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460 S&W vs 45/70 [message #8186]

Tue, 17 January 2012 16:46

Crubear
Messages: 1798
Registered: March 2010
Location: NW Georgia

Top Contributor
Forum Moderator

Question, why would you buy a 45/70 when a 460 appears to be a better all around cartridge?

Brass is about the same, but you can load the 460 down and up to suit your purposes. On top of that, you can also shoot 45 Colt and 454 Casull in the 460.

Since the 460 is (was?) rated as the fastest production magnum cartridge out there I'm really curious to know why you'd prefer to go with the 45-70?

(OK, it's just too quiet in here)

Honestly, I have all the barrels I want or could ever need..... wait, look, there's another!!

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Re: 460 S&W vs 45/70 [message #8194 is a reply to message #8186]

Tue, 17 January 2012 18:45

goinssr
Messages: 42
Registered: December 2011
Location: Arkansas

Novice Contributor

The 460 is a relatively new cartridge that has nowhere near the presence or following of the 45/70. There are also many, many more weapons platforms that fire the 45/70 than there are the 460. The 460 may unseat the 45/70 at some time in the future but I seriously doubt it. There have been many new cartridges that were developed to unseat others who's popularity was well established but failed to do so because the shooting public was just too reluctant to adopt change. The 280 Remington was developed to outshine the 270 Winchester on all levels but failed to do so because too many shooter's allegiance to the 270 was unflappable. And the 280 is a better all around cartridge. I know that oughta stir up some debate but facts are facts! Only time will tell if the 460 will ever gain the popularity of the century old 45/70.

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Re: 460 S&W vs 45/70 [message #8207 is a reply to message #8194]

Wed, 18 January 2012 09:16

Crubear
Messages: 1798
Registered: March 2010
Location: NW Georgia

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Just to clarify, I'm not thinking of anything other than why would you buy the 45-70 for the Encore?

Honestly, I have all the barrels I want or could ever need..... wait, look, there's another!!

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Re: 460 S&W vs 45/70 [message #8244 is a reply to message #8207]

Fri, 20 January 2012 15:30

Jljones
Messages: 55
Registered: October 2011
Location: Breckenridge, co

Novice Contributor

45-70 because you already have other rifles chambered for it. Then you would not have to buy more dies, bullets and brass etc. I'm fighting with this right now.

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Re: 460 S&W vs 45/70 [message #8253 is a reply to message #8244]

Fri, 20 January 2012 20:10

RICKinNH
Messages: 12
Registered: December 2011
Location: New Hampshire

Forum Newbie

From what I have read - you can hand-load the 45-70 to simulate a small cannon. [ Not recommended for older guns, but the Encore & Ruger barrels are pretty beefy] As the case of the 45-70 is about .25" longer than the 460 - this would obviously mean more room for powder. I have yet to get into hand-loading, but to get a good idea - I suggest you place loaded 460 and 45-70 cartridges next to each other. The 45-70 appears significantly bigger.

If I were told that I could only have either the 460, or 45-70.......I would choose the 460 just to shoot the 454 Casull in my 20" Katahdin. For deer/bear hunting in New England, and shots under 200 yards - it is all you really need. But...then again...nobody told me I couldn't have both. Surprised

)

No offense to Mr. Crubear, but I think a better discussion would be why buy a 500 S&W if you already had a 460? Similar to Mr. Jones - I am fighting with that addition to the collection.

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Re: 460 S&W vs 45/70 [message #8260 is a reply to message #8253]

Fri, 20 January 2012 22:12

Crubear
Messages: 1798
Registered: March 2010
Location: NW Georgia

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None taken, why I started this.

The 45/70 is not designed for magnum pressures and pushing it that high will be very bad. Like wise though, you can push the 460 up past what a revolver can take.

As for the 500, I go with the thought that it won't last.

Honestly, I have all the barrels I want or could ever need..... wait, look, there's another!!

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Re: 460 S&W vs 45/70 [message #8356 is a reply to message #8260]

Tue, 24 January 2012 14:27

MongooseV8
Messages: 68
Registered: January 2012
Location: Oakley, CA

Novice Contributor

The 460 casing can handle a huge amount of pressure, case size isn't everything!

Most listed velocities for the 45/70 are out of a rifle barrel. Most listed for the 460 are pistol barrels. In my experience the 460 has a bunch of unburned powder even at 13". So shooting one out of a comparable length would show the 460 pulling well ahead of the 45/70. Even so that doesn't mean everyone would rather have a 460. It's a no brainer for me, but I certainly see the appeal of the 45/70 others enjoy.

Right now I'm building a 16" carbine in 460 for a 300 yard and closer critter gitter. Should bruise a few shoulders lol.

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Re: 460 S&W vs 45/70 [message #8360 is a reply to message #8356]

Tue, 24 January 2012 16:12

Crubear
Messages: 1798
Registered: March 2010
Location: NW Georgia

Top Contributor
Forum Moderator

I've had both in carbine length barrels (16" 45/70 Contender and a 17" 460 Encore) and both were entertaining. Definately get the 460 braked, much more enjoyable that way.

I agree, you have to match the powder to the barrel length in both cases, but I do love the muzzle flare (can't call a 2 foot fireball a flash) you get with the slower powders.

Honestly, I have all the barrels I want or could ever need..... wait, look, there's another!!

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