45-70: Intro to Reloading and Shooting (Marlin 1895 Lever Gun)

[@chevyon37s]

A man wearing a USA shirt, suspenders, and a white beard is to be trusted with 45-70

[@Ultimatereloader]

Well stated!

[@reaperhunter7297]

Definitely

[@SoCalOssan]

Definitely. That beard was definitely earned.

[@nimay13]

So Colonel Sanders?

[@waynehendrix4806]

Hain't?!!

[@LBanales]

Mine is a Henry X Model. I love it. You know you're sending some serious lead down range once you pull that trigger. You can't help but smile, especially when your buddies shoot it for the first time.

[@richardcooper6050]

Yup like my old 45-70. It's one of the Marlin 1895 straight grip stock. I have a Leupold 3x on it. The 350 Hornady is one of my favorite bullets to load and shoot from mine also loaded with IMR 3031. Great job Guy!

[@guyminer3168]

Thanks! I've got one of those old 3x Leupold scopes on my 30-30 these days. Terrific scope for the purpose!

[@johnfitzgerald6510]

Owned an 1895 Guide Gun that had the cuts in the barrel to reduce recoil. That rifle was the only rifle I ever shot that hurt my ears. Barrel blast was significant. Shot one bear on the East side of Chinook Pass and a couple of deer and one elk around Bumping Lake with it. Traded it for a BLR in .308 and never looked back.

[@guyminer3168]

I had one of the factory ported 45-70 Marlin Guide Guns about 20 years ago. I liked the rifle a lot at the range when I was wearing ear protection. Then I shot a deer with it... Without ear protection. I think my ears rang for an hour! It's interesting that Marlin stopped porting them, I think I understand why. :)

[@Mark-uq9km]

The Hodgdon Reloading data shows the IMR3031 minimum charge of 56.5 grs. and a max charge of 60 grs, compressed. Data shows the minimum charge should produce MV of 2022 fps. This is specific to the Lever Action rifles of Marlin and Henry. I find Hornady brass will not work in the Lee dies for crimping. Remington and Winchester brass is the best unless you get new Starline brass. I find Federal brass to be rather less than durable. I reload a 300 gr. Combined Technologies/Nosler bullet that is coated in molybdenum. 53.7 grs. of IMR4198 (starting load) has a MV of 2400 fps and 3400 ft.lbs of ME. This puppy is a handful. Fun video. Thank you.

[@mohammedcohen]

I had a problem also with the Hornady brass - I was loading BOTH Starline AND Hornady...didn't realize I was dealing with two different manufacturers and couldn't understand WHY some of the bullets fit snugly into some case mouths while they slid completely into the case on others...it took a while for the light to go on. THEN I separated the cases but never miked them to understand that the Hornady cases (my friend's ) were shorter (it took someone on another forum to clue me in) than the Starline cases (MY cases) and to top it off they wouldn't crimp in my Lee FCD...I called Lee and they told me to send the case and a bullet and they'd MAKE me a die - Cost me a whole 25 bux but by that time I wouldda paid a hell of a lot more...I finally separated my Starline from his Hornady brass, finished mine and waited for the the new, custom (short) FCD to arrive then finished his after I got the die...I still have a huge amount of his Hornady brass along with almost a full pound of AA5744 and a bunch of Hornady flex-tip bullets...both he and I forgot about them - he committed suicide last year and I only found this stuff this past April...he was a good guy and I miss him...Brownells has been out of Starline brass for a very long time - I've got it on my wish list and will get a notification when it becomes available...in the meantime I've got that Hornady stuff that I despise plus 100 405 grn cast lead bullets...

[@mohammedcohen]

...the Hornady cases are a few thou shorter than Starline and, I suspect, most other manufacturers' brass

[@kchorrosoto4068]

Great video! I personally reload the 45-70 Gov. myself for my Marlin 1895 SBL stainless. In fact, I’m using the 405 gr hard cast lead bullets and also some 350 gr SP. it’s very fun to shoots as you found out yourself in the video.

