BPTR Rifle Suggestions

[MikeT]

Ed,
I agree with the 32" barrel. I shoot a 34" now but my new rifle will be 32". 34" is a pain to get into and out of the safe.
45-70 is the hands down favorite for most shooters be it mid or long range. I shoot PP bullets because they are much easier to get an accurate load for than a grease groove bullet. If the fit of a gg bullet to the chamber configuration is not very good you will not get great accuracy. PP bullets are much simpler to get a very good fit to the bore.
Scope or irons is a personal thing. I am resisting going to a scope even though my sight picture seems to go to the dogs in low light. Scopes must be practiced with until the adjustments are almost automatic. I am guessing if I do go with a scope I will have to quite irons all together to avoid confusion.
The barrel twist is also a personal thing. My 45-70 is a 16 twist, but since I favor lighter bullets, an 18 twist would do the job.
Bullet velocities are generally around 1300 fps plus or minus 20 fps. My 45-70 is between 1280 and 1290 depending on temperature.
Bullet weight is usually about 535-545 grains. I prefer my 525 grain elliptical nose bullet from BA. Some folks believe that a 590 grain bullet in 45 caliber would be best. I doubt that, because I do not feel that less recoil is detrimental to my shooting.
In conclusion, I would add a recommendation to build your LR rifle to the maximum weight allowed. Mine is 14 pounds 14 oz. as weighed-in at a LR match near Lodi, WI.

Keep on hav'n Fun!
MikeT