koenig]

Touching, sorry for your loss. Same story with my grandpa and his double barrel. Take it from an internet stranger that the old timers would rather us have fun with their guns than let them collect dust. Take it out for a spin and you'll feel more connected with your pa.

[@sauxybanana2332]

We all feel your dad's passion through you

[@mawilkinson1957]

Great story, but I would think he would be proud to have you walk in his footsteps with the .45-70.

[@CS15550]

I've been shooting a Marlin 1895 with the original scope, 4X Redfield Tracker, that I had mounted roughly 40yrs ago and I never once had the zero changed and the accuracy is always spot on. I'll never give this gun up.

[@jackdaicole7595]

When biden bans all centerfire ammo you will be forced to give up your gun even that blow out your lungs 9mm he talks about lol what a joke!!! By the way awsome gun 45-70 I personally have taken deer and one bear

[@mrthingy9072]

@@jackdaicole7595 Proof that Biden will ban centerfire ammo? I've been hearing for over FOUR DECADES that "Democrats are going to take your guns", "Hillary is coming for your guns", "Democrats will ban ammo", and nonsense like that and in 40 YEARS it has never once happened - NOT at a federal level. And it wouldn't stand up in court either, that's why they don't do it. Do you really think that they're going to waste the time doing something like this if it has zero chance of standing up in the court system? A Federal judge (not the ammo) will issue an injunction just as soon as Federal (yes the ammo maker) sends their lawyers, and at that point it will rattle through the courts and get blasted every single level. Stop believing Gun Nutz propaganda, start listening to Second Amendment supporters who believe that every responsible citizen should have the right to own firearms. Also, put down the bottle of whiskey when you're writing. Most of your sentence made little grammatical sense, much less common sense.

[@foofoo3344]

It's also cool that it's rated for killing T-rex

[@aSSGoblin1488]

do you reload? 45-70 bullets are so expensive. .22 is fun and cheap. psh youtuber just talked about it lol

[@jackdaicole7595]

@@aSSGoblin1488 not really I bulk buy usually 10,000rds every 2 months at a time and been doing this for 20 years. I keep ordering more ammo now and yes I reload!

[@geronimo67]

You are so correct. Most of us don't need a 45-70. But we do need a lever action in our collection. And that's exactly why I purchased my Henry 45-70.

[@erikwaters238]

I want a Guide Gun. No real reason; I just want one.

[@southerntrendkiller2632]

No reason needed…the only reason one needs is “I want”.

[@firebrand07]

Had mine for 20yrs. You have every reason to want one. You can face anything on the planet with it.🤙

[@davidjensen4654]

That's reason enough

[@jwhmerica504]

You don’t need to justify it. Lol. We all want one.

[@erikwaters238]

I’ve heard that Ruger/Marlin is going to start making the 336 in .35 Remington again soon. That might be easier to explain to my wife than the Guide Gun, which she’d contemplate using on me.

[@104thDIVTimberwolf]

Here in the Pacific Northwest, brush guns are an important tool, especially in the Cascades or Coast Range. There is very little that can compete with the .45-70 in the brush. As to recoil, I find the .45-70 to be more tolerable than the .30-06. Yes, it has twice the measurable recoil, but it's a slower push than any shouldered cartridge. Someone explained to me that the sharper the shoulder angle, the gentler the perceived recoil will be. The examples he gave were the .375 H&H compared to the .375 Weatherby. They measure nearly identical, but the Weatherby will leave you feeling bruised after fewer rounds. And yes, the .45-70 is my favorite hunting round. It doesn't deflect in the brush and you're not likely to have to track a wounded animal after you hit it.

[@MalachiWhite-tw7hl]

Nonsense.

[@timmcdonald9856]

Generally, the more mass to the gun, the gentler the recoil will be. .45-70 tends toward bigger, heavier guns, which softens the recoil compared to a modern .30-06 that has been lightened as much as possible to make carrying it easier.

[@jeffreyhooper3678]

The .22 short is the oldest metallic cartridge in the USA, having been developed by S&W back in 1856/7.

[@bananaballistics]

Very true, I guess I was only thinking of centerfire.

[@user-zd9sj5qc9v]

@@bananaballistics The .303 British was introduced in 1889 and was in service for over 70 years, making it the longest serving military cartridge.

[@ismiregalichkochdasjetztso3232]

@@user-zd9sj5qc9v the 7.62x54R was invented in 1891, and it is still in service.

[@chrisferrell1037]

@@user-zd9sj5qc9v how long over 70 years? .50 BMG was introduced into service in 1921 and the last person to fire the M2 has yet to be born.

[@marcmo7138]

@@user-zd9sj5qc9v Actually saw some 303 British for sale at the Gun Shop yesterday

[@jimparker7778]

Great choice for those who reload. The rimmed straight-wall design makes reloads a snap. The variety of bullet weights, primers and powders that work with the big 45 are cool too. Everything from .44 Mag ballistics to elephant-gun ballistics.

[@richardanderson2742]

My best reason for the 45-70 is I hate extracting dead deer from wild rose underbrush which dominates my property. A deer that moves 5 feet from where it is shot is the exception with the 45-70. Mine is a Siamese 98 Mauser with a 24 inch Shaw barrel, which can take any reasonable load and weighs enough that my shoulder doesn't mind. As for cost of reloading, I use about 20 cartridges a year, so cost really isn't an issue. I've got lots of little pip squeak guns for range plinking and save the 45-70 for collecting freezer meat.

[@Lure-Benson]

999 out of 1000 of these woke gay bastard KZbin groupie wouldn't have a clue what you are talking about saying you have a Siamese Mauser. You are better off making a video of the Mauser . Most off these woke gay bastards that post comments aren't even 18 years old. Just look on their channels to see what video's thy have collected or videos of them self normally is a pimpled faced pre-teen and a teenager. I've seen them collect video's like Hickock45 - Iraqivetran888 and other clowns or often video's how to kill a girl.

[@danielalamo2075]

At what range do you shoot your deer? My brother shot a deer probably close to 300 yards across a canyon with a 7 mag. Bullet went in the front shoulder out the belly and broke the opposite hind leg. It ran over a quarter mile. What a mess. But at least we found it.