[@brandtjustsayin]

How does that 350 SP work on deer and wild hogs/boar? I'm looking for something I can take game with and drop them quick and hard w/out complete destruction at about 50-150 yards.

[@theworkshopmechanicchannel3296]

I bought 3 brand new lever actions with in 12 months 🤭. My first one was a BLR in 300wm My second one was a Marlin 444 wall nut 22 inch And my 3rd one is exactly the same Marlin 45/70 as you have. The 45/70 is possibly one of the very last new ones that I could find for sale at a gun shop here in Australia.

[@javiersp01]

i shoot a 1895 model marlin .450, running sierra's 350 grn fnhp at 2090 fps, it's a 1,5 moa gun, very fun to shoot

[@dabprod]

That's the same rifle I hunt with. Had it for 40+ years, never had a problem.

[@jwgbmp40]

Chiappa 1886 kodiak 22" 7 rd capacity with grizzly usa made 300g rnfp lead @ 1500 fps.. absolutley love it!! Fun fun fun..

[@ryanreber4999]

I shoot and reload a Marlin 336 30/30. I use a sierra 150 grain flat nose and IMR 3031. It is a great gun for the hard woods and thick stuff here in Pennsylvania!

[@guyminer3168]

I suspect that Gavin will let me do an article on the 30-30 as well. :)

[@coreyhaga2623]

I like my Marlin with 400 grain Speer bullets . The 24” barrel stacks em at a hundred yards on paper and I’ve never had an animal walk away from the shot !

[@danw1770]

Marlin 1895SBL (stainless). I reload 405 gn lead flat nose, with IMR 4198.

[@Viking_bowhunter]

I love my 1895 classic. It has accounted for several deer and black bear. If I'm plinking I load 300 gr hollow points. But my hunting load is a 350 gr speer hotcor (designed for the 458 win mag). I have used lead bullets to hunt with and I didn't like the outcome.

[@abebabe7949]

I imagine you have seen the copper, brass, monolithic and guilded metal options available now I will not knowingly eat meat from any animal harvested with lead or lead core bullets. The copper and brass bullets are longer than lead core and print higher on target than lead core . I have seen a more distinguishable difference with my and others 30-06 printing higher with "copper" bullets versus the heavier 45-70 bullets. Sectional density and BC is better with some copper, brass and guilded metal bullets.

[@Viking_bowhunter]

@@abebabe7949 I have watched game hit with those bullets run off an never been recovered. I would never use those for anything other then putting holes in paper, because they are just fancy full metal jacket bullets under they rouse of a hunting bullet.

[@thomasherbert5790]

I use my Bonanza 68 for priming over all my priming tools . 47 years and this press is still great .

[@DougFrantz]

I love my 1895 Marlin. The best mod I've done is a lighter loading gate. It is a must have. Picked mine up from Ranger Point.

[@shastasteve]

For hunting I thing the 1895 is great but I shoot a 1886 Browning (made in 1986) that I absolutely love. I mostly load 350 gn bullets and keep them down at "fun" levels. The 86 has the crescent stock so lets you know it is there. I also have 1874 sharps replica in 45=70 that is kind of a lever. Mostly 530 gn and black powder for it.

[@skidplate1017]

I don't have a .45-70 but I do have an Uberti 1873 38W.C.F. with 24" barrel that I load with GOEX and a 180gr Big Lube bullet.

[@82SchoolBoy]

Gavin, I bought a modern production Winchester 1886 take down model with 26" octagonal barrel and pistol grip in 45-70 because I got into reloading and always wanted a lever gun. With the prices of guns all being relatively comparable I went with the big bore. My economical, shoulder friendly pet load is 14.5gr of trailboss in a starline case, WLR primer, and a berry's 350gr plated bullet on top. Even this light load thumps steel at 100yrds and is easy on the body. I do have some of the hornady ftx projectiles on hand but haven't gotten around to trying them. I for one would be very interested in you doing some testing compairing berrys bullets new version 350gr projectiles against the FTX and a standard 405gr lead cast projectile.

