150 yrs old, so I think I’ll tote my 45-70 this deer season!

[HighCotton]

I’ve had this Henry single shot in 45-70 Gov’t hangin’ around in my gun safe the past few years and I’ve never taken a deer with it.
This being the sesquicentennial year since the caliber’s production in 1873,
I figured that it might be a good plan to get her sighted in before season.
Anybody here had success with this caliber?
Ammo recommendations?
Other thoughts?

[deadeer]

Jul 30, 2023 16:10:36 GMT -5 HighCotton said:

I’ve had this Henry single shot in 45-70 Gov’t hangin’ around in my gun safe the past few years and I’ve never taken a deer with it.
This being the sesquicentennial year since the caliber’s production in 1873,
I figured that it might be a good plan to get her sighted in before season.
Anybody here had success with this caliber?
Ammo recommendations?
Other thoughts?

I have an Encore barrel in the Govt. I handload most everything, and have all the components for this gem, so I do plan to build a woods load and tote it this year.

[genesis273]

Jul 30, 2023 16:10:36 GMT -5 HighCotton said:

I’ve had this Henry single shot in 45-70 Gov’t hangin’ around in my gun safe the past few years and I’ve never taken a deer with it.
This being the sesquicentennial year since the caliber’s production in 1873,
I figured that it might be a good plan to get her sighted in before season.
Anybody here had success with this caliber?
Ammo recommendations?
Other thoughts?

I don't have any experience with that load whatsoever but, boy am I looking forward to the stories of your first harvest with it this year!

[oldhoyt]

I have a Marlin Model 1895SS in 45/70. Most recently I've used it in Michigan, with cases cut to 1.8" and a 300 grain Barnes TSX. Most of my full length case loads were with 300 or 350 grain Hornady Interlock bullets. I never chronographed any of the loads, but according to published data, they were right around 2000 fps.

I'm looking forward to your range reports to see how your Henry shoots and what loads it likes best.

[stevein]

I have not loaded 45-70 yet. Getting brass together by firing has been fun. It did not take me long to decide I liked the 300-350 loads more than the 405 loads though. Looking at the Henry compared to my Marlin 1895 I think I would be loading using the Henry at Trapdoor levels. Also the Hornady brass is short to accommodate the gummi tips. If they are like the 44 Mag brass all Hornady 45-70 brass is short. Now I do not know if short brass is needed in the Henry or not if you find you like that bullet. I do not have any Hornady 45-70 or 44 mag brass. Otherwise I like Hornady brass and use whenever they are not trimmed.

This from load data Trapdoor info.
Wt. Bullet Powder Manufacturer Powder Charge Velocity (FPS) Favorite?
300 Lead FN Accurate AAC-5744 27.9 1,405
Remarks: start chg; COL: 2.550"
300 Lead FN Accurate AAC-5744 31.0 1,597
Remarks: max chg; COL: 2.550"

Might be a good starting point. You can go up.

[HighCotton]

I’ve been back and forth as to whether I want to hunt Iron sights or top with some glass.
My concern goes back to an evening last year when I toted the rifle, later in the season, and found it quite difficult to aim at low light.

[HighCotton]

I decided that it would be best to top the Henry with a scope so I ordered the correct base and mounted it to the rifle after carefully removing the rear sight.

[HighCotton]

I got to the indoor range at Range USA. I topped her with my Leupold 3-9x40.


I dialed in the Henry at 25 yards (the max distance) with some Hornady Leverevolution, 325 Gr FTX.
I used that ammo since I have plenty in my stock. The ammo was grouping fine as I slowly walked the scope/adjustments up to where it was dead on at 2" low.
My next step is to get down to my property and try some different ammo at 100 yards.
At this point, I'll plan to use factory loads since I don't have time to reload.