Scopes for 45/70 govt?

[mjcmichigan]

I have a Nikon Buckmaster on my Marlin 1895 (45/70Gov)

I’ve used a red dot no magnification and with a 2moa dot, there is a limit to what i can do groipwise at 100 yards.

So I threw a 3-9 Nikon Buckmaster on it. It seems like I can get groups bout 3 inch with factory ammo, but if I adjust my POA, I get squirrelly results.

So am I asking too much from a Nikon Buckmaster?

I figured 220gn from 3006 at 2690fps is comparable to a 250gn at 1900fps...

Do I need a shotgun/ muzzle loading class scope on a 45/70?


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[HAWKEYESATX]

I have a Burris Fullfield II 1.75-5x20mm on my 444 Marlin.
You could get something like that. I know Leupold makes some low power variable scopes as well.


Hawk

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[JD338]

I've got a Leupold VX-3 1.75-6x32mm on my Marlin 1895G 45-70 with Leupold base and rings. Rock solid and never changes it's zero. I am sighted in for 100 yards. On 6x I use the heavy post junction and have no problems hitting my 250 yard gong dead center with the 300 gr BST.

JD338

 

[HAWKEYESATX]

I've got a Leupold VX-3 1.75-6x32mm on my Marlin 1895G 45-70 with Leupold base and rings. Rock solid and never changes it's zero. I am sighted in for 100 yards. On 6x I use the heavy post junction and have no problems hitting my 250 yard gong dead center with the 300 gr BST.

JD338

Well, I can't argue with success.


Hawk

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[bdbrown66]

I think you answered your own question. I have a Nikon Inline XR scope on my 45-70, and it's been great. Plus, there 5" eye relief is a good thing.

 

[mjcmichigan]

It might be ok.

Switched ammo and tapped the scope on all sides about 12 times and shot these two cold bore. Will try to replicate soon. We have rain for two days.

Crazy from moving 5” groups to this.


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[mjcmichigan]

Here’s what I was getting

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[DrMike]

Now, if that is repeated, you're golden!

 

[sask boy]

That is some fine marksmanship .
Look forward to see your next range report.

Blessings,
Dan

 

[JD338]

Looks like your going to be just fine.
The older Marlins shoot.
This is my 250 yard gong with 2 hits from my Marlin 1895 45-70 shooting 300 gr BST's.


JD338

 

[JD338]

I shot this crop damage doe this past summer at 160 yards with the Marlin 1895 45-70 and a 300 gr BST, DRT.
The Leupold VX-3 1.75-6x32mm scope is ideal for this rifle but sadly Leupold no longer offers this model.

JD338

 

[mjcmichigan]

JD that’s really fine shooting. I love helping with the crop damage. Gives me a chance to try out different loads. I’d love to do the 45/70, but we have too many houses near, so I’m usually on the other end... 243 and 85gn HP. Hoping to get take one with the 45/70 this year.


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[JD338]

mhc,
What factory ammo are you using in your Marlin 45-70?
I hope you can verify that ammo and stretch the barrel out to 200 and 300 yards. You might be surprised with the accuracy at extended ranges from that big bore.

JD338

 

[mjcmichigan]

mhc,
What factory ammo are you using in your Marlin 45-70?
I hope you can verify that ammo and stretch the barrel out to 200 and 300 yards. You might be surprised with the accuracy at extended ranges from that big bore.

JD338

Winchester Supreme with this puppy on it. I think I have to change up scopes. I tapped the rings about a dozen times before that nice shot and again before the second shot. On Saturday I put another into the orange, so it is huntable. The spot I’m at, every time I’ve had a shooter, it appeared between 45 and 55 yards. The lane is 100, so I should be ready for it if one presents at 100. I have the dies for this cartridge, but just got my bench usable again. I’ve cleaned at sixes about 3000 cases, 223, 243, 3030, 308, 3006, still waiting to be done 300wsm, 300wm, 45/70, 45acp, 44’s, and 38’s.

I am a fan of the CTBT bullets. Finding this in Winchester Supreme for 45/70 is exciting. I called Nosler, they said it will get the job done on Bear.

I used an outfitter that was worried about a 3006 not getting it done with a black bear. He wanted a 35 cal or bigger. I used it for an excuse to buy the 45/70. I did take the 3006 as a backup gun, but he wasn’t happy until I loaded it with 220gn prohunters from Sierra. I have to think someone wounded a bear and there is a bad story that goes with that thinking. Interestingly, he doesn’t dis at moose hunters about cartridges. I think I’d be more afraid of a wounded moose vs a wounded black bear.

Not intending to provoke a big discussion on caliber on game. Clearly bullets are deadly on game when matched properly.


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[JD338]

I have shot a bunch of deer with that bullet, both in the 45-70 and muzzleloader. My daughter has also taken several deer using the same 300 gr BST in her muzzleloader too. Deer don't travel far and the blood trail is short and heavy.
I load this bullet to 2100 fps and it holds up well, retaining it's lead core when shot into the water jugs. There is more info in the bullet section.

JD338

 

[mjcmichigan]

Thank you JD!

Here’s that cold barrel shot on Saturday on top of the same target from Wednesday. I did tap the rings again.

I think I should swap that scope out when I find a good deal.

Shot #1 was the middle of the three.
Shot #2, his just high and right if first strike. #3 is the low and left if center. That’s a 2” sticker and .45” holes.

My 3030 is dialed in, so hoping one of my virgin levers gets their first notch in the stock. (No I don’t really notch my rifles).


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[Ridgerunner665]

Speaking of good deals on scopes...

Midway has the Leupold VX3i 1.5-5x20 marked all the way down to $339 right now, or they did last night.

I gave almost $500 for mine last year and am not disappointed.... awesome little scope for any lever action.

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[Ridgerunner665]

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1362198627

Not in stock, but says it's coming soon.... you can pre-order I think.

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[Ridgerunner665]

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[mjcmichigan]

Thank you Ridge runner. That looks great on your lever!

I have the HD5 version of that on my 3006 and love that scope. The VX3i might be the ticket!

Recently got my first Vortex and I’m more than impressed. Much better glass than I expected at $350.

With this Nikon Buckmaster getting wonky.. I’m about to pull all my nikons.

They’ve cheapened the Buckmaster. It used to be the step between the pro staff and the Monarch, but I saw some Buckmaster at well under 200. I always liked having glass that lets you hunt the whole time.


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