[@AgentLintZeal]

Just picked up a Henry X-Model 45-70 with fiber optic sights. It is really nice, but never fired yet. I had not thought about reloading, but after buying 100 rounds it became obvious that I would have to... Nice timing on the video, and great content as always!

[@guyminer3168]

Centerfire ammo has gotten really expensive! Handloading is one solution, but even components are difficult to source, and can be expensive too. Glad you enjoyed.

[@countryboysteve]

Martini rossi Rio grand with a downloaded lever evolution running 1850-1900fps has been great for anything inside 250yds over the last 6 years

[@threelilybuds]

Marlin CB 45-70, 325 and Loving it!

[@giuseppe4909]

Yes ! I have several .45-70 firearms…. A couple Remington rolling block carbines and a couple Springfield Trapdoors.

[@lawrencelewis1036]

4570,wonderful cartridge.

[@tomowens5669]

Henry All Weather 45-70, with a Starline brass, 325 Hornady Flex Tip with 55 grains of IMR 4198, Lee single stage loader and dies. I have just loaded three to test fire.

[@arizonareloading8930]

I always enjoy when Guy has appeared on the Ultimate Reloader videos. Like he is the last of his kind :). I like that he is basic and reloads old school and he is a fan of the old and true calibers. I hope there are more of him with his fav calibers and more of his basic reloading.

[@kenedmisten7995]

Lever guns are just cool. I have had several 45 70s Marlins, Trapdoor, Winchester etc. My (very)old Lyman manual show 50 grains of 3031 as max. for Marlin and Winchester. I like slow lead bullets 200 meters almost any slow lead bullet will take down the steel rams. I started loading for a trapdoor and the loads are easy and shoot well in the le er guns.

[@ralphgreenjr.2466]

I have been loading for the 45-70 for 50+ years. As mentioned there different levels of performance that can be gained by hand loading. I load 500/535 grain bullets for my Pedersoli 1874, fun to shoot at range. I use the 350 grain load for my Winchester 1886. I hunt with a Marlin 1895 with a 1x4 Leopold pig plex scope. I shoot 250 gr Barnes copper bullets at 2500 fps, point blank range is 200 yards. All loads are the Hammer of Thor!

[@toddreeder3082]

My favorite cartridge top to bottom i could shoot this everyday and never grow tired of it! Fun loads Trailboss and serious work Alliant R7

[@luckyshotammunitiongunsllc2369]

I gotta cast my own projectiles

[@pg981]

I cast Lee 340 grain flat nose. Drops at 347 grains with Lyman #2 . They are undersize from the mold but I powdercoat and they average .461 diameter . 40 grains of Imr 3031 and they are a pleasure to shoot , and accurate. I have also loaded 405 grain flatnose with 46 grains of imr 3031and it's pretty stout. I load these on a Lee Classic Turret press. I shoot these out of Marlin 1895 with a Redfield Revolution 2x7 and and H&R Buffalo Classic with a 32 inch barrel and Smiths Ladder sight with a post aperture on the front. Casting bullets is just as addicting and therapeutic as reloading.

[@mikecollins8241]

Marlin 1894? 44 Mag, awesome gun, 18", peep sights etc. lead cast in 44 spec cases for everything up to does, 240 gn XTP's in 44 Mag cases for anything bigger :)

[@richlabombard6780]

Great info clearly presented. Nice.

[@howlinbeagle]

I like this guy, he's cool, calm and has lots of experience, aka wisdom!!

[@robertlevine8243]

Love the marlin guide gun in 45-70 Remington stamped but so far at 50 yards it’s 3 shots in the same hole,using federal 300 gr hot core factory ammo works great .can’t wait to hand load it

[@JimWooddell]

The new Ruger made Marlin .45-70 SBL is an awesome deer woods gun!

[@jonlennon3348]

I have a bunch of levers in 30-30,45-70,218bee,22lr, and 3 levermatics .

