45-70 LeverEvolution users...

scratchy wilson · Post by **scratchy wilson** » Sat Oct 06, 2007 5:12 pm

would you recommend using this load for elk size game?

handirifle · Post by **handirifle** » Sat Oct 06, 2007 5:16 pm

Haven't used it yet, but I think elk are what they made it for. A 325gr bullet at almost 2100fps ought to be 200yd elk medicine for sure.

scratchy wilson · Post by **scratchy wilson** » Sat Oct 06, 2007 5:22 pm

Thanks. I'll be heading to Tn at the end of the month for a wild pig hunt primarily, but there's some exotics and others floating around the area as well. The rifle is a Marlin 1895SS.

BlaineCGarverakaTubbyTuba · Sat Oct 06, 2007 5:38 pm

No personal knowledge, but I've heard that the LE stuff has been known to come apart. I'd tend to look at Garrett's HammerHead stuff if I didn't reload already.....Even his .44 Mag stuff is excellent. I also use(ed) Federal with the 300gr HotCor....the one shot I made with it, the bullet mushroomed perfectly and held together the full length (4'?) down a blacktail from the front.

Leverluver · Post by **Leverluver** » Sat Oct 06, 2007 6:21 pm

I think they would be OK. I pulled the bullets and tested them from 1100fps to 2300fps. They open well on the low end and they flat came apart on the upper end BUT you will never see anything close to those velocities. You are not even going to see anywhere near 2100fps. The initial runs with the two part powder only went mid 19s from a 22". Since they can't get that powder anymore, they've even slowed them down from that. Actually that is good thing for the bullet. I don't think you will break one at factory velocities and any normal hunting "impact" velocity.

PS I wouldn't try any raking shots. They ain't that good.

86er · Post by **86er** » Sat Oct 06, 2007 6:27 pm

The results from our customers using this ammo in 45-70 has been mixed. It has been inconsistent enough that I won't use it personally, but some folk swear by it.

The most consistent factory ammo I have found and used on 40 something different animals including cape and water buffalo is the Grizzly Cartridge rendition of 405gr Kodiak bullet @ 2000 fps (advertised). We shot an elk at 125 yards quartering to. Broke front facing shoulder, sliced through the torso and broke last 3 ribs coming out about 1" in diameter. A red deer, similar to elk, dropped with one shoulder shot at 80 yards. Through and through penetration with a quarter sized exit hole.

On an exotic ranch you might not have to worry too much about it, but if it were the elk hunt of a lifetime, I personally would go with something with more consistent, proven results.