[@Lure-Benson]

@@danielalamo2075 I hunt from the Pacific NW to Alaska so I am shooting all kinds of range at game. Oregon coast range we walk old logging road and might find deer or Elk on the road in a close range to shooting over massive canyons. In Alaska ever thing is possible for range. I have so many rifles which I take at least 2 for different shooting I might have to do. I've also had game animals with body organs wrecked make it very far distances before death took over. Some of the Elk when opened the blood runs like a river out of them and the organs are blood gelled, but the Elk still made 1/4 mile in some cases. My family and I all used and still use the 7 mm Rem mag because we all have such vast experiences in shooting the 7 mm Rem mag at all distances we encounter. When I hunt Coastal Oregon Elk, I have with me maybe the 7 mm Rem mag or 300 Wby mag and always for walks on old logging roads I have the 9.3x62 Mauser in a CZ 550. Also, sometimes I have a Winchester Mod 70 in 338-win mag. It all has to do where I am hunting for the day what guns are with me. I will say nothing has ever walked a step from being shot by the 338-win mag or the 9.3x62 Mauser.

[@icfubar9150]

Very nice! These Mausers can really be loaded up into .458 Win Mag levels of energy foot pounds with the resulting recoil of course....as not necessary unless dangerous game at close quarters might be the situation. Deer not so much.

[@richardanderson2742]

@@danielalamo2075 Most are in the 150 to 225 yards range (most often hunting utility rights-of-way).

[@Oldbmwr100rs]

For one of the oldest metallic cartridges still in production, the .45-70 is just awesome. Biggest drawback is the cost of the ammo so reloading is a must, but you can load them in so many setups so you can make about any load you want. A hand die loading kit is out there, and it's like the flintstones loading cases with a hammer but it's easy and works. Shooting it is interesting, to me it was like a 12ga magnum shotgun push with the sharpness of a .30-06. Pushing around 400 grains lead, it's a beast and damn is it fun. If your shoulder has been broken or damaged at sometime in your life, shooting this will hurt. Just one of those rifles you need to shoot sometime in your life just to feel that power.

[@russellkeeling4387]

I have a 50-70 Sharps that was manufactured around 1855. Serial number 1279. It was converted to 50-70 shortly after the civil war and began its life as a paper cartridge/disc primer round. It is in fire-able condition. This is also one of the oldest metallic cartridges made if not older than the 45-70.

[@henryettacollins9095]

Well isn't that special but it's not really the topic.

[@daveodo4315]

I always have a few 45-70 rifles in my collection. I have shot 10s of thousands of rounds out of them. I’ve owned trapdoors, ruger number ones and three’s, marlins, Winchesters, H&R handi rifles, rolling blocks, high wall, contender rifle and hand guns. I’ve shot grizzly bear, Yukon Alaska moose, black bear and even a coyote with them. All worked perfectly. I’ve punched a lot of paper and shot a lot of silhouettes. I’ve shot more 45-70 rounds than any other centre fire so far in my life. This has been my favourite round for many years.

[@jackdundon2261]

I have a few too. But, I grew up a little and got the model 89 and ar500.... that makes the 45/70 look like a toy!

[@MM_405]

@@jackdundon2261 DuDe!!!!! Would love to talk to you about what you got, since so few even know what the company BIG HORN ARMORY actually makes and even less how many people have the two rifles you own.

[@jackdundon2261]

@@MM_405 anytime yup want to chat. I can be cival and tame! Soon, I will have a bha 460 model 89. I am getting "matching serial numbers" on all my bha guns! on the ar-500, model 89 500 mag, AND when my requested serial number is built (should be really soon) model 89 in 460. -- probably be worth a fortune in 100 years matching sn. I already have the smith and Wesson 14" barrel 460..(I have a big truck and big guns, so yeah, I am compensating). I am a peep sight man, love the skinner peep "ghost ring" on the 89. At the moment I have a Delta point pro on my ar500. I haven't developed any SERIOUS loads yet. Been too busy with work, kids, farm, and building a house.. 12 weeks ago, I had a shoulder surgery, so spending my days watching videos and loading ammunition. (I was WELL STOCKED). I do some shooting with the lead sled, soon, I will play with the ar500 and "dial in some loads". I used to do car and horse videos I suppose I could do a video on it. Any suggestions or questions?

[@daveodo4315]

@@jackdundon2261 I’ve owned many large rifles. 500 nitro, 460 weatherby, 416 rigby , 50-460 weatherby and a bunch more. I also owned an encore in 500 smith and Wesson with a 15 inch barrel. My wife liked to carry that rifle for moose. The load I was shooting was a 650gr hard cast at 1800fps. I’ve always thought one of those lever 500’s would make a great carrying rifle.

[@JoseGarcia-tr9mp]

I'd love to hear the story about shooting a coyote with a 45-70.

[@raymondproulx1095]

I have a Remlin 1895 in 45-70. I must have been lucky when I bought it. Aside from the checkering being a little light and uneven, I’m very pleased with it. Accuracy is amazing. Function is perfect. Recoil is a little stiff but manageable. This piece has a permanent home here. It rounded out my lever collection. 22 LR, 30-30 Win, 35 Rem, .308 Win, 357 Mag and 300 WSM are all represented. No scientific reason to own them. I just love the looks and feel of a lever gun.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

You need a 45 Colt or a 454 Casull for the collection :)

[@lbhunter6341]

I bought a Henry 45/70 two years ago because I just wanted one! My first trigger pull made me think I made a mistake...I think I lost three fillings (😉)...however, after running a box of ammo through it, I'm hooked. I absolutely love that rifle...great in farm country for whitetails!

[@faq_is_love]

The only government that I trust.

[@juanlife0252]

Amen

[@anthonysears871]

Awesome!😂

[@DonAshcraft]

Dude's gotta hellofa voice for radio! That's a compliment. 'makes these videos easy to listen to and watch. So *not one of those KZbin electronic voices that drive us all crazy.

[@ShaunRF]

I love the "oh yeah" every single time you cycle the action on the lever gun lol.