[@codyrivenburgh7645]

The 4570 govt is without a doubt my favorite big game caliber ever

[@chipsterb4946]

Probably should have explained the half-cock notch before loading the 1895. I’ve had a Marlin 1894 chambered in .44 Magnum for a long time. Light, handy and a hoot to shoot. Just got my second 1895 - a Ruger made Marling 1895 Guide Gun. I have hand loaded .45-70 with 405 grain lead bullets using H-4198. Honestly, I’m going to work on lighter loads for this 19” barrel. The recoil is “stout” to say the least.

[@2manyhobbies971]

Henry in .45-70 color case hardened model. I load 405 grain using Accurate 5744.

[@codyrivenburgh7645]

My current 4570s are..a ruger number one stainless with a leupold 3x9x40..I normally shoot the hornady leverlutions out of that one....and then a henry model x 4570 with vortex red dot for brush gun perfection that I normaly shoot either the 300 grain winchester super x...or the Buffalo bore 405 grain out of

[@montanamountainmen6104]

The 45-70 is my personal favorite. I've used it on deer, elk, bear and everything in between. A 400 gr bullet pushed at 1500 fps or faster is more than enough to kill the largest game. My favorite load is 55 grs of IMR 4350 with a Jacketed 400 gr Speer bullet at 1600 fps. It will topple a elk with ease.

[@Potatogambit]

Shooting both a modern marlin 1865gbl, with some tactical upgrades for night time bear defense. Loading both a 325gr FTX and a more traditional 405gr cast. My treasure, is a 1951 year Winchester 1894, in 30-30, that my grandpa bought for my dad as a kid. Shooting some Barnes non lead stuff for dear season and Remington core lokt.

[@tomkimbrel4192]

Browning BLR in .243, really fun gun😉!

[@Uncle_Anthoni]

Henry 45-70 wood stock with a vortex venom rds. I reload the Hornady ballistic tips. 300gr 2000fps

[@tc300mag1]

Winchester XTR in 375 Winchester 220 Hornady about the only flat or round nose bullets you can find anymore

[@Version135]

Tell you what I'm GOING to be shootin.. that new ruger marlin 1895 SBL!!

[@fathdboy2000]

I shoot a Marlin 444S (1971) with Lehigh defense deep penetrator 250 gr. 45 gr of 4198 (mild load)

[@bobvedder2451]

The only lever guns i have are 22s, i use them for grouse mostly and plinking. I would like to get a 45/70, i have taken a black bear with my Remington model 7600 pump in 30.06, one shot into the brain stem did the trick.

[@nunyabidniz2868]

"45-70 Govt. is the only government I need!" [Yep, I've got the t-shirt... 😁]

[@meanman6992]

That Marlin could use a full length magazine tube, they just look so much better IMO.

[@JessMcBride-y6q]

They are available...

[@snakeman48]

Marlin 1894 in 44-40. Currently only factory loads

[@guyminer3168]

That's a pretty special rifle, a 44-40 Marlin 1894...

[@ethancuny3913]

The 30-30 with 140 Grand Mol flexible with the evolution problem please

[@garyweber7139]

I use hard cast 405 gr bullets in my 45 70 with Reloader 7, or IMR 4198, or IMR 4895 or Trail Boss, the other rifle is a 30 30 I reload hornady 150 gr jacketed rn bullets 4895 powder. I'm hoping to try Varget propellant and IMR 3031 for both guns. I recently purchased a Chronograph so I'll find out which reload is fastest, most accurate and feels best.

[@MDR-hn2yz]

Henry blued steel 45-70 with a Ranger Point Precision peep sight. It’s an up close and personal brush gun and my hunting spot tomorrow is in a nasty overgrown creek bottom. 45-70 Government: The only government I trust 🇺🇸

[@67REBELSSTAMC]

Any plans for a 50-110 lever build?

[@jonlennon3348]

Isnt 3031 the first smokeless powder to be commercially available and it was packed in paper bags.

[@stanleyburke1155]

What about the trap door or the Rem rolling block. Where would you start with them

[@guyminer3168]

Go to the "trapdoor" section in the loading manual of your choice, and start with the minimum loads listed. Those loads are fun to shoot, low recoil, and surprisingly effective on game.

