dbollard

This could be a fun discussion. The 45-70 is probably more practical with many more options firearms and reloading data and material. The number 1 45-70 I own is a beautiful firearm and my favorite so far, but I've ordered me one of those T Roosevelt re-issues and am having loads of fun rounding up reload supplies. Almost bought a no1 in 405 last night but thought I better have money for my bills instead. haha. Which is for you and why?

guitslo

I haven't owned a 405, but I own several 45-70s. I have 2 No 1s, one being custom built with an octagonal barrel. I also have a Marlin 1895 Cowboy and an 1873 trapdoor. I have owned other 45-70s and have to say that it is just one of my favorite callibers. There are alot of loading options.

R1895

Both, so I own both. Four .405s of which two are #1s and three .45-70s. of which one is a #1 & one a #3. I love both calibers and wouldn't want to be without either. Versatility is probably in the .45-70s favor but if it came down to it, the .405s are what I'd keep till the end. Being a big fan of the life of T.R. and having a nice collection of his original books and other memorabilia leads me in this direction. Owning one of the first 1895s made in .405WCF (09/1903) and a highly engraved take down 1895 also in .405WCF (1909) doesn't hurt either. After all, they were darn good medicine in their time and even better today with modern bullets.

four70nitro

I've owned several 45-70's (and currently own an early No. 1 in that caliber) and shot a couple of different .405's and I think they are both great cartridges.

I think loading components are more easily found for the .45-70 since almost everybody makes brass and .458 bullets are everywhere.....but Hornady is making brass for the .405 and there are some good bullets available. perhaps not as broad a selection as for the .45-70, but certainly an adequate supply.

Both cartridges can be loaded from mild-to-wild in the No. 1 -- and both are good cast bullet cartridges as well.

I don't think you can lose either way - I passed on a .405 some time ago (because it would have completely depleted my gun money stash at the time) and now regret doing so because I haven't seen another anywhere near the price. That is probably the other advantage the No. 1 in .45-70 has on the same rifle in .405 and that is price! There are a zillion No. 1's out there chambered in .45-70 and I see them all the time selling dirt cheap! I paid less the $500 for the one I have about 5 years ago and still see them available regularly in the $6-650 range, sometimes less. I never see .405's selling in that price range, if I ever do, I'll own one!

I do own a No. 3 (with No. 1 wood) that has been re-barreld and chambered for .40-70 Sharps Straight which is virtually identical to the .405 (in a modern rifle like the No. 1/3) that I haven't yet got around to playing with. Regardless, a No. 1 in .405 is on the list.....I am always looking for my next No. 1!

BlkHawk73

Have #1's in both chamberings and a #3 in .45-70. the .405 was purchased simply for it's classic chambering on such a classic design. same is kinds true for the .45-70 but also has a bit more practical use due to it's broader range of loading capabilities and ammo availability

moondog911

Greetings,

For shooting, the tropical 405 would be the first choice due to it's nine pound weight versus the seven an a half pound weight of the typical 45-70. I have the stainless tropical 416 RCM, and it works great with low cost cast bullets. The cost of jacketed bullets for big bores are prohibitive, and not really needed to punch paper or for hunting in Oklahoma.

However, the old 45-70 does have a large selection of bullets and loads. Because there have been, so many 45-70's produced. The 405 will likely hold it's value better.

moondog911

bwinters

The 405 is a great nostalgic cartridge. the 45/70 is far more practical. The sectional density is better on the 45/70 and the 45/70 can take heavy loads. Teh 300 grain 405 has adequate penetration at best. It was used beecause it was the most powerful round chambered in the 95 winchester.

stargeezer

I think the 45/70 is the winner hands down. As others have said, the 405 reload materials are a bit harder to find locally (unless you have a real well stocked LGS). Balistics for comparable loads are so equal that I doubt that there is any real advantage, either way.

I cast my 45/70 bullets for use in my Sharps and trapdoor. I don't doubt that you can get moulds for the 405 too, but I don't know if they will just be everywhere.

Apart from adding another caliber to your ammo supply needs, is there a reason you might be tempted by it, instead of paying the light bill? (full disclosure - we (me) have ALL been tempted - I was today...again)

Jakeleg

Don't know much about the 405, but my 1886 Winchester is 110 years old and still shoots well with factory ammo or my 300 gr hollowpoint handloads. Has terrific knock down power.

R1895

Agreed.

Can be more versatile.

Disagree. When comparing bullets of equal or similar weight, the .411/.405 bullet betters the .458/.45 in SD.
IE: 300gr .411 vs 300gr .458; 325gr .411 vs 325gr .458; 350gr .411 vs 350gr .458; 400gr .411 vs 405gr .458. The SD of the .411 is higher in each example. In fact, a 300gr .411 bullet has a higher SD than a 350gr .458.

Heavier. A .45-70 can drive a 350gr bullet at the speeds of a 300gr from a Win. 1895, .405 but it can only be done safely in a very strong action like the #1. (Marlin 1895s need not apply.)

Disagree. Depends on the bullet material; the bullet construction; the velocity it's being driven at and exactly what needs penetrating at what range.
There are 300gr .405 bullets and loads that will well penetrate most any game in front of it at typical .45-70 ranges. My 300gr Barns copper bullets are penetrators. If I felt they were lacking I could load up some of my 400gr Barnes copper bullets or 350gr Hawks. For that matter, I could load some 270gr Hawks and pump up the volume. (The .405 isn't completely un-versatile.)

It's still used and it's still powerful among it's peers. As a matter of fact, it's better today than it's ever been, especially with todays bullets, modern steels and stronger actions.

Does this make me anti .45-70? Not hardly or even close. I own three and two of them see plenty of use. It's one of my two favorite calibers.

R1895

I've never bothered looking for anything .405 in GSs and yet I lack nothing I want for the caliber.

That's the miracle of the Internet. If it's been invented and manufactured, it's out there somewhere in Cyberland.

spartan88

.45-70 because it is more practical.

dbollard

i love my no 1 45-70 and there is a lot of reload options. but something about T Roosevelt tracking and huntign throughout north america and africa with that 405 win seems very "cool". I ordered a Roosevelt 405 win waiting to pick it up. I like the fact that you can load light for plinking with 41mag bullets and the go HEAVY as well. Both are awesome though.

R1895

Good for you, nice snag! I'm betting you're going to love it.

Flynmoose

I recently added a #1s in 45-70 to the family. I have a 24" Encore and a 30" Pedersoli in 45-70 as well. I have had others in the same caliber and saw no need to change now. The T.R. connection is a nice legacy though.
FM