Q
I recently purchased a new H&R Buffalo Classic .45-70 with a 32 inch barrel as I thought it would be a good “fun gun.” Primarily, the rifle will be used for target shooting, but I may also use it for the odd pig, but nothing serious as I have better choices for this. I need information on handloads. I want to use the Hornady 325gn FTX or 300gn Sierra Pro-Hunter HP-FN projectile, but am not sure if the rifling twist will stabilise the lighter projectiles. I assume that the H&R has a 1:20″ twist that is intended for heavy projectiles. ADI offers loads for three different categories of .45-70 – Trapdoor Springfields, old leverguns, the new Marlin 1895 and modern guns like the Ruger No.1. But I am unsure of which category the H&R fits, and what pressure it will safely withstand. I believe that it may be the same as the lever-actions and my handloads should be held under 40,000 PSI. Can you recommend a load using an ADI powder for these projectiles as well as Hawkesbury River 350gn cast lead bullet?
– Joe Mizzi
A
Rifling fast enough to stabilise heavy bullets will certainly stabilise lighter ones. The starting loads on page 187 of the ADI Handbook should be safe in your gun. With the 300gn Sierra HPFN a charge of 59.5gn of AR2207 gets 2394fps; and 52gn of AR2207 drives the Hornady 325gn FTX at 2242fps. You could try 50gn of AR2207 behind the Hawkesbury River 350gn RNSP for about 2100fps.
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