[@philipfreeman72]

There are lots of power level loads for 45-70

[@tonydevich7937]

I need to get a couple of lever gun

[@kcstott]

Gavin!! Would you like to shoot a buffalo rifle? Would you like to shoot some paper patch bullets? I have the tools to make that happen.

[@sgharpsr]

Should the parrot litter be new or used? ;->

[@guyminer3168]

LOL! I'm thinking new, but it's your brass! :)

[@galamonkey]

This guy is like the Bob Ross of reloading.

[@randlecarr3257]

Add a little happy powder here…. A nice bullet seat, and follow it up with adding a pretty roll crimp… LOL

[@zayacz123]

Any time I see 45-70 in a title, video or print, I watch or read it. I love the 45-70.

[@danielwharrison]

I have a Henry X 45-70 with a Rugged Obsidian 45 silencer. Everyone gets a kick out of it (literally) when I break it out on the range. It's so unique, being a classic lever gun with modern furniture, fiber optic sights, and a threaded barrel. Subsonics are so fun, it's about as loud (and fast) as throwing a hammer down range slamming a steel plate. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

[@davepartlow6430]

OK, I'll call it bragging. I have a Pedersoli Sharps in 45-70, 32" full octagon barrel (not quite Quigley's rifle's length, but pretty darn close), double set triggers with Vernier sight. I cast a 500 grain lead bullet for her and she shoots fantastic.

[@guyminer3168]

Outstanding!

[@coreyhaga2623]

And it Shoots a might further ! 😎

[@cbroz7492]

I had one also but hadda sell it after my stroke in 2002

[@MDR-hn2yz]

@@coreyhaga2623 One of the best movies ever!

[@JCP1152P]

Mine is a 1895 Cowboy , Remington rolling block and a Trapdoor Springfield. Been shooting them for about 60 years. Great guns and a wonderful cartridge. Thanks for the great video. Hammer time. Can't shoot them without smiling.

[@brucebinde5303]

Have shot 45-70 for many years and still grin when shooting. Ruger #1, Marlin 26"cowboy and Marlin guide gun. I tend to use 300 gr. hp in the Marlins for most uses but do load 350gr. for larger game (or steel) and 350 rn in the Ruger #1 and push the limits and am confident it would stop anything. My load for the Marlins is 48.5 IMR 4198 for a 300gr, a very accurate load with lower pressures. You need to trim after 2 or 3 firings and if you use the Hornady flex tip factory loads for your initial brass supply keep them separate as they are much shorter then standard brass. Cast bullets are also accurate and fun to shoot.

[@j.rob.5943]

I load for an 1895 Guide Gun and an 1895 Cowboy. A 405gr hardcast lead bullet at 1600 fps will punch a clean hole through a large deer or pig, without the punishing recoil. IMR 4198 and Reloder 7 are both excellent powders for my purposes. That 56gr 3031 load had to rattle your teeth a fair amount.

[@Mark-uq9km]

Yes, and that's a starting load according to Hodgdon data for a 350 grainer.

[@smokedbrisket3033]

@@Mark-uq9km hornady shows 56.1 gr IMR 3031 as max load for their 350 gr bullets, and 45.2 gr as starting load. I shot a decent buck (about 170#, nice body size for south Louisiana) closing day of rifle season a couple weekends ago with a 425 gr Beartooth Bullets Piledriver, Junior. There was almost no blood-shot meat, and I was literally able to eat right up to the hole. MV on that load is 1625. I like the results I get with both RL7 and Ramshot XTerminator. I get near identical velocities from identical powder loads, and the same accuracy, which is to say very good.

[@r.awilliams9815]

After a couple of decades loading the .45-70 I've realized that for most shooters and hunters, the top-end loads are not necessary and can in fact be detrimental to the shooter. Cast bullets are what the .45-70 thrives on. For deer I like the Lyman #457122 mold which drops a 330 grain HP. Driven to 1600 fps with RL7 or IMR4198 it's well inside Trapdoor pressure limits and will most certainly give Bambi a very bad day. For bigger game a 400 grain LBT style flat nose @ 1500 fps is again inside Trapdoor pressure limits, and there isn't anything in North America that will survive a well placed hit with that load. Neither load will beat you up, something I appreciate more and more as I age.

