Thinking on a new rifle

[mustanggt]

Thanks Don, I guess that means the 40/70 will shoot the long range game! I take it that I will need a long range soule sight?

[Don McDowell]

A long range soule is a good idea, it might not take all of it to get to 1k, but it's nice to know you have it if you need it.
A good bubble level front sight is really helpful shooting the long range.
With the powders we have today , there shouldn't be much problem getting the velocity to reach 1000 yds with a 40-70 with a 16 twist barrel.

[mustanggt]

Thanks Don. Now I have to re-evaluate my caliber choice. I shoot 75gr of 3F Swiss and KIK and 525gr bullet in my 45/70 and am going to start testing 3F OE this weekend. That gets my bullet up to 1300fps and I can even do 80grs but there is a lot of spring back if I don't shoot them right away. So any of those charges would be satisfactory in the 40/70 to get to the 1K line?

[Don McDowell]

I doubt you can get much more than 65-70 grs of powder in the 40-70 case without some obscene amount of compression to seat the bullet, but even that should hurl a 400 gr at a bit over 1200 fps which should make the 1 K line with ease.

[mustanggt]

Good to know Don. Thank you so much. I appreciate it. What bullet would be a good choice for that GG and PP?

[Don McDowell]

Always glad to add to the confusion. LOL
Keep us posted on what you come up with.

[mustanggt]

Will do.

[mustanggt]

I've taken a look at CSA's inventory and noticed one that has a 34" barrel. Im concerned about enough lube being carried for an extra 4" of barrel as compared to the 30" barrels I have now. What do you guys think? Also what bullets in 40 cal would you recommend for the longrange game?

[Mike]

Mustang, If that barrel needs more lube, then add more lube. You can simply be selective in getting bullets, or molds for bullets, that have larger grease groves so they carry more lube. I use a .40/70 on a highwall and find the Saeco bullets do well along with the bullets from RCBS molds. Also, a "cookie" of lube between the bullet and the over-powder wad can help a lot if the bullets don't carry enough grease. Yes, I've looked at that 34" barreled .40/70 too. Shoot sharp, Mike

[Don McDowell]

The good ol Lyman Snover bullet works well in the 40 cals.
Wiping is generally the best bet in target shooting so the amount of lube the bullet carries gets to be more of a mute point.
That rifle is a sweet son of a gun.. been having pleasant dreams about it myself..