[@strawhelm1821]

big fan of the 5 reasons to get it and the 3 not to, dont see many review style videos in this format and i really enjoyed it. most reviews always say you gotta have it or its garbage I really like seeing someone weigh out pros and cons that are user specific.

[@sheepsfoot2]

4:15 " The last and highest pressure type is only reserved for modern rifles ........... and its only for rifles like the Ruger No 1 with a really strong action " ! Well he's right about the trapdoor and lever action CANT handle hot loads BUT wrong on the other > There's the 1867 Remington rolling block , Sharps 1874 falling block , John Browning's Winchester high wall 1885 > all 3 can handle any hot 45/70 load that todays modern rifle can handle ! OF COURSE BEING ORIGINALLY A BLACK POWDER CARTRIDGE , YOU WOULD NEVER FILL THE ENTIRE 45/70 CASE FULL OF SMOKELESS POWDER !

[@gingernaut2550]

Best reason was during my gun exams, the instructor said "the 45-70 is for when there's a burglar hiding behind the fridge. In your neighbors house".

[@jimparker7778]

I'm gonna borrow that one.

[@gingernaut2550]

@@jimparker7778 give it some miles!

[@GrayD1ce]

The 45-70 isn't nothing to sneeze at at close range, longer ranges I'd reaching for something else

[@jonpaulison2283]

Lmao 😂😂

[@darkscope2]

that would apply to a .50BMG not a 45-70 LOL

[@Paul_MacK]

I love my 45-70. It was my first rifle. And it is an absolute blast.

[@JohnSmith-zr9by]

The 45-70 is to the cartridge world what the CH-47 and CH-53s are to the military rotor wing world. They're big, bulky, powerful, and old as hell, but simply cannot be completely replaced if you just need something that will always effectively get the job done.

[@hoahoang3722]

This rifle has lots of power kzbin.infoUgkxQt2uORDRfFOVSrO4idv4B90ThT6EOnEL , hard recoil and a little heavier than expected which affects accuracy, especially when firing freehand or hunting small game. Really rough on sites, as it often moves inside mounting rings. Replaced sight with a UTG Bugbuster, which required medium height mounting rings, but improved accuracy while sighting in as shown in attached photo, at 20 yards using Gamo Match Diablo pellets at 7.56 grain. Nonetheless, I am still trying to figure out where to install the mounting rings on the scope to avoid it from sliding around, as it becomes misaligned after about 50 or 60 shots. Currently considering using heavier pellets at about 9 grain with different tips like the H&N Baracuda Hunter Extreme or the Crosman Ultra Magnum to see if accuracy improves. Overall, I am having lots of fun with this rifle.

[@bubbaandrayearl1678]

Absolutely LOVE my 45/70. Arguably the most versatile rifle out there. My .308 is a close second.

[@timlennon4571]

Curious, how troublesome is finding ammo for it?

[@polaris6644]

@@timlennon4571 finding ammo isn't too difficult, it's usually affording to shoot it that hurts the most

[@unklbuk1]

@@polaris6644 That's why I started reloading for my other guns, and will when i purchase my Henry 45-70, so much cheaper in the long run, and... it's fun experimenting with rounds.

[@pepepepert]

.444 Marlin would be my go to for a large caliber lever. With that said I'll stick to my .35 rem and .300 savage

[@bananaballistics]

35 rem and 300 savage definitely have plenty of power and longer range potential.

[@pepepepert]

@@bananaballistics The .35 was my grandfather's (1970s 336). and the .300 my great grandfather's (model 99 savage).

[@mathewgoebel4078]

I agree I also have the 444 And numerous Other Calibers in lever actions And I have a Hard time Taking out the 444 deer hunting Unless I think I'm gonna have a sasquatch breathing down my back

[@madrabbit9007]

Here is another reason FOR: in many states the .45-70 qualifies as a "primitive weapon" and can be used in black powder deer season which is nice if you need a quick follow up shot.

[@Bubben246]

Some states also require a straight-walled cartridge for rifle season, so that's another plus.

[@Kyle-sr6jm]

I have gotten to touch off a 2lb cannon. Even that small of a bore was quite an experience.

[@ThePigglyWigglyShow]

Even though the cartridge can be filled with BP or a substitute, that doesn’t make it a muzzleloader. The firearm cannot be loaded from the breach.

[@madrabbit9007]

@@ThePigglyWigglyShow Mississippi defines them as primitive weapons and they can be used in primitive weapons season which covers black powder. I've been here for 30 years, I know our laws. The law will be different state to state.

[@ThePigglyWigglyShow]

@@madrabbit9007 I placed my comment to show contrast- specifying “muzzleloader”, not using the term “primitive” or “black powder”, because that would be misleading in Florida, as our laws are very different. Of course, the main point is for everyone to know and comply with their states laws. (I’ve had a couple people here in Florida tell me I could use my 45-70 during muzzleloader season because of BP, but the law is specific on “muzzleloading”)

[@jrtagg1]

if you get a 45-70 learn to reload and its very easy.

[@icfubar9150]

Nice summary. My 45/70 is an older JM Marlin 1895 'Cowboy, 26" octagon bl. I handload using my own cast 350 gr lead bullet over a duplex, blk pdr & smokeless recipe. As far as old cartridges still with us and the most fired every single year, that honor goes to the .22 rimfire, dating back to 1871.

[@cletedavis5849]

You missed it. The .22 Short rimfire dates to 1867, and the .22 BB Cap is even older, as it is the direct discendant of the .22 Flobert gallery load.

[@henryettacollins9095]

Walk in to Walmart and buy some gank

[@froggergoat]

I bought 2 boxes of 300 gr JHP for $108. I was so surprised to see it on a shelf I didn’t care about the price till later.

[@bananaballistics]

45-70 prices are no joke. Make sure to save that brass lol

[@billywalker9223]

Holy mackerel! I still have boxes with $19.95 stickers on them from my gun shop, which I closed down a few years ago. I sold quite a few rifles chambered for .45/70 for bear hunting.

[@drizler]

That’s why you need to reload and cast / powder coat your own😊

[@cschym2705]

I'm fortunate enough to own four. A Pedersoli trapdoor, Winchester Hi Wall and 1886, and a Marlin 1895. Love them all, but John Browning's first lever gun the 1886 is my favorite.

