What accuracy is "TYPICAL" for 45-70 lever guns out-of-the-box?

[Frank V]

I think the Henry is capable of handling powerful loads too.
As with any gun though it could over time loosen the gun up. I don't use a steady diet of heavy loads in any gun.

[bradf]

A rifle's accuracy out of the box is not independent from the ammo used. Many parts of the rifle effect the accuracy. The barrel has harmonics based on the load fired. Add to that sights, such as buckhorn that the lighting angle affects vs peep where lighting doesn't have the same affect, the perceived repeatable sight picture, how the rifle is held, loose mounting hardware...the list goes on.

Everything being perfect above, he rifle's accuracy is dependent largely on the ammo used. Reloading different powders, powder charges, primers, crimp, bullet seating depth all affect bullet's speed going through the barrel and the harmonic action of the barrel. Finding the particular load that puts the bullet's exit out of the barrel at the precise point where the barrel is in a "node" provides the most accuracy the rifle can achieve.

My H010 shoots 3" groups at 50 yds with factory Win 300 gr jacket ammo. It shoots 2" 50 yd groups with factory Hornady 300 gr jacket. So I reload. 53 -60 gr H4198 produced spreads from 3" down to .693" at 50 yds/ 1.5 at 100 yds. My rifle's node with this load is 58.5. Some would would say the accuracy is 2" at 50 yds. using factory ammo. That of course is not quite true.

405 gr lead is another interesting find. using Unique 12-16 gr. 14 gr was 2" at 100 and 12 gr was 4". 16 gr was 5" at 100. My rifle's node is 14 gr.

Shooting factory ammo does NOT in any way insure your rifle will shoot accurately if that ammo puts the bullet's exit out of the muzzle at the point where the barrel is in it's whipping motion. But there IS going to be a certain load where the barrel will be neutral when the bullet leaves. You have to find it.

[Frank V]

I have considered 2" at 100 as quite acceptable, I'm using Skinner Peep sights & that is probably as well as I can see with open sights.

[bradf]

I will not shoot with buckhorn sights if at all possible. I put Skinner Peeps on mine before it fired the first shot. 2" @ 100 yds is great.

[Gregorsway]

I rang a 20-inch steel gong with mine 4 times with my Golden Boy at 100 yards standing, freehand and was pleased as punch to do so. My eyes are not what they used to be (sorry excuse, I know). When I walked down to check out the group it was probably an honest 4-6 inch group and I was fairly impressed with it freehand.

Some of you may say- "what's the big deal?" There isn't one. But had that been a feral hog or a fat doe, it would have been hurting and dying shortly after impact. The dents that 45-70 put in that steel plate was quite impressive. It's a "thumper" for sure.

I was using Hornady LEVERevolution Ammunition 45-70 Government 325 Grain Flex Tip.

[bandit1250]

I have seen guys at the range shooting 45/70's that were minute of garbage can lid and they were happy just because they hit it. I know they were flinching bad and complained about their shoulder was sore from it. I feel most of the group size with good ammo is going to come from what the shooter can do. Being realistic I think groups in the 2" area or a little larger at 100yds. should be all that is needed to handle the hunting being done with the 45/70. I have good eye sight and buck horns are my least favorite sights. Peeps over buck horns is almost as much difference as going from peeps to a lower powered scope.

[Frank V]

I rang a 20-inch steel gong with mine 4 times with my Golden Boy at 100 yards standing, freehand and was pleased as punch to do so. My eyes are not what they used to be (sorry excuse, I know). When I walked down to check out the group it was probably an honest 4-6 inch group and I was fairly impressed with it freehand.

Some of you may say- "what's the big deal?" There isn't one. But had that been a feral hog or a fat doe, it would have been hurting and dying shortly after impact. The dents that 45-70 put in that steel plate was quite impressive. It's a "thumper" for sure.

I was using Hornady LEVERevolution Ammunition 45-70 Government 325 Grain Flex Tip.

Boy I think if you can keep them inside 4" you are doing great. Six inches would be acceptable, we need to remember if our group is symmetrical & 6" no shot is farther from point of aim than 3".

[Gregorsway]

I will readily admit I'm a bit of a "paper-punching" snob. The .308W in bull barrel variations and AR-10's are my favorite pets. Having never owned a true "cowboy" lever gun, I'm just having fun plinking with it. If anyone buys a 45-70 for their long range, clover leaf capabilities, more power to them. BTW, I don't flinch unless my wife gives me "the look." I'm finding those who own the 45-70 greatly exaggerate the shoulder kicks. It is no worse than my 12 gauge goose gun. To each their own.

A 4 inch group it was NOT- more like five or six, but I eyeballed it and don't plan on measuring groups with this round. I've decided not to scope it but I agree with bandit, the buck horn rear sights are not my thing. I will probably go with a Williams peep sight in the near future before I go hog hunting. Cheers! Happy New Year guys and gals!

[Frank V]

HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone.
It's snowing & supposed to get to well below zero the next day or two.
Stay warm.