[sindbad]

I am new to the 45/70. Most calibers have an optimum bullet weight for a given twist rate. My question is what weight bullet is best in terms of accuracy for 45/70 1895 SBL with 1:20 r.h? Secondly, what happens in terms of accuracy and stability as one goes to the lightest and heaviest bullets for this set up. Any tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for all responses!

 

[lescarpentier]

You can shoot bullets anywhere from 250 to 540 grains accurately in your 1:20 barrel.
Your shoulder or the game you hunt will point out to you the optimum bullet weight.

 

[Pard]

I have shot 380s, 400s, 405s, 430s, and 450s out of my 1895, the 430s FNGC seem to be the most accurate. 405s next to that.

In the single shot buff gun, all the way to 540s, went with the same 430FNGC, seems to fly the best.

So both me 45/70s use the same boolit, cool huh

I had 20 600gr RN, but was to chicken to fire them off, so traded them away

 

[mister 270]

I would start with 405s but i have had great luck with 350 cast,, just me

 

[pricedo]

430 grain hard cast lead bullet @ 1850-1950 fps ( H4198 ) in my 45-70 Guide Guns.
Optimal compromise between trajectory & penetration.
Some like to push "car battery" bullets slower for more penetration but need to use Kentucky guesstimation beyond 100 yards because of the garden hose trajectory of the huge 500 grain plus bullets.
Show me the North American bear that a 430 grain FN hard cast going 1850 fps won't knock down and I'll show you a Smoky The Bear billboard.

 

[mrguvna]

love the speer 405 gr behind 53 gr imr 3031. more accurate than I am thanks to Elmer Keitharty:

 

[DOGMAN]

I've heard that elmer Keith load kills on Both ends of the Gun!!