[@waynemercer4546]

How much is the marlin1895 going for. I'm loving this gun a lot.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

@@waynemercer4546 Under Ruger's ownership, I've seen them from 1300 on the low end to just over 2 grand.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Any reason you didn't go with the .45-90 in the 1886? Can shoot both cartridges, but the 90 runs about 200-250 fps more potential.

[@A6Bnito]

I use a .350 legend for whitetail deer, they get a heart/lung shot and run 75-100 yards good thing it is "open" woods... Thinking of using my 45-70 in the future, i.e. Stop, Drop, and Roll. Great video!!

[@bananaballistics]

Good to know on the 350 legend!

[@jasonlantsberry6957]

Just dropped a buck 2nd weekend of gun here in Ohio. He never took a step just dropped. 50 yards.

[@johnsykes706]

In Australia the 30-30 is affectionately refered to as the "spud chucker" spuds being the slang for potatoes. I figured the .45-70 would be similar.

[@rossmara8377]

I’ll be chuckin spuds at big Sambar with my new 45-70 very soon 🥔🤣👌

[@heydaddy5326]

What do you guys use 30-30 for?

[@johnsykes706]

@@heydaddy5326 I don't own one personally, but Pigs mostly.

[@richjageman3976]

I found an expensive and slightly painful way to get over the 45-70 recoil. Shoot 5 rounds of 45-110 several minutes before shooting the 45-70. If you have never tried the 45-110 I highly recommend trying it once, or twice if you have a good shoulder cushion!

[@righteousone8454]

I think generally your body remembers force so when I first shot AR I thought wow it kicks up long range scope so high. Then I shot shotgun and thought, wow it is so strong. Now neither feels crazy. But your body remembers and adjusts the force. 44 magnum though...I hear people never get used to it completely

[@richjageman3976]

@@righteousone8454 In my experience with the .44 magnum the 240 grain out of a 7.25 inch barrel seemed like it thumped hard. Then I shot some Buffalo Bore +P 300 grain if I remember correctly out of a 4 inch barrel. That thumps me enough that I only shoot it once or twice a month with that load.

[@russellkeeling4387]

Even a 45/90 will lead you away from the 45/70. A 300 grain bullet at 3000 fps from a 45/90 is a magnum grade rifle except for the lack of pointed bullets.

[@gunadian]

Do I need one?? No. Do I have one??? No. I have four. Because......reasons.

[@bellreaper]

You have Four because they are freaking awesome, and you probably need a fifth one because why not getting it in a Revolver?

[@Robert-ds8ec]

My dad had a top shelf Marlin lever action in 444 Marlin and i hand loaded all the rounds. It definitely was no slouch when it came to down range devastation 😅!

[@jenniferstewarts4851]

the drop on the 45-70 is actually a benefit. it makes it a very good short-medium range round.... without the fear that the rounds going to keep going for 100's of rounds past the target if you miss. While you always want to be safe, and never shoot in a dangerous manner, knowing the round will bury itself in general, at 1000 yard, unless you are lobbing the bullet, means you don't have the same fear with flatter firing bullets, of accidently hitting something really far away.

[@smokedbrisket3033]

If you're shooting from a tree stand at a deer/hog lower than your tree stand, it doesn't matter what round you shoot, the bullet is going to strike the ground within 15 or 20 feet of the deer, and probably more like 4 or 5 feet behind the deer. Even if you're shooting perfectly parallel with the ground, your shoulder height is what...maybe 60"? How long would it take a bullet to fall to the ground when dropped from 60"? A quarter or half a second? Even for something like a 308, it's about a 2 or 3 second flight to reach 1000 yards, and that's with the barrel canted up slightly. For ordinary hunting conditions where the bullet starts of parallel to the ground, or the barrel is actually already pointed at the ground with a slight angle, the bullet is going to reach the ground in no more than 1 or 1.5 seconds, so generally no more than a few hundred yards. The danger of stray hunting bullets going miles is wildly overblown.

[@danpatton3891]

I have watched this video several times (6 maybe?) over the past 2 1/2 years and I keep coming back to it. I love the 45-70. I bought my first high powered, Lever Action cartridge in 444 Marlin, back in the mid-1980s. Within a year I owned my first 45-70. I now own 4 Lever Actions, 2 Single Shots and a Sharps in 45-70. I couldn't help myself.

[@kirkmorrison6131]

I have a M92 and two 45-70s an 1873 made around 1876 and a Remington Rolling Block Target Rifle. I reload 70 grns over a Winchester primer in Starline Brass, a thin cardboard wad and a grease cookie a hollow base 405 grain paper patched bullet. I love them, deer haven't complained with a shoulder shot they just drop dead

[@kirkmorrison6131]

Oh, my rounds cost is about 60 cents a round

[@bananaballistics]

I'm sure that with that load, the Starline brass will basically last forever

[@kirkmorrison6131]

@@bananaballistics yes I get a lot of reloads out of it

[@jeffreyhooper3678]

What caliber is the rolling block?

[@kirkmorrison6131]

@@jeffreyhooper3678 45-70 Government

[@Boomhower89]

I have some 45/70s and love them. I have several lever actions and absolutely LOVE them all.

[@Diemerstein]

Here is why I don't need a 45-70, because I have a Henry Big Boy in 45 colt. It's cheaper to fire. I can shoot cowboy loads all day with almost no recoil. I can shoot standard loads for more power such as hog or deer with light recoil. I can shoot Buffalo Bore, Underwood 45 colt +P for some kick in your pants power with manageable recoil to deliver over 2000 ft/lbs of energy, more than enough juice to kill anything in North America, oh yeah it holds 10+1. So no, I don't need a 45-70, but I got one anyways.

[@bananaballistics]

45 colt is probably the most fun lever action around, especially shooting suppressed!

[@leovasquez5501]

You had me in the first half. Not gonna lie lol.

[@crankenstein20]

I have a Marlin (Remlin) 1895CB with the 26” octagon barrel and it’s my favourite in the collection. Got it as an engagement present from my wife after I proposed; it is very special to me and a beautiful rifle.

