From louis.bordenave@nashville.com

How was the recoil on the 45-70?? Is it comparable to stiff 357 Herrett loads? I am thinking about one. 

From alfaro@tidcompo.llnl.gov Jerry Alfaro

The 16" Hunter Barrel in 45/70 shooting the 400gr bullets will get your attention. It defiantly has more recoil than the 357 Herrett but I didn't find it unbearable. I'm thinking I might get one someday.

From: njohnson@nosc.mil (Norman F. Johnson

My stiffest 200 gr. .357 Herrett loads recoil so much less than my 300 gr. .45-70 loads that there is no comparison. The .357 Herrett really is a pussycat.

I am still experimenting with various grips/holds to see if I can keep that trigger guard from rapping my finger/knuckle so hard when the .45-70 goes off. I find that it is very pleasant to shoot with 230 gr. ball bullets swaged backwards to .458-459". I have tried straight .452" FMJ bullets for plinking but they keyhole badly although they still have "moment of can" accuracy. Fun!

God Bless!

Norm

From Laurence_D_Fath@rohmhaas.com

Actually it all depends on your idea of fun. The 45-70 in a muzzle tamer version is actually not that bad to shoot when you stick to the 300-350 grain slugs. It only tends to get rough when you go to hot 400's and 500's. I enjoy the looks I get when I stuff the chamber with one of the big guys and send it down range. As long as you "go with the flow" of the recoil you won't have any problems. However, I usually stop shooting it after 20 rounds so that I don't abuse my wrists. On the other hand the 6.5 TCU is a real pussy cat. I've shot 50-60 rounds in a sitting while doing load development with no problems. Usually I ran out of ammo before I ran out of wanting to shoot. If cost is an issue the 6.5 is a lot cheaper to shoot. They are two very different cartridges with different roles. Between my collection and my shooting partners collection we can shoot 17 different barrels in calibers from 22lr up to 45-70. We enjoy them all. If time at the range is important definitely go with the 6.5 TCU. I would suggest shooting a 45-70 just for the experience. You just might find it a real thrill. Happy shooting! LDF