45-70 or 45-90

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srkmarine1101
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45-70 or 45-90

Post by srkmarine1101 »

Just looking for some input before I order my first rifle. I've been doing all kinds of reading and keep hearing that 45-70 is the way to Sharps. However, I've also heard that the 45-90 could be a better option, as it could be downloaded to 45-70 velocities, and still leaves room for longer range work. I plan to start out shooting so what matches from 300-800 yds.
Dennis Armistead
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Re: 45-70 or 45-90

Post by Dennis Armistead »

Welcome to the forum, get the .45-70 first. Lots of info on this round, cheaper to load, very accurate and easy on the shoulder. Besides...this won't be your last sharps. :D
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Don McDowell
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Re: 45-70 or 45-90

Post by Don McDowell »

What Dennis said
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desert deuce
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Re: 45-70 or 45-90

Post by desert deuce »

Yep
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George Babits
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Re: 45-70 or 45-90

Post by George Babits »

YUP! I started out with a 45-70 in the 1960s. In the '80s I got a 45-120. Didn't keep that very long! Sure glad I didn't sell my 45-70. Never tried a 45-90 except in an 1886 Winchester. The 45-70 will do it all and not break the bank for loading components; or break your shoulder shooting it either.

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Re: 45-70 or 45-90

Post by Nuclearcricket »

Go with the 45-70. Components as a rule are easy to come by. Good variety of bullets available and if you do decide to upgrade to he 90, the bullets will still work. If you have the chamber cut with a tapered throat so that you could use PP bullets, that will allow you more powder and more power. It will also let you use GG bullets with a reduced first band so you can set them out and use more powder. All in all its a very good all around good cartridge. Lots of load data for both black and white powder, good hunting round and doesn't kill on both ends. I don't think that there is anyone out there that is sorry they started with the 45-70. And one last point that may not be overly important but a 45-70 is something you can usually find on the shelf of your LGS. Try doing that with a 90 or 100. A dribble of food for thought.
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Re: 45-70 or 45-90

Post by bobw »

Maybe you should read about powder woes before considering anything bigger than a 45-70. Bobw
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srkmarine1101
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Re: 45-70 or 45-90

Post by srkmarine1101 »

Thanks everybody for the replies and for the warm welcome.

So general consensus is stay with 45-70. I definitely agree with the fact that there is a ton more load data out there for it. My previous bpcr rifle was also a 45-70. Unfortunately had to sell it and didn't get too much time with it. Still have most of my reloading components though :D

I've been looking at bullet moulds and there are huge number of options. Is there any kind of a "go to" bullet that will typically do well at most ranges? I was considering a mould from Steve Brooks , either the creedmoor or new postel.

Thanks!
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Re: 45-70 or 45-90

Post by charlie young »

I have several Shilohs from 32-40 to 45-110. I would NEVER let go of my 2 45-90 Shilohs or my 45-90 Wyoming built 1885. One of my most accurate loads in the MVA actioned Wyoming armory is a Lot # of Swiss 1 1/2 with 72 grains of powder. Not much more than than load in my Shiloh 45-70. My Steve Brooks moulds are very good. I really like the Buffalo Arms, money bullet as well, with it being a little easier to knock the bullet out.
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Re: 45-70 or 45-90

Post by Dennis Armistead »

srkmarine1101 wrote: Fri Oct 22, 2021 11:49 am Thanks everybody for the replies and for the warm welcome.

So general consensus is stay with 45-70. I definitely agree with the fact that there is a ton more load data out there for it. My previous bpcr rifle was also a 45-70. Unfortunately had to sell it and didn't get too much time with it. Still have most of my reloading components though :D

I've been looking at bullet moulds and there are huge number of options. Is there any kind of a "go to" bullet that will typically do well at most ranges? I was considering a mould from Steve Brooks , either the creedmoor or new postel.

