Posted: 26 December 2009 at 22:22 | IP Logged

I have had one for several years. I have allways loaded it to Springfield laods per my Hornaday book. My thinking was the breach break style of rifle may not hold up to higher powered loads like the 1886, or Ruger #1 sections of the book.

But lately I have been told by two different guys that the H&R Handi Rifles will indeed hold up to the higher pressure loads.

I have asked this question of the factory, but never gotten a responce. I know there are several gun smiths on this sight, and was wondering. Would it be safeto jump up to 1886 section of the book? I only ask because now my brother digger has bought a Marlin Giude gun, and it would be easyer to just make one load for both rifles. That way we don't get ammo mixed up, and little stuff like that.

I really don't feel the need for more power, and I don't want to place the gun under undue strain. But if I can shoot the same load I work up for his gun that would make thing easyer.

Posted: 27 December 2009 at 02:35 | IP Logged

I have alway been under the under standing you can load them up to Marlin standards.

PS

 Don't sue me!!

Posted: 27 December 2009 at 06:44 | IP Logged

That's my understanding, too!

Several friends of mine hunt with single shot Handi-Rifle in 45/70 using the 325 grain Hornady Leverevolution ammo, which  I believe its loaded to Marlin lever action PSI. 

Posted: 27 December 2009 at 07:52 | IP Logged

At least one cartridge manufacturer considers the NEF ok for his +P loads.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

GARRETT'S 45-70  +P HAMMERHEAD AMMO

420-GR SUPER-HARD-CAST GAS-CHECKED HAMMERHEAD AT 1850-FPS

THIS 45-70 AMMUNITION IS RECOMMENDED FOR USE ONLY IN MODERN WINCHESTER, BROWNING, RUGER, MARLIN, NEF, AND SHILOH SHARPS RIFLES.

ENERGY: 3200 FT/LBS; TAYLOR KNOCKOUT VALUE: 51; MEPLAT: .330"; CHAMBER PRESSURE: 35,000-CUP; SECTIONAL DENSITY: .287; TRAJECTORY: +3" @