45-70 Posobility ?

Question

could it be possible to get a 400 gr bullet traveling 2200 fps or a lil higher out of a 24in

barrel of a marlin lever action and still function safely and reliably, maybe a 500 at

2000 fps ?

Answer 1

idk i loaded my h&r buffalo classic 45-70 gov with a 500 grainer traveling at 2100 fps but it was just too hot a load so i wouldnt try either of those loads but my friend pushed a 325 grainer at an astounding 3300 fps out of his model 1894 but it kicked like a mule and sent sparks screaming out of the barrel i think the highest you could safely push a 500 grainer at is 2000 fps in a barrel under 28 inches and 2100 fps 30 inches and up

Answer 2

You cannot get a 400 gr. bullet to 2200 fps no matter what barrel length.  You would be hard pressed to get a 300 gr bullet over 2100 fps.  then you would be limited greatly in finding a good bullet.  Most of your quality hardcast bullets are in the 350-500 grain range.  Barnes makes a good 300 gr. bullet i think for the 45-70.  THe best factory ammo out there is going to be Garrett hammerheads and buffalo bore ammo, they run about 1800fps for the 400 grainers and 1500 fps for the 500 grainers.

Answer 3

I don't think you can quite get that velocity, but you can come pretty close. Check out the link below; fill in the blanks for the cartridge you want, then it will give you the data.

I have an 1895 Marlin guide gun, and shooting a 400 grain Speer bullet a couple grains off of maximum is BRUTAL recoil. That rifle has made me bleed a couple of times, when I forgot how tightly I had to hold it to my shoulder. It will remind you painfully.

Answer 4

no

Answer 5

If you have a Ruger #1 you can load 70 grains of Win 748 behind the 400 gr. Speer flatnose and get 2004 fps.  66 gr. of H322 will get 2106 fps, 64 gr. 2049.

Max loads listed for the 1895 Marlin are 1886 fps.

If you do your own reloading and load that hot, do not shoot alone. You will need someone to carry your body off from the recoil of the first shot.

Be safe, get a new Marlin in .450 Marlin. All loads for the 400 gr bullet run from 1910-2196 fps.