.45-70 for Elephant

Originally Posted by USA No.1

There are plenty accounts of the 45-70 taking elephants. It's been proven multiple times but you refuse to believe it. The truth is you guys suffer from little penis syndrome where you need the biggest baddest most expensive rifles to get the job done. Either you just can't accept the fact that a cheap american rifle can lay the smackdown on your beloved african game even though it's been proven over and over again or you're trying to justify your purchase of an expensive rifle that barely gets used. Either way you guys are in denial and need to get over it.

I suspect you are either deliberately trying to twist some tails, and/or you have never been anywhere around an actual elephant or buffalo being killed. Either way you need to grow up, and learn some manners.
At one time I thought the 45-70 was OK for dangerous game. I asked myself, "after all how tough can a Buffalo or Elephant be?" Right?
Well, I've used a 45-70 for several other African species and after taking my first Buffalo (not with a 45-70) and watching my son take an Elephant (also not with a 45-70) I most definitely do NOT think the 45-70 is OK for elephant or buffalo!

Well, I know a PH from Zambia that has done a lot research and development into building a better 45-70, his name is Pete Swanepoel. He has used in for hippo hunting and other things.

I don't want to start a war about the 45-70. I thought Pete's blog on the subject was interesting. That said practically no one on here is going to agree that the 45-70 is a elephant gun.

The .45-70 would not be my first choice for DG either. But perhaps if we look at this another way.. In years past there were any number of rounds that were considered at least adequate for all DG that were based upon a minimum .40 or 41 caliber bullet of at least 400 grs weight, moving at least 2000-2100 fps. Look in Taylors books. The .404 Jeffery comes to mind and there are many more like it. Now if you put the tired old obsolete .45-70 round in a modern strong action say like the Ruger No. 1 or even a Marlin lever gun such a load can be developed using modern components and really good 400 gr .45 caliber bullets that will make the speed and drive deep. That is a fact. Same can be said of the .405 Winchester, I have done it. I have not read what Eric mentions above but suspect that is the direction Pete S. is talking about. So dont jump all over me guys, but loaded right in the right type of weapon, I think the .45-70 could be said to be an adequate DG cartridge if not an ideal one. And as far as the big bears give me a hot loaded .45 cal, 400 gr bullet over a .338 winnie any day of the week for a stopper!

Originally Posted by USA No.1

What a bunch of haters. The 45-70 has proven itself to be adequate for the biggest and baddest African game. You guys just can't handle the fact that a 150 year old AMERICAN cartridge can be so effective on your beloved elephants. You guys really need to get over your inferiority complex and stop hating on things just because they're American. If it wasn't for America you'd all be fucked right now anyway.

You guys need to stop taking the bait from posters like this.... On other forums they are referred to as "trollers". The troll around making purposely inflammatory posts or looking for posts that they can respond to and provoke a reaction....

Most of the time they are little kids. They think it's funny... They will disappear when they cease to get a reaction... Watch, I guarantee you I will provoke a response with this reply....Don't indulge this idiot....

Originally Posted by firehuntfish

You guys need to stop taking the bait from posters like this.... On other forums they are referred to as "trollers". The troll around making purposely inflammatory posts or looking for posts that they can respond to and provoke a reaction....

Most of the time they are little kids. They think it's funny... They will disappear when they cease to get a reaction... Watch, I guarantee you I will provoke a response with this reply....Don't indulge this idiot....

Thanks... USA No 1 has been banned.

Originally Posted by 505ED

I know one gent that killed an elephant with a 45-70 and the bull fell very dead on the first shot....but....its not an elephant gun!!!!!

COMMENT: Owning a .45-70 Govt. rifle even though I have no doubt that it has been done, I agree with this statement. The .45-70 Gov't is not considered an elephant gun, and to be honest with you I don't really think I have heard too many people from where I am from refer to it as such. It is great for carrying into "Grizzly" country here in America, but would not be my go to primary rifle to hunt an elephant with.

All I can say to anyone who wants to hunt DG with a 45-70, (EL Rhino and Buff) with this fantastic round, "I'll go with you with my 458 and a camera, because one way or another I would be shooting one or both". It goes hand in hand with the 223 for deer/antelope size animals, with so many choices of caliber WHY choose a minimum caliber. Sure it can be done, but what are we trying to prove, that we can do it?

I know that "USA No one" was booted, but the argument is all over the place. Only reason I am posting again was one of the guys I just poured concrete for, argued this with me today about the 45-70 be "enough" for anything on the planet. It's nut to get that load Safely to the same specks as a 458. Therefore, I'd have to see it done to believe it.