[@guyminer3168]

I agree! Low velocity cast bullet loads are terrific. I hope Gavin and I can do a video & article on those as well. This cartridge is so versatile, mild to wild. :)

[@abebabe7949]

I concur that lead is less wear on the gun particularly the barrel and I don't want to wear out my 1886 Winchester, so I want be shooting the brass bullets that I loaded in 45-90 on a regular basis.

[@guyminer3168]

@@abebabe7949 - I'll see if we can do a lead-bullet video & article. The lead bullets and big bore lever guns go together so nicely.

[@smokedbrisket3033]

any more, all I shoot is lead. 1625 fps with a 425 gr Beartooth, or even the 525 gr Beartooth, is a devastating load. they beat me up on the bench, but off sticks or free hand, they're kittens. a 350 gr bullet at 1900 fps is only a whopping 2" flatter at 200 yards than a 425 or 525 exiting the muzzle at 1600 fps. and at 200 yards, the 525 gr BTB is still over 2K ft-lbs of energy, and the 350 is down to about 1200 ft lbs at 200 yards. there is no comparison in potential lethality between "fast" 45-70 300 or 350 gr vs slower 405 gr or heavier. the heavy bullets, even at 300-500 fps slower, are still the kings.

[@876mpr]

I’m definitely going to deer hunt with the 457122 this year. I’m also using IMR4198, but am actually looking at 1400-1500 fps. Here in east Ohio, it’s highly unlikely to have a shot over 75 yards, so I’m sure this’ll be more than enough juice.

[@paulegerold]

I'm a little late to the game, just discovered this video. I have a Henry 45-70 X model. As much as I wanted to stick with the factory open sights, the front very bright fiber optic bead is so large that it covers up a pie plate at 100 yards down range. I opted to put on a Vortex 1.5x4 red dot scope with very tall mounts that give me an open sight "window" below the scope. Last week I took a whitetail at 30 yards while it was walking briskly away from me at a 4 o' clock position by looking under the scope because I was about 2 seconds away from losing it into a thicket. Dropped the deer on the spot. I was using hand loaded Hornady 250 grain monoflex solid copper bullets loaded to shoot at 2250 fps. Loading the Hornady pointed rubber tipped projectiles (Monoflex and FTX) requires that you trim the case length down substantially before seating the bullet. All of my Hornady stamped brass is trimmed to that shorter length to avoid confusion during the reloading process. Standard roll crimp and factory crimp dies will not complete the job because of the shortened brass. Unless you know a machinist who can modify a standard die to perform the crimp on this shortened cartridge, the work around I found is to stand the seated bullet atop the shell holder and carefully ease it upwards into a factory crimp die using a lot of finesse and "feel" as not to crush and ripple the casing. As you lower the press you discover the cartridge is stuck in the die. No problem. You simply pop it out with a thin bladed flat screwdriver stuck between the cartridge rim and the bottom of the die. This process wouldn't make a good KZbin video because you'd likely scare the audience with the work around tactics. As far as cast bullets go, the performance cast 405 grain gas checked bullets are great standard fare for this rifle. Also the powder coated 405 grain cast bullets from SNS are excellent performers downrange. Thanks for this video, I found it very interesting.

[@BRENDANTHERED]

Thanks for the tip on the FTX reloading. How do they recommend a person reload FTX, do they make a special die?

[@theangrymarmot8336]

Great Video! I chose 45-70 as my first foray into reloading with my modern production Sharps "Quigley."

[@Ultimatereloader]

Good choice!

[@zayacz123]

I have one, too. The Uberti.

[@denisdegamon8224]

I too have one Italian Sharps and two Shiloh Sharps.....a Hartford model and a Montana Rough Rider, all in 4570. I run only hand cast lead bullets and black powder in those guns. In the Marlin Guide gun (magna ported) I run mostly 300 grain HP and 405 grain Remington government bullets. I have taken deer with both style rifles. I have even taken a whitetail with my Hartford Shiloh Sharps with a custom made mold, hand cast, paper patched 500 grain FN bullet.