[@thomascapace7663]

lol!

[@michaelgibbs3011]

Very honest and fair assessment. My favoroite rifle is the H&R Buffalo Classic in 45/70 with a Skinner tang sight and a brass blade front sight, loaded specifically with the Remington 405 grain JSP. However, two things I am not: a long range shooter/hunter nor am I recoil sensitive. Oh, one other: I am 76 years old and I have never and never will use a telescopic scope. Quality peep sights will do what my 45/70 and lesser caliber rifles were made to do. But I'm weird in that if the game animal is father away than 100 yards, I haven't done my job as a hunter and do not deserve to kill it. Long range hunters can wear their yellow pajamas and play their radios while having a snack with their pretentious friends and still get a killing shot at distance from which their prey doesnt have a chance.

[@italioraucci]

THE VIDEO IS VERY WELL DONE. I USED TO HAVE A HENRY ALL WEATHER IN 45/70 WITH A BUSHNELL TROPHY XLT 3-9X40 SCOPE WITH THE DOA RETICLE.

[@mofatjippyfransisco713]

As a reloader, it's a dream cartridge...with Trail Boss powder and really cheap bulk lead bullets...you can shoot all day long...and still have an awesome hard hitting satisfying whack on metal swingers. Bonus is the wife and kids can easily shoot those loads too. Then when you want hard hitting power, you can load it way above most factory loads ( In newer, stronger firearms ) and some really heavy hard cast beast mode bullets and it will take large and/or dangerous game. It's my favorite by a longshot.

[@henryettacollins9095]

No It's only marginally better than a slightly larger hole in paper and not fun at all. What is fun is HP pistol or rifle cartridges and things that break bounce exploding or fragmentation. A. Truckload a frozen pumpkins that thawed out. Amazing. A toilet a TV. A safe. A cooler with bird shot. Holes in paper in pings on metal is like double bag and with two sheets

[@terryn8125]

Been shooting an 1873 Springfield Trapdoor in 45-70 for years. Best all around cartridge for anything I do from targets to hunting.

[@douglasmcneil8413]

Cavalry Carbine? Or Infantry rifle? I had a roommate 30 years ago that had the cavalry version. That was one nice rifle. I think their getting harder to find nowadays though.

[@45-70Guy]

Been hunting with my 45/70 for a very long time. Many bears, bison, deer, and hogs taken with this setup. Been running a 2x fixed scope last couple years and holds zero very well. Handloads of hard cast at 1700 FPS 405g are all I have ever used.

[@cjsoma]

Where do you hunt bison?

[@45-70Guy]

@@cjsomaonly hunted one bison as it’s not easy to draw a tag. Out west is where we went but unfortunately that one and only hunt will probably be my only test on one.

[@cjsoma]

@@45-70Guy thanks for the information. That’s really my dream hunt. Probably gonna have to pay for a damn fenced hunt to ever get a chance😓

[@45-70Guy]

@@cjsoma there are ranches out west also where you can sometimes get tags when they need to cull, it’s more work to do the research but can be a better experience that way. I don’t like the fenced hunts but the way things are going it also seems to be more popular out there only because of private land and people capitalizing on people who will pay to hunt. Leased land also an option if you find an outfitter who is leasing land which may be open with free range, but it’s hard.

[@TubeRadiosRule]

I have a Remington rolling block in .45-70, built on an original 1870's vintage Egyptian contract action. 30" half-octagon barrel. I also have a Siamese Mauser action I plan to have built into a .45-70. The cartridge can be loaded to low-level .458 Winchester magnum power for the Siamese action, though I don't plan to do it (I want to be able to use the same ammo I use in the Remington). Incidentally, the .44-40 Winchester is still being used and produced (along with the ,45 Colt and .45-70). It is most popular among cowboy action shooters, though it is still a viable short range deer cartridge.

[@brianwinters5434]

If you load with trail boss powder it is very comfortable to shoot.

[@punishernation436]

I was considering buying a 45-70 for the power vs my marlin 30-30 but not to say its a bad weapon or cartridge after seeing this video I can see it isn’t for me. Thank you for the information. For anyone wanting a lever action seeing the 45-70 not being for you, my personal recommendation in the Marlin 336 chambered in 30-30 I believe it offers the best in power and range

[@Last-Varangian]

As far as long range accuracy and the 45-70 is concerned, might I point out that it held the record for the longest bullseye shot for over a century, and that was from a trapdoor, and the shooting was done in 1879, meaning it was using black powder! How far was it? Only 2500 yards, or well over a mile! Bullet travel time was on the order of 15 seconds or so.

[@smokedbrisket3033]

If you'll reload lead bullets, like Missouri Bullet Company's 405 gr, cost is only about 30 cents per projectile (about $60 for a box of 200, and that $60 includes shipping and tax). It's a good plinking load, and also works well on white tails. I use about the same amount of powder for that bullet as I do for my 308 loads, brass is no more expensive, and 45-70 uses LR primers, just like a 308. And while it isn't flat by modern standards, it's flatter than most give it credit for. A 405 gr bullet fired at 1600 fps, sighted in at about 1.5" high at 100 yards, will reach 160 or 170 yards without having to adjust for holdover on an animal the size of a white tail or a feral hog. In the regular deer wood between Interstate 35 and the Atlantic Ocean, that's more than adequate trajectory and power.

[@dougdekuiper3194]

The movie Wind River used this weapon as well.

[@applesbighatranch6906]

The firearm featured here is the Marlin 1895GS. The firearm used by Renner's game warden character was the Marlin 1895SBL. Same barrel lengths, different furniture. The GS uses a straight stock and solid walnut. The SBL, laminated birch.

[@jamesvandemark2086]

The sheer sonic blast generated will also , esp when you miss, scare the crap out of what/who you are shooting at. BOOM. A handy feature.

[@deerhearse]

45-70 Gov't. Definitely a favorite of mine. I own a Marlin Guide Gun. Super accurate. And, yes, a very reloading friendly cartridge. Enjoyed the video.

[@jackaustin3576]

I have had a Winchester 94 in 30-30 for 63 years also a Henry lever action 22 and a Winchester Miroku 1886 in 45-70 for a few years....I do love a lever gun....

