Henry Rifle Forums

Here are some groups I got today with the 45-70. It was off the bench at 50 yards and iron sights. Two of these pictures are turned so the actual position of the groups in two photos isnt accurate. Photo one the group is accurate. I will give the loads for all three but in no way am I responsible if you choose to try these loads. Please check your load books to make sure they will work for you. I will also say that some sight adjust was made during my shooting but these groups were shot before and during adjusting. Picture one is a 405 gr Missouri Cast with 36 grains of IMR 3031. Its a comfortable load to shoot and it performed good for me. These are all 5 shot groups. Picture two is in fact at that 6 O clock position and it was a Remington 300 Gr HP with 36.5 grains of XMP 5744 under it. The last target is turned and the actual group is at the outer ring at the 2 oclock position. Its also a 300 gr hp Remington with 33 grains of reloader 7 under it. I shot 70 rounds in the 45-70 today looking for a light plinking load. I used several different bullets. These I mention above and also a berrys 350gr plated bullet. Whats that you say is my shoulder sore, matter of fact it is a little tender. I also gave IMR 4198 a try along with yes 2400. Some of the other powders gave ok groups but these are the ones I picked out to try again. The gun seems to really like the 300 grain bullets. So does my shoulder. The load with Reloader 7 was real pleasant to shoot. I have had good luck with reloader 7 in my Henrys. If you have some do give it a try. Al

50 yards, open sights, I'd be happy with any of those groups

Excellent work, Al, all the more so with iron sights. Fine shooting. Love those big holes in the paper.

Good looking targets and some big holes in 'em. How's the recoil on that rifle?

Thanks for the kind words. I think Im blessed to be able to still use iron sights. RR the recoil isnt bad at all if you stay with the plinking loads but when you get one of those full power torpedos in there It will definitely let you know about it. Al

BigAl52 wrote:RR the recoil isnt bad at all if you stay with the plinking loads but when you get one of those full power torpedos in there It will definitely let you know about it. Al

agree ... out of the box, I'd rate the recoil from our Henry CCH 45-70 with HSM Cowboy Action Loads as being on par with the recoil from our Henry BBS 44 Mag with full power loads ... with full power loads, the 45-70's recoil is much more akin to that of a 12 ga pump firing a 3" slug or 00-buck

Nice work. Even with a light bullet I know 36grs of 5744 gave your shoulder a talkin' to!

Squatch wrote:Nice work. Even with a light bullet I know 36grs of 5744 gave your shoulder a talkin' to!

5744 definitely has a bark to it. I like the powder but the only reason I dont use it more often or try to work around it with something else is the cost. Its about 10.00 a lb more than any of the others. It does shoot good in my 38-55 though so I use it there. Al

I bought a can because it seems to be Mike Venturino's go to for lead bullets. Lotsa loads in the Lyman cast book. I've only loaded a couple of 45/70 loads with it and they are pretty hot.