45/70

[Walking Bear]

Ok I have impulse issues. I have been shooting, hunting and reloading for over 40 years. So I was at a gun show few years back and on a table was a 16.5 " barrel in 45/70 for a Contender. Well not legal for Indiana public land didn't think about it. One day I came across it and gathered some parts and a scope 3X I already had. Loaded some 405 FP with 3031 and about broke my shoulder and scope cut. DAMN. Ok so I found some bullets on auction site 470 GC RB and 330 HP both lead. So researching some I loaded some with black powder since loads must be in the Trap Door category. Much better now and handy.

 

[Walking Bear]

Scope is an old Tasco 2X not 3

 

[Hookeye]

I thought the Super 16 bbls were 16.25".
Folks used to trim the .45-70 cases to be PCR legal here.
Reg rynite stock for Contender is for iron sights, a cheekriser is a nice addition ( Rynite stock is tough, and thin....really like em ). Madr my cheekriser from Kydex and velcro. Worked great and no permanent mod to stock.

Mine was .35 rem Super 16.

Twitchy, used a G2 synth forend and filled hollows w epoxy and #8 shot.
Really helped steady it for easy offhand shooting.

 

[Leadeye]

Meh, 45-70 rocket loads make for a fun day with a revolver.

 

[sloppyjoe]

Meh, 45-70 rocket loads make for a fun day with a revolver.

Talk about a hand cannon!

 

[mcapo]

Meh, 45-70 rocket loads make for a fun day with a revolver.

One of my favorite Texans holding that cannon!

 

[Mgderf]

Ok I have impulse issues. I have been shooting, hunting and reloading for over 40 years. So I was at a gun show few years back and on a table was a 16.5 " barrel in 45/70 for a Contender. Well not legal for Indiana public land didn't think about it. One day I came across it and gathered some parts and a scope 3X I already had. Loaded some 405 FP with 3031 and about broke my shoulder and scope cut. DAMN. Ok so I found some bullets on auction site 470 GC RB and 330 HP both lead. So researching some I loaded some with black powder since loads must be in the Trap Door category. Much better now and handy.
View attachment 148226

Just curious why you said the loads "must be in the Trapdoor category".
That Contender will take Marlin loads all day long, and laugh them off.
I know people who tempt fate and shoot "Ruger only" loads through a Contender.

I'm fine with the Marlin loads myself.
My shoulder isn't as young as it used to be.

 

[Michigan Slim]

I load from ***** cat to lion loads. Unique and Trailboss loads make fun plinkers. 300 yard hits are easy. 3031 with a home cast 405 are my go to loads. No gas check needed.
Edit: Yep, that gun will handle heavy loads all day. But why beat yourself up?

 

[Mongo59]

I load mine with 28.5gr 5744, 405gr JSP, and Winchester Mag rifle primers.

They don't punish and will make clover leaves all day long...

 

[Walking Bear]

I was under the impress that the Contender required light loads. It is 16.25 your right. Nice little gun

 

[Mgderf]

I was under the impress that the Contender required light loads. It is 16.25 your right. Nice little gun

Not from what I've been told.
The generation 1 Contenders (One's with the cat engraved on the side) were not quite as strong in the receiver area as the later iterations, but I believe they are still strong enough to handle "Marlin/lever-gun loads".
I don't put Ruger only through mine, but I don't need the punishment.

 

[goob469]

I keep looking at the Henry - Steel Lever Action .45-70 Side Gate. Not sure what I would do with it but, it's a damn good looking rifle.