[@CaffeineThrottle]

Nice video. Check into the .45-70 when it was tested for the U.S. Calvary. If I remember correctly the round traveled 3200 yards and hit intended target which was a huge piece of pine board. This was a 28 second in flight muzzle to target shot. Testing was done along with Jersey Coast. The best reason to own a .45-70 is saying .45-70 government. Some more that amuse me are .32-20 ,25-20, 30-40 Krag, and my all time favorite 6.5 - 284 Norma ! 👋🤣

[@vicbittertoo]

Yay, great to see fellow West Aussies Mark & Sam here, what total long shot legends :):) 7.42

[@davidbelzer]

Another reason is if you cast bullets it's a great for that and can make the cost really cheep my hunting load cost only around $.35 a round

[@charliespann3967]

Awesome videos. I never miss them I have learned a lot. I have a 45-70 Thonpsom Encore. It's a handful.

[@PANICBLADE]

For my birthday, my dad gave me his 1895gs. It had barely been shot, and it was in perfect shape. He got it after an incident hunting where a bear surprised him, but the recoil was too uncomfortable for him and his friends, so he stuck to his 44 mag revolver. I took it to the range and had so much fun shooting it. It wasn't until I got home that I saw the bruise. Wish the ammo was cheaper so I can afford to take it out more.

[@jimparker7778]

it is a great choice for learning how to reload---and it does not require a big investment in hardware to do it.

[@Oldbmwr100rs]

Go buy a hand reloading die set and new brass and reload. That just makes it all the more fun. If the recoil is a bit much you can always use a lighter load and I doubt it'll be any less fun. That rifle is a nice gift!

[@F.S.111]

I finally got a lever in the collection and went with Henry all weather .357 mag. since I have lots of.357 pistols as well. I won’t be in bear country and it’s plenty of power for home defense.

[@gregwilliams386]

I once shot a box of 45-70 in a tee shirt. It was a Model 1884. It left a black and blue the size of two hands.

[@bananaballistics]

It's definitely a thumper, especially without a recoil pad built into the stock.

[@redfaux74]

It just don't seem proper. You should at least put on some boots and boxers. That'll cause splinters in awkward areas. 😒

[@zanebrown2845]

I love my Marlin 375 cal. Has taken some big deer. As my Remington 700 30.06. These I'll stick thank you.

[@bananaballistics]

Those are some great calibers!

[@guyontheinternet8891]

I also have a Remington 700 in 30-06. Definitely an accurate gun that kills deer very efficiently.

[@jamespruitt6718]

Love the .375, that’s usually my go to lever action. Also have a .356 as far as obscure calibers.

[@sweetbarry]

People keep talking about how the 45-70 shouldn't be considered a long range round... It was and still is.

[@maxpinson5002]

Probably because many people today read lots of "hunting " magazines and watch "hunting " videos online and many never sight in their rifles past 25-50 yards. They look up some ballistic table and leave it at that and never take a shot at 150-200-250 yards, so they never know for sure where to hold at a longer range. I read a magazine article some time back where the author stated that the 45/70 was only really good for 100 yards. ? ? ? ? ? It didn't say if he'd ever tried to shoot past a hundred or not. There's a lot of people that need to read up on the old buffalo hunters, and need to attend a BPCR match, and read up about the Creedmore shooting matches in the old days

[@davevann2925]

I use a 45-70 Marlin CB in my scabbard, on my horse in the back country N.W. Wyoming and western Montana. Also carry a 375 win winchester XTR Big Bore,

[@Appalachianamerican67]

My wife loves her 45-70....the first time she destroyed my target stands she fell for the rifle.

[@btj1969]

I bought a 730 grain bullet mould from Cast Bullet Engineering in Australia. Use it suppressed in a .458 mag

[@jjj6655]

Dude, I love your gun channel, but your VOICE is so great - you should have an audiobook channel too!

[@Infectedoutdoorsshorts]

Another great video . Great edit

[@bananaballistics]

I really appreciate it!

[@Idahoguy10157]

Credit American love for lever action rifles. John Browning designed the Winchester 1886 lever action. First repeating rifle to use the 45-70. The lever action kept the cartridge alive

[@e.a.r.9155]

I almost pissed my pants in Joy as the plate tore off..! I'ma Getin one 😁

[@bananaballistics]

Glad to hear it! Such a fun cartridge!

[@unklbuk1]

Love lever actions. I own a Marlin 22magnum lever and love it, however... Henry side gate in 45-70 is my next purchase especially with the brass receiver, such a beautiful gun.

[@henryettacollins9095]

Gross

[@Mushroomuu]

It was pretty awesome to see the .45 ACP swing the plate just as much as a .223

[@jeffdrew625]

FYI: .38 Special released in 1898; not quite 150 years old yet, but definitely an oldie-but-goodie! 45-70 is too much recoil for my old bod! Cool video, thanks!

[@silverhorder1969]

I remember reading an article Col Boddingham wrote in G&A some years ago about his favorite bear cartridge. He shot a lot of bears in Canada and he stated even though the 300 Rem ultra mag and other cartridges that produced more foot pounds of energy than the 45-70, the bears he shot with the 45-70 seemed to react more when hit with the 45-70. He stated his load which was a 505gr hammerhead bullet, when it hit a large bear the bear’s shock factor was more, and the bears he took with the 45-70 did seem to drop much sooner. He stated that the Foot pounds of energy doesn’t necessarily make up for a huge chunk of lead, and he didn’t look at the energy chart as much after his experiences..

[@Kyle-sr6jm]

It took a long time for me to get it firmly entrenched in my mind that energy is not a wounding mechanism.

[@majesticookie9760]

Found and ordered a 45-70 Henry X lever. Plan on putting Ranger Precision furniture on it, I live in WA, so my gun choices are limited. No AR's for me rn unfortunately, bolts, levers, etc... are what I can get. But I did manage to get a semi auto 12 gauge, more specifically, the beretta 1301.

