45-70 and 44 Rem Mag Day

[SJB358]

Well, yesterday, I wanted to zero both my Super Blackhawk and my scope on my 45-70. I had worked up a decent shooting load using the iron sights on the 45-70, they seemed to shoot decent at 50 yards so I decided to use it for the rifle in order to zero. It is the 400gr Speer, 46.0gr of IMR4198, CCI BR2's and WW cases. I have not chronoed the bullets, so I really have no idea what kind of speed they are moving at.

For the 44, I was using 23.5gr of H110, WW cases, CCI 350's and Nosler 240gr JHP. Here are a couple targets from yesterday. This was shot at 50 yards with the factory irons on the SBH. It was kinda difficult getting a great sight picture, due to the sun being bright as heck, but at 25 yards, they were going into about a 2" group. I figure this was decent for my gun, my abilities and the sights on the gun. I would like to put a different front sight on the gun.

For all of this shooting, I was shooting over a rack on a fourwheeler using a back pack for a rest. Didn't really have time to set up the bench. I just wanted to get a decent zero on the guns. I took the 45-70 back to 200 yards, just to try out the SABR system on the Leupold. I used the THREE PELLET LOAD setting for the scope and put the dot on the target and shot a 3" 3 shot group at 200 yards. I would have posted a picture of that target, but we started shooting that same target with our 44's at 200 yards. That was pretty fun, and it was actually pretty easy to hit the 18" wide wood target board. Our shots at 200 yards were staying in about a 2ft circle, which was pretty decent considering we were shooting pistols with iron sights. I then set up a chunk of hardwood and started plunking those big 45-70 bullets at it from 200 yards, prone laying over a back pack. It was easy to keep all the shots on the wood. We actually tore it up pretty good. Anyhow, just wanted to let you all know how the Leupold SABR worked. Scotty

 

[DrMike]

You certainly accomplished your goal. Sounds like game back east is already quaking and game out west will shortly hear of the danger heading their way! Good show.

 

[SJB358]

Thanks Mike. I am still amazed how accurate the Marlin 1895G is! It really blows my mind that big ol bullet and a levergun can print 1" groups. Load work was really non existent. I just picked a bullet I could find (400gr Speer) and a powder I had on hand (IMR4198) and started low and worked up in 1 gr increments. All of the loads shot about the same with iron sights, so I picked the fastest one. Overall, the more I look at this Marlin, it is a well put together rifle for under 500 bucks. Better than alot of more expensive bolt guns it seems. The scope and mounts seem to fit really well, and shoot well. I did get touched by the scope on my nose yesterday while shooting prone, but overall, it is a very packable rifle, that I would not hesitate to shoot at big game out to 200 yards! Scotty

 

[JD338]

Scotty,

Nice shooting! I know its hard to believe that the 1895 Guide 45-70 can shoot sub MOA. I've done it myself and there are many others, including your self that have done the same. Who of thunk.....

Once I get my paws on the new 300 gr CTBST, I plan on shooting them at 200 yds and 300 yds just for grins.

The SBH is also shooting well. H110 and the Nosler 240 gr JHP make ofr a great combo.

JD338

 

[SJB358]

Thanks Jim. I just cleaned the Guide Gun up really well and packed it in the safe. Just about got everything squared away. I three all of the cases I shot yesterday in the tumbler, but I am out of bullets for the 45-70, so it will be awhile till I load for it.

The Ruger SBH seems to be shooting really well. I think I would have shot much better had I shot in the evening or early morning. Once the suns shines so brightly, it hard to get a really consistent sight picture for shooting groups. Either way, I am happy with the 240's and know I could kill a deer at 50 yards if needed! I think I am going to try some Beartooth 250's or 300's WFN next. Those seem to look pretty nasty, and would be a nice bear load.

I am looking forward to hearing about the 300gr CBST's. After seeing how accurate the Guide Gun was at 200 yards, I really wanted to take it back to 300, but I kinda ran out of time. It would be pretty fun popping some water jugs at 200 and 300 yards with the GG. Scotty

 

[DrMike]

Generally speaking, all the 45-70 and 450 Marlins I have either shot or watched being shot, were reasonably impressive for a lever gun. They can put a permanent grin on the face of the owners.