Henry 45-70

[wisconsinteacher]

Since there is no other group on the internet who can spend a guy's money, like the guys on Nosler Forum, I figured I would bring my latest idea here to see what everyone thinks. I have not bought a new rifle in a while due to other wants and wishes but I have the bug real bad. I'm thinking about a Henry case hardened 45-70. Two reasons for this gun. #1 I live 3 miles from the factory and do not own a Henry #2 I have always thought the 45-70 would be a great gun for deer hunting in northern WI where shots are from 20 to 75 yards. I have my name on the list at two local stores for the next one that comes in new from the factory so it could happen in the next few weeks/months. As far as loads, I know it is over kill but I'm thinking a big cast lead bullet at a reasonable speed would be fun for shooting and hunting. A 350 of 405 would put a hole in a deer if given the chance. I would probably use Starline brass and Lee dies w/crimp die. I would keep it an open sight rifle to keep it clean and simple.

Thoughts on the Henry, 45-70 or the lead cast bullets??

 

[bdbrown66]

Well, I might be biased.






There is one downside: The weight. It's probably not a gun you want to carry around at port arms all day long. If you're sitting in a blind, it's no problem. But if the weight is an issue, go with the plain blue/walnut or the all-weather model.

Cheers,
Brian

 

[bdbrown66]

And FWIW, I stick with the 300gr bullets. More than enough for deer.

 

[bdbrown66]

And just to add to your dilemma: If you are hunting woods where shots are mostly under 100 yards or so, the 45 Colt or 44 mag will get the job done rather nicely. Here's a nice buck I killed with my 45 Colt CCH.

 

[TexasLife]

I have 2 1895's (sbl, cb), but would love a BFR! Bullets I have for loading the beast are Barnes 250TSX, 300 Original, Swift 350A-Frame & Hornady 325FTX. Hopefully not having to trim case way down for the FTX's? I'll make some dummy rounds and see what'll chamber? BTW the case hardened looks good!

 

[michsteve]

I have the Henry all weather and it shoots great not as good looking as the color case hardened but I don't worry about it in bad weather like I would the case hardened, the engraved one is a beauty as well with the moose graphics.

 

[JD338]

I've got a Marlin 1895G guide rifle in 45-70. Using the Nosler 300 gr BST, it hammers deer. Longest kill is 160 yards, DRT. Best group at 100 yds is .400".
I've also shot sub MOA on my 250 yard gong.
Having said all that, I really like the Henry and would go that way if I didn't already have a nice little Marlin.

JD338

 

[TexasLife]

I've got a Marlin 1895G guide rifle in 45-70. Using the Nosler 300 gr BST, it hammers deer. Longest kill is 160 yards, DRT. Best group at 100 yds is .400".
I've also shot sub MOA on my 250 yard gong.
Having said all that, I really like the Henry and would go that way if I didn't already have a nice little Marlin.

JD338

I can see "sucker" written all over your face

 

[Joec7651]

Get your Henry and run some of these as your cast loads. Hard-cast, gaschecked, and 405 grains with a wide flat meplat. 42 grains of H4198, Starline brass, and CCI200 primers gets me 1825 fps from a 22” barreled 1895. Groups an inch or just under at 100 yards. It will penetrate stem to stern on anything you’ll hunt with it. If you wanted to try them I could lube them or I could send them dry.

 

[RL338]

Nothing better than keeping it local. As far as weight if you’re like most WI hunters in my area you drive your 4-wheeler to the stand. Nothing wrong with slinging a chunk of cast lead out of an 45/70.

 

[wisconsinteacher]

Great info guys. I'm not worried about weight. I will be walking to my stand and sitting over small plots, water tanks or trails. Joec7651, I like the load you posted. Please keep posting on why I need to buy this one.

 

[JD338]

WT,
Here are ten reasons...
- 45-70 is an American Classic
- cool factor, the original buffalo gun
- you can load from mild to wild
- 45-70 can be extremely accurate
- 45-70 can easily shoot out to 300 yards
- 400 gr hard cast can penetrate into tomorrow
- met an African PH who uses a 45-70 for lion hunting backup
- Henry makes beautiful rifles
- lever guns are a hoot to shoot
- 45-70 because you don't have one

Hope this helps you out

JD338

 

[JD338]

Here's a pictorial of the 45-70 in action. Scope is a Leupold VX-3 1.75-6x32mm.
The crop damage does were shot at 150 and 160 yards. The gong is 250 yards.

JD338

 

[nhenry]

Here's a pictorial of the 45-70 in action. Scope is a Leupold VX-3 1.75-6x32mm.
The crop damage does were shot at 150 and 160 yards. The gong is 250 yards.

JD338

Man I wish Leupold still made the belled LPVO in their 3x line.
Pretty rifle, good accuracy.

 

[SJB358]

Well....... Have you made any headway WT?

 

[wisconsinteacher]

I'm on the list and waiting for a phone call. JD338s list is very close to my list of reasons why I need a 45-70. I should buy a box of bullets, brass or dies first then I have to buy the rifle!!!

 

[michsteve]

I've got a Marlin 1895G guide rifle in 45-70. Using the Nosler 300 gr BST, it hammers deer. Longest kill is 160 yards, DRT. Best group at 100 yds is .400".
I've also shot sub MOA on my 250 yard gong.
Having said all that, I really like the Henry and would go that way if I didn't already have a nice little Marlin.

JD338

I have the Marlin 1895 ltd that has the half octagon half round barrel and holds 7 shells. If fully loaded that thing is pretty heavy.

 

[TexasLife]

I have the Marlin 1895 ltd that has the half octagon half round barrel and holds 7 shells. If fully loaded that thing is pretty heavy.

Is it a remlin or a marlin with that barrel? I have a cb model (26") that holds 7, but is full hexagon.

 

[michsteve]

Is it a remlin or a marlin with that barrel? I have a cb model (26") that holds 7, but is full hexagon.

That is a New Haven original Marlin they were making limited runs back in 90s.

 

[wisconsinteacher]

The phone just rang... one store just got a rifle in. He is $100 more than the other store but I will have it 4-5 months sooner. Hmmmm