45/70

[kutenay]

I have had three .45-70s, the first a Ruger No.1 with 22" bbl. and my current two are a '70's vintage Marlin 1895 and a Browning repro 1886 SRC, both with 22" tubes. I also do not care for the stubby Guide Guns and prefer the 22" length over anything else; these are customized Grizzly defence rifles and balance is as crucial as portability.

I use Ashley ghost ring sights on my Browning with a SAF 400 gr. over 54-H-322 in WW brass with CCI 250s, a load that boots you a bit harder than my .375 H&H. I also use this load or an equal amount of H-4198 with hardcast 400 gr. FPs from B.C.'s "Bullet Barn", also a "serious" load.

I am waiting for one of the new XS rails with integral ghost ring rear sight for my Marlin and am experimenting with 400 gr. Kodiaks for my close range brush load for Moose, Elk and so forth. This rifle will not take the loads that the other will, but, indications of superior accuracy are there and it is a real joy to pack around, another good bearbuster.