Thanks!
The question of a "go to" bullet is going to vary on every ones opinion. If I was going to recommend just one all around bullet for the 45-70 it would be the BACO JIM459500 Gov't bullet. Use that round until you have a good fouling control system down. Other wise I have seen to many new BPCR shooters get very frustrated with fouled out barrels, chambering issues and poor groups. That round carries lots of lube and has a non bore riding profile and minimizes bullet deformation when being loaded. (soft lead) (compression) etc.
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Don McDowell
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Re: 45-70 or 45-90

Post by Don McDowell »

Best all around bullet is a nonexistant thing.
BACO offers a 510 gr creedmoor that works well, their copy of the original postel also works good, I like the 525 money bullet. There's really no flies in the ointment with a saco 645 bullet. Those are all good greasers for the 45-70.
A Brooks original postel bullet at 520-30 grain would likely be a good one too.
Paper patch the BACO .446525 cast 16-1 and patch in SC 55y is my Shiloh #1's favorite bullet.
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Re: 45-70 or 45-90

Post by TexasMac »

srkmarine1101 wrote: Fri Oct 22, 2021 6:57 am However, I've also heard that the 45-90 could be a better option, as it could be downloaded to 45-70 velocities, and still leaves room for longer range work.
I concur with the recommendations of others for a couple of reasons:

1) The 45-70 is quite adequate out to 800yds or even 1000yds with the proper loads.
2) Although valid and safe, one can shoot .45-70 ammo in a .45-90 chambered rifle but expect a reduction in accuracy. Since the .45-70 case is 0.3" shorter than the .45-90 case a longer portion of the bullet will obturate prior to hitting & being squeezed down by the chamber to throat transition step. The forced reforming of the bullet potentially results in lead stripping and/or base finning or slight misalignment, all of which can impact accuracy.

So start with a .45-70 chambered rifle. If, at a later date, you feel the need to go to a .45-90 but have limited funds, the rifle can be easily rechambered to .45-90 with a "throating" reamer by a competent gunsmith for much, much less than purchasing a new rifle.

Wayne
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Re: 45-70 or 45-90

Post by Kurt »

I have three rifles chambered in the .45-2.4 also a few .45-70, a .45-2.6, and a .45-3-1/3. For me the 90 outperforms all of my other .45 calibers.
This is not saying that the .45-70 is not good, it is good.
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srkmarine1101
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Re: 45-70 or 45-90

Post by srkmarine1101 »

This makes a lot of sense. 45-70 it is. Looking forward to starting this adventure. Thanks!

TexasMac wrote: Fri Oct 22, 2021 4:51 pm
srkmarine1101 wrote: Fri Oct 22, 2021 6:57 am However, I've also heard that the 45-90 could be a better option, as it could be downloaded to 45-70 velocities, and still leaves room for longer range work.
I concur with the recommendations of others for a couple of reasons:

1) The 45-70 is quite adequate out to 800yds or even 1000yds with the proper loads.
2) Although valid and safe, one can shoot .45-70 ammo in a .45-90 chambered rifle but expect a reduction in accuracy. Since the .45-70 case is 0.3" shorter than the .45-90 case a longer portion of the bullet will obturate prior to hitting & being squeezed down by the chamber to throat transition step. The forced reforming of the bullet potentially results in lead stripping and/or base finning or slight misalignment, all of which can impact accuracy.

So start with a .45-70 chambered rifle. If, at a later date, you feel the need to go to a .45-90 but have limited funds, the rifle can be easily rechambered to .45-90 with a "throating" reamer by a competent gunsmith for much, much less than purchasing a new rifle.

Wayne
srkmarine1101
Posts: 39
Joined: Wed Sep 01, 2021 10:23 am
Location: Madison, Wi

Re: 45-70 or 45-90

Post by srkmarine1101 »

Great advice. I'll go take a look at this!
Dennis Armistead wrote: Fri Oct 22, 2021 1:55 pm
srkmarine1101 wrote: Fri Oct 22, 2021 11:49 am Thanks everybody for the replies and for the warm welcome.

So general consensus is stay with 45-70. I definitely agree with the fact that there is a ton more load data out there for it. My previous bpcr rifle was also a 45-70. Unfortunately had to sell it and didn't get too much time with it. Still have most of my reloading components though :D

I've been looking at bullet moulds and there are huge number of options. Is there any kind of a "go to" bullet that will typically do well at most ranges? I was considering a mould from Steve Brooks , either the creedmoor or new postel.

Thanks!
The question of a "go to" bullet is going to vary on every ones opinion. If I was going to recommend just one all around bullet for the 45-70 it would be the BACO JIM459500 Gov't bullet. Use that round until you have a good fouling control system down. Other wise I have seen to many new BPCR shooters get very frustrated with fouled out barrels, chambering issues and poor groups. That round carries lots of lube and has a non bore riding profile and minimizes bullet deformation when being loaded. (soft lead) (compression) etc.
Dennis
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