[@vdsgw52]

Marlin 1895, 405 gr. fp downloaded with Hodgdon- Trail Boss powder. Several lever guns in .357, 44 mag. Lever guns and single action pistols are just fun to shoot.

[@jimh3588]

Thanks for the info. Have been wanting to reload this for quite a while.

[@jrtagg1]

I've been reloading my 45-70 with 5744 34 grains with a 405gr acme hard cast powder coated and that's got a nice lil thump on it smile on your face every time

[@ewetho]

My 45-70 is an encore and have run it Stout! What a round!

[@rick9811]

Marlin 1895 CB (Cowboy); 9 in the tube and one in the pipe. 8 pounds of Iron and Wood. 405 Grain Core-Lokts. Has been known to take down 24 inch Oak trees in one shot. The first time I took it out and did a 10 round Lever Mag dump, I had to go to the Emergency Room to have the good Doctors surgically remove the grin off my face.

[@abebabe7949]

Ha, Ha, Ha! Go get em "Hard Charger".

[@The_Hi_Life]

45-70 is an absolute LEGEND of a cartridge! It has stood the test of time… One of my favorite all time rounds to send down range! It’s like the Man’s man of cartridges!

[@scaler1179]

This is, hands down, my favorite cartridge to load.

[@czyhorse482]

I have a 1/2 doz. or so lever action rifles, I do like my 'Big Bore' Marlin's, I have a 1895GBL 45-70Gov and a 444Marlin. Both are easy to reload, if you can source components.

[@janisjake5350]

I have both as well great guns just whish marlin took better pride in there guns these days

[@leefeatherston7014]

My very favorite one I have a Henry in that I reload it to cool 😎 thanks

[@jbug4570]

One of my favourite calibers. Been loading and shooting for almost 40 years. I have a few different rifles in this caliber, enjoy BPC but use my level gun with smokeless for bear defence on the ranch, it’s a close quarter, heavy brush, no messing around caliber. Thanks for the video of this old timer. Enjoy all your videos, thanks.

[@paulvenn4447]

Building a 45-120 hopefully end of this year in a single shot, good times ahead!

[@Ultimatereloader]

RAD

[@jtschwinghammer]

Ouch! Unless you are doing a low recoil load

[@tombrown6464]

My lever gun is an 1873 Winchester(repro) in .44-40 or more correctly .44 WCF. My current load is cast lead bullets .429 diameter over 34grns of 2ff black powder.

[@mab0852]

I've got the Henry side gate in brass. Having the tube and the gate is where it's at. Start'em easy down the tube and top off quick through the gate. I prefer the 405s in a flat nose. Big bore low speed terminal ballistics are an entirely different beast than a pointed bullet at 2700+. There's no hydrostatic shock or fragmentation, just a big plug of lead breaking and smashing stuff. Now if I could just get a 405 XTP. Same applies to subsonics, why nobody has put out a 200ish grain 308 with a XTP type front end is beyond me. Marketing guys pushing high tech answers to a problem best solved in the late 1800s or reinvisioned in modern defensive pistol designs.

[@repairfreak]

Thanks for the nice video and your cool friend to show us his 45-70 lever gun. 😎👍

[@brianpencall4882]

👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 Love this. Many (not all) trapdoor rifles and carbines are stronger than most people think. 3031 and a 600 grain Barnes bullet, awesome. Custom Marlin 1894 takedown, 500 JRH.

[@jtschwinghammer]

Gavin another disclaimer is to always work your load up no matter how accurate you think the source is

[@rjwintl]

45-70 , 'cause ya wanna "drop 'em where they stand" !!!

[@JohnThomas-gj2zg]

This is one rifle I need to add to the SAFE.......

[@snocatfun]

When you talked about the Hornady Flex tip bullets (MomoFlex andnFTX) you should have added some additional research as it is critical that these cases be trimmed to 2.040" not the normal 2.095" length, remember these bullets are longer (pointed) having a longer Ogive making it necessary to shorten the case! Otherwise very informative video presentation thank you.