[@nevillehughart2574]

444 Marlin is a better straight wall big bore cartridge in my opinion. Faster, flatter shooting and comparable energy.

[@bananaballistics]

Very true. I like the bullet selection of the 45-70, but the 444 is a great option as well

[@hardball107]

The 45/70 is a great cartridge and I handload, I also have a Marlin 1895 built in the mid 90's. Back in the day ammo was reasonable and I got the rifle from a relative so I was ahead of the game. Over the years ammo has gone out of sight and I hung the Marlin up but I missed the "Big Bore" for my woods hunting. I came along a Rossi R92 lever gun in 454 Casull 12 years ago and snapped it up. A stainless model with a 20" barrel it was awesome and I found unless I was shooting bullets over 300 grains it would outshoot the 45/70. That 454 with 255gr SWC Laser Cast bullets or the 240gr Hornady XTP Mag, the 20" barrel and Ramshot Enforcer put them out at 2400fps which pretty much matched the 45/70 but it 's trajectory was much flatter. The best part was with a home cast Lee 452-200-RF powder coated bullets and a small charge of Titegroup or AA5744 powder it makes for low recoil, cheap, fun lever gun shooting with the most expansive part being the primer.

[@pseudopetrus]

When 45 70 went to $70.00 a box here in Canada, I sold mine. I really liked it, it was fun for heavy duty plinking, but I could not eat through that much money. I enjoy the 30 30 just as much, perhaps even more, I shoot the 30 30 better over time. So someone who might not mind the expensive ammo or a reloader can enjoy my old gun. I just was not using it enough.

[@jackdundon2261]

Psss, it called Hand loading! -- even with today's high prices, still cheaper than retail.

[@mathewgoebel4078]

The 30-30 is all you'll ever need

[@pseudopetrus]

@@mathewgoebel4078 The 30-30 is for the one rifle man, at least in the East. With one rifle, you get really good with it, off hand, anyway. I think bench guns are popular today because you can shoot 2 or 3 times a year and still be ok. But where I hunt, there are no benches, most often you shoot from an off hand position, that takes practice, body mechanics memory, and a rifle that fits you perfectly. My Marlin 336 is just that rifle.

[@jackdundon2261]

@@mathewgoebel4078 I watch a LOT of videos made by ametures, not many SERIOUS or PROFESSIONALS have the time to male videos. I see a lot of wannabes, and the comments are full of idiots. The 30-30 depending on where your at, can be enough gun. I was told some Vietnam nam soldiers passed a winchester 94 in the jungle. - I don't know if that's true. But, if the army would allow it I would understand. In the forest of western oregkn where most shots are 100 yards or less. I ride horses, and a model 94 works well as your leg goes around it nice. Back in thr 1950s, My grampa shot 2 elk with a 30-30, one had ice on his side and the bullet didn't make it past the ice. A second, was quartering away HARD the round nose bullet SKIMMED the hide, hair flew but the bullet never pierced the skin. (My great uncle with his 300 savage shot and killed the bull the next day). I watched a buddy shoot a big 6x6 bull 1 shot through the heart with a modern lever revolution, BANG FLOP. For deer close in, yup the 30-30 is all the gun you need. Elk, sometimes... grizzly or brown bear... even black bears. Not my first choice. .375 winchester in a 94 would be the smallest I would want. Argument could be made 30-06 only gun you need..(though grampa told my dad the 30-06 killed deer too dead, the 30-30 was where it was at). Merry Christmas

[@n1acguy]

It's probably been almost 30 yrs, but I still have a few 45-70 rounds I loaded back then. There were only 2 sets of loading tables as I recall, one for the old trapdoors, and one for modern arms like the Marlin 1895. The 405 gr jacked bullets were $1 back then. The only ones I found were Speer. It was costly to load back then, but if you loaded to higher velocities you needed jacked bullets. I remember velocity and energy was near or equal to the 458 Winchester magnum (what was known as the elephant gun). The kick from that thing is probably the cause of some of my arthritis today, but it's a good pain as I remember. Ha.

[@nikolavuksan2029]

In Canada, now I do need a 45-70!

[@csu111]

The winner is…..the 22lr!!😂

[@jamespowers650]

I have a H&R Buffalo Classic 32" barrel in 45-70 . Barrel ported by Mag-N-Port , stock cut to fit me with a Pachmayr White line recoil pad. Trigger worked and rear stock is packed with #9 led shot and a Nikon Pro staff scope on top. tips the scale at 10.2 Lb Hand loads are Barnes 250 Gr TSX bullets using Star brass , CCI primers. IMR 4227 at 51.4 Gr. This rifle is -0- at 200 yards and groups 1 1/2 " at that distance. Getting very low on the Barnes TSX 250 Gr. bullets and cannot find any on line.

[@jimtipton8888]

I think it would be useful to have a 45-70 in the arsenal. Never know when you might be accosted by a T-Rex or a grizzly bear.

[@eastindiaV]

It's a really great round. With modern propellants, there is a large chamber space for different types of projectiles. I built a double barrel, automatic/semiautomatic, magazine fed, gas/recoil operated, machine rifle... which uses an electric motor to switch electronic signals between barrels, firing the cartridges electronically. They just use a different primer, and wouldn't work in a normal gun probably. And it's semiautomatic, and shoots one barrel at a time, so it follows all the ATF rules to be a civilian legal semiautomatic or class 3 transferable machine gun. So hopefully, I can take it to the shooting range soon. It has a different experimental material for the stock and handgaurd, and optics and such can and will be tested on it.. an automatic 45-70 should be a great test best for projectiles, optics, and general ballistics.

[@barkeater9606]

The 50-110 is the king in a lever action rifle. Hand loads can produce over 6000 foot pounds of energy. 👍

[@bananaballistics]

I can't imagine what that feels like on the shoulder.

[@barkeater9606]

@@bananaballistics Check out Leverguns 50’s channel. 👍

[@andreisharma]

Idk seems like way too much. What can safely shoot that? Crack barrels?

[@finngamesknudson1457]

Is there factory ammo in 45-110? Yes I need to start reloading, but not ready just yet.

