2023 Harvest Buffalo

[Lucinda]

Doug harvested on October 13, 2023 Fort Belknap Reservation. 45-90 385 gr gas check bullet. Bought the rifle new in early 90's. Finally got his dream hunt.

[Nuclearcricket]

Congrats to all for a fine success.
Sam

[Dan O]

Nice Buffalo congrats!!!!!!!!!

[Top Dog]

I put in for a raffle on a buffalo hunt on Kodiak Island Alaska.

Chances are slim for my ticket to be picked but I will be ready with my 1874 Shiloh Sharps in 45/70.

Dumb question,is the 45/70 enough?? I will be using 525 grain cast bullet over 61 grains BP.

Top Dog

[bobw]

What it the velocity of that load? What nose shape? Bobw

[Top Dog]

BobW,
I would guess that the velocity may be in the area of 1600 fps.

The bullet is 525 grain cast lead somewhat roundnose a flat spot about 38 caliber up front.

I will be going to the nearby outdoor range tomorrow to fire 40 rounds and get the tang sights sighted in.

Top Dog

[Top Dog]

BobW

I did a check onthe velocity. I was wrong it is about 1200 fps for the 525 grain load.

Top Dog

[Clarence]

You could boost the velocity a bit by increasing the powder charge and compressing the powder more. Assuming such a load was accurate, the primary advantage would be a very slightly flatter trajectory,

The 525 grain bullet with a generous flat nose is probably the best choice of bullet for larger game like the buffalo. I took similar combinations to South Africa twice and had no problem with game up to the size of kudu and wildebeest, although I used smokeless powder at a velocity oof ~1350 fps. With a 3/8" flat, the bullet will probably pass through on a broadside shot that hits no significant bone; I'd expect ~24" penetration on angling shots. Bullet diameter, when recovered, will likely be in the 7/8" range.

Clarence

[Top Dog]

Clarence,
I will stick with the present load of 61 grains. It is quite accurate for me.

Interesting to hear how you did in Africa. Must have been some hunt.

Top Dog

[bpcr shooter]

dad shot one with a 525gr postell that he filed a flat spot on. 126yd, it dropped in its tracks, 1268fps. The bullet went all the way to the off shoulder where it hit the knuckle and broke it (slight quartering away shot) 30-1 lead.

[SchuetzenDave]

Taylor KnockOut Rating:

.44 Henry Rimfire 200 grains 1,235 fps KO=14.4
.300 Winchester Magnum 180 grains 2,960 fps KO=23.44
.40-65 410 grains 1,250 fps KO=29.87
.45-70 405 grains 1,330 fps KO=35.24
.45-70 300 grains 1,810 fps KO=35.52
.375 HH Magnum 300 grains 2,560 fps KO=40.66
.45-90 525 grains 1,250 fps KO=42.93

It is interesting Jerry Potts (Peigan War Chief and Scout for the NorthWest Mounted Police) supplied meat by shooting buffalo with his 1866 Winchester Yellowboy chambered in .44 Henry Rimfire. He also shot 40 Cree and Crowfoot warriors in his lifetime with that rifle.

[SchuetzenDave]

Picture of Jerry Potts and the remains of his firearms.