45-70 vs 500 S&W Magnum

[JEBar]

not a classic range report but this video === https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbQGTZ3jYzU=== provides some eye opening, graphic information on the penetration and expansion of several different types of bullets .... I was most impressed by the 45-70's 430 grain hard cast lead bullet

[JEBar]

the video above has brought back to the forefront an idea about hard cast bullets that has been bouncing around in the back of my head .... to restate the fact that I don't have any illusions about ever being able to hunt any of Africa's Big 6 (or for that matter any other critters that aren't native to the USA ) so as to make it clear I have no need to develop a round like I have in mind .... its a want to, not a need too .... years ago I went through the same process with a very powerful, versatile rifle .... that being our 300 WBY Mag .... I developed very accurate loads with 30 caliber bullets ranging from 125 to 220 grains .... I have at least one partial box of 125, 150, 195, 168, 175, 180, 190, 200, 210, and 220 bullets on the shelf .... I thoroughly enjoyed the time spent (off and on) over a few years working on developing them .... now that I have the time, I've decided to undertake the same type of project (given on a somewhat smaller scale) with our 45-70 .... I believe the first couple of bullets I will work with are 45-70 Acme's coated 500 Grain RNFP ==== http://www.acmebullet.com/bullets-reloa ... uct_id=446 ==== which I plan to order within the next few weeks and Barnes Buster Flat Nose Flat Base Bullets 45-70 Government .458" 400Gr bullets that I already have on hand ==== http://www.barnesbullets.com/bullets/buster/ ==== the Acme 500 grain'ers are the heaviest hard cast bullets I have found .... the Barnes 400 grain'ers are the heaviest jacketed bullets I've found .... when working with the 300 WBY my goal was to find the most accurate load at 100 yards with the highest muzzle velocity .... I'll be approaching the 45-70 from that same standpoint but want to add determining the deepest penetration .... should be fun

[ditto1958]

I like big bullets.

[JEBar]

must admit that I'm moving rapidly in that direction .... historically, I subscribed to the "speed kills" philosophy .... in our 300 WBY our 30 caliber, 180 grain bullets left the barrel at speeds from 3,200 to 3,300 fps .... I have fired a few at a target a couple of hundred yards away but always wanted to have an opportunity to cut some loose at 3 or 4 times that distance .... unfortunately, I've never had the opportunity to do so .... my initial goal is to try build a 45-70 load around the 400 gr Barnes Buster with a muzzle velocity around or something over 2,000 fps .... that should really be something ..

[RanchRoper]

I like big bullets.

Amen to that!

[PT7]

I have one box left of the Underwood Xtreme Penetrator ammo. It's not in either caliber used in the video ballistics testing, but they are 140gr .357 Magnums, rated at 1550FPS. I shot them out of either the Ruger 4.2" revolver, or my 4.25" derringer. I'd really like to try some gel tests with this stuff. When I've shot it at steel, it really clangs that metal along with "splashing" it quite solidly.

The Henry .45-70 All-Weather rifle he used was sure a beautiful gun! And it really did a number on the gel blocks, too. Toward the end of the vid, the fellow said he'd bet on the Xtreme Penetrator ammo topping the hard cast when he does further testing with these. What was most interesting was the results he talked about when shooting Xtreme Penetrator ammo at a bowling ball. The bowling ball was shattered into many pieces, and the Xtreme Penetrator bullet was not at all deformed. I think the name of "Xtreme Penetrator" well fits this bullet type; it's very tough stuff. BTW, my Avatar is a picture of Xtreme Penetrators.....cool-looking ammo. Thanks for posting an interesting video.

[JEBar]

today I received an order of Barnes Buster 400 grain bullets .... I find them to be most impressive and I'm looking forward to sending some down range .... I couldn't help but laugh at the tiny hole in the flat point .... doubt that will qualify it as a Hollow Point ..