[@PilotMcbride]

I reload for my 1895 for mv 1600 - 1800fps. It s my fun rifle and many other fire it as well, so for their comfort I use lower pressure. Plus I shoot 450gn round nose lead pills and also load up with black powder on occasion for the wow factor. Also own its big brother, 45-120 Sharps, another beaut. Brilliant caliber and fun to shoot. 👏👏👏 👋👋👋

[@DTWCT]

The guys rocking suspenders. Say no more

[@luckyshotammunitiongunsllc2369]

Its my favorite gun.. I just loaded 65 of them. I use 45.3 gn of 3031 with hornady's 300 grain #4500 . Its a beast and makes me happy and so sore

[@chrisbaer9791]

Which gun are you using and what's your speeds? I shot a 165 lb field dressed buck. And at 110yards lung shot it didn't exit with no blood trail. He only went 50 ish yards into the woods. But this was a factory 325 grain hornady load.

[@luckyshotammunitiongunsllc2369]

The marlin 1895 lever action.. its one of the only guns that's made for HOT reloads.. 🔥.. you will notice it has is own sections in reloading manuals like hornadys. I love octagon barrel original 45 70 gov. But the marlin has a special place in my heart

[@luckyshotammunitiongunsllc2369]

The load I shared above is not a hot load but a comfortable load for shooting 30 to 40 rounds in a day without needing a shoulder replacement

[@firee2]

I am shooting the marlin guide with 5744. It shoots the hornady ft 325gn well. If you want to try something a little more stout try the 525gr cast bullet, that definitely has some recoil in such a light gun

[@arleyrisner204]

Shooting a Henry with polished brass receiver and shoulder killing butt plate. Iron sights. Rear ramp slides out from recoil. Love the gun. May have to put a scope on it ??

[@centralwashingtonmodernbus9456]

Love the video! VEry informative. I have found when loading that if one pushes the loads ammo into the magazine, leave the rim end sticking out of the tube on top of the gate helps next load enter easily. Gotta love the 45-70, as you know GUY!. 525 grn PILE DRIVERS from Bear tooth Bullets is my go to when in bear country. My 45-70 is a Marlin 1895 BL, blue with brown laminated stock. It has skinner peep and a custom blade front sight I made that resembles the Ruger single action front blade.

[@guyminer3168]

That must be a great combo! :) Let's go 45-70 shooting someday!

[@30Huckleberry]

Got Speer 400gr bullets in an 5 shot, 1” group and SD of 3.4 with A2520 in a 25” barrel. CVA makes the cheapest rifle but I got it to shoot.

[@wadepederson8457]

WELL THE LEVER IS THE BLR IN THE 325, DETACHABLE MAG,I LOAD FOR IT WITH H4350 65GRNS MUZZLE VOL OF 2900FPS AND BULLET IS 170GRN HORNADY SST AND THE ROUND NOSE 170ALSO AND THE NOSLER 200GRN ACCUBOND FOR THE THE BIG GAME SUCH AS ELK, THE 170S USE FOR DEER SIZE GAME AND WORKS REAL NICE, YOU CAN LOAD UP OR DOWN TO YOUR HUNTING NEEDS AND BULLETS,FAR AS POWDER GOES THE H4350, RL17, IMR4350 AND THE H414/WIN760 FOLLOW THE BOOKS WORK YOUR WAY UP OR DOWN NOW DO PAY ATTN TO LOW CHARGES,GREAT SHOW KEEP THEM COMING,GOD BLESS

[@tacman2893]

405 gr (no gas check) and 300gr GC hard cast bullets. Starline and Winchester brass. Using Reloder 7. My 405gr loads hit about 1650 fps.

[@jamesschneider2091]

Interesting discussion for the handloader. Glad to see to .45-70 is alive and well. So . . . 45 cal. and 70 grains of black powder - we've come a long way. By the way, the Hornady 45 cal. 250-gr. FTX makes a great 50 cal. muzzleloader round with a 50/45 sabot.