Went to range with Rossi '92 and Rio Grande 45-70 !

[wll]

Well found my old shooting bag and few other things and went to the range.

Shot the 16 Inch Rossi 92 with Fiocchi 240grainers ....they were rockets and had some serious thump, not a real pleasant load for sure, average velocity with those 240gr soft points was at about 1730fps.

The would put the hurt on something for sure.

Than I shot some of my old reloads, 265 gr (I believe, have to pull bullet) WFP with 20gr of Lil Gun. This load also came out of the gun at 1700fps+ but the recoil was much less sharp !

The problem I have is the Fiocchi get caught up when loading from a tube, the 265 leads cycle like a champ ! I think the problem is the Fiocchi ar not crimped deep in the cannelure and the rim gets hung up entering the barrel. I can just roll crimp the Fiocchi a bit and I think the problem will go away.

Next was the Rio Grande in 45-70. I shot it using factory Remington 405gr standard loads ...... I forget, that baby kicked ! Loads were coming out of the Rossi at 1360fps+. I will be loading this gun with 405 rems or 425 lead gas checks at no more than 1400fps for sure. I think I will use 5744 as it, by all reports has a milder recoil and will fill the case nicely with this kind of velocity !

I must change the front sight on the Rio Grande as it shot 10" high or so at 50 yds.

It has been a few years since I shot, and I forget, you start shooting heavy bullets and you pay at both ends !


I shot my Mosin Nagant also, using 150gr SPBT and they were a dream to shoot. They clocked out about 3000fps

wll

[gamekeeper]

I don't like too much recoil myself but it sure feels satisfying when you shoot something that you know "WILL" get the job done!..

Is your Mosin Nagant a rifle or carbine?

[FatJackDurham]

I am amazed at the difference that shorter or lighter guns make when shooting 45-70.

My Springfield 1884 has kick, but the nice long barre and full length stock keep it under control. The same round in my Rolling Block No.1 with a shorter barrel, even with the meat on that barrel, lets you know you've shot something.

As well, with the Marlin 1895 Cowboy I just sold, despite the full length octagon barrel, mag tube, etc, it still was lighter than my Springfield, and kicked pretty good when using 405 grain bullets or heavier.

I am thinking to load some 350's for the Remington, and save the 500 grainers for the Springfield.