[@zachyount3288]

@@andreisharma yeah they are ridiculous with the recoil. The 50-100 and 50-110 pretty sure you could get them in the 1886 Winchester along with the 1885 Winchester Hi-wall. There were some even bigger heavier hitting cartridges though. You had the 50-120 and 50-140 and I believe Sharps even experimented with a 54-120. Now these are all going to be for your big bore single shot rifles like Buffalo guns. If you're talking repeaters then you've got 40-60 45-60 45-70 45-90 50-95 Winchester Express 50-100 and I belive 50-110. There were a lot of experimental black powder rifle cartridges going around back then. Almost any combination you could dream up.

[@lencac7952]

Years ago I had a Marlin lever action in 45-70. A friend of mine and his dad and another friend went hunting in the hills of Colorado west of Denver. I had handloads, 300 gr. moving at 2300 fps at the muzzle. I hit a large buck at a little over 100 yrds. right behind the shoulder. It looked like that thing got hit by a freight train. My friend saw that and said that little rifle is too big!

[@Tony-kl5tz]

Now I know more about this round! I always thought that they were only black powder rounds. Thanks for a very informative video!!

[@t-bfr45-70]

Most of the ammo you find on most shelf's are black powder equivalent.

[@beestoe993]

I have a Buffalo Classic 45-70 with a 36" BBL. What sold me was when I shot at a dead tree stump nearly 2 feet in diameter with a 350 grain hardcast bullet. It blasted right out the back side! Every time! Incredible penetration. Just as an aside, 300 yds is a walk in the park for my gun. And I haven't even tried the good bullets yet.

[@Mak10z]

as the first weapon I ever fired was my dad's 10 gauge shotgun he had loaded with magnum rounds.. I will always compare all recoil to that first shot. I was 13, and I thought I was braced pretty good... muzzle climbed almost 90 deg on that shot... about knocked me on my ass. everything else I have ever fired feels like small pushes compared to that 1st shot. never have fired a 45-70 tho

[@jasongraham3488]

Lever guns are my favorite type of gun. I have a .22, a .30-30 and a .38-40. In the future I'll pursue more. .45-70 and .308 soon.

[@keganje]

It may have been this that I watched back in January, I really had not heard of a 45-70 before, but I knew I wanted one. Shortly after I bought, a Henry 45-70, then a Shiloh Sharps, then a Uberti High wall, then two weeks ago I bought a original Springfield Trapdoor in 45-70, I love this cartridge! As to the recoil, I bought a nice recoil strap on doohickey, from amazon, it was not enough though, so I added a good half inch of high density foam to it, I routinely go out and shoot 40-50 rounds with no pain issues, without the pad I had trouble doing 10 from the bench. Btw although the Uberti high wall is a very nice gun, fun to shoot, their customer service is really bad! I have been used to Henry's customer service where they get back to you by the next work day, I have a issue with my Uberti, put in a service request almost 2 weeks ago, still have not heard anything. I have sent them email, and tried calling them.

[@tonydebellis4647]

I also have my uberti for warranty service for the second time,first time they replace the barrel for chamber problem (the empty shell would not eject) and now the barrel that they replace is loose to the receiver, i ad my gunsmith sent the gun to uberti,so far three weeks and nothing,I was wondering if my problem on the 1885 high wall is a common with uberti

[@Adones09]

Your Presentation, Data and Demonstration are on point! You got a new subscriber

[@hettro-cv6082]

Good video! When I bought my 45-70 the sales man asked me why I wanted one I said I had a ground hog problem! Lol!

[@IWatchedWhat]

I love my 45-70s, one lever gun, the other a rolling block. You should check out the drop on a 530gr doing about 1250fps at 600 yards. BPCR shoots do 600 yards or more all the time.

[@zerocoolcat]

Just got one last week. Can't use it for anything...still love it!

[@barefoofDr]

Reason number 1 for a 45-70 is it is a great car stopper.

[@harrykoppers209]

Here in Alaska the 45.70 is a compact, handy thing for our little friends here. Defense from bear and moose is great, and in the woods it's very useful. But anything much over about 100 yards, you're plowing topsoil, or trying softball lobs.

[@ericstevens8744]

That’s horse shit… 45/70 kicks too damn hard…. PERIOD!!!!

[@paulbishop5569]

I have had several .45-70s and still have a few for hunting and target shooting. If I am not mistaken, the .45-70 was used when the US team beat the heavily-favored Irish world-champion long-dx shooting team at the famed Creed Moor 1,000 yard match in the early 1870s. I would think that qualifies this cartridge as capable for long-range, if you know the distance precisely and know your trajectory.

[@russellkeeling4387]

Yep, trajectory looks like a rainbow.

[@pete1342]

I read about that match. They figured the trajectory with a modern ballistic calculator and came up with the conclusion that the winners bullets at some point were at least 75 feet above line of sight to target. Interesting, but it looked like a mortar competition to me lol.

[@henryettacollins9095]

Just because it's possible doesn't make it a good idea

[@alexe589]

@@henryettacollins9095 just because its difficult doesn't mean it isn't fun and/or satisfying.

[@LordVader.66]

I've never had a 45-70 but I had a .450marlin. absolutely loved that rifle but near impossible to find rounds for. I would most definitely own a 45-70. They can be loaded down for deer and loaded all the way up for Kodiak and Cape Buffalo

[@TheWolfsnack]

Yeah....I like to say that I can load mine for gopher to grizzley

[@toddk1377]

I had two guns on my bucket list, a 45-70 lever action and a Grizzly LAR big bore 50 cal. I had kids then neither happened. Luckily in 2020 due to the covid pandemic, I worked a ton of overtime and I found a deal on a 50 BMG that I couldn't pass up. My goal in the next 5 years is to get a 45-70 guide gun and I'm glad Ruger picked up Marlin, hopefully the quality stays sharp and perhaps I can get a nice one or find an old Marlin 1895.

[@StealthJackson12B]

Fin Feather Fur. Got a Henry the other day and love it.

[@justingraham7387]

I run the Hornady ballistic tip through my 45-70 and it's a badass round and super accurate and I love it by far the funnest gun I own

[@charliehorse1967]

I've wanted one since reading a Field and Stream article about the cartridge. Then the convergence of seeing the Marlin at a gun show and having the money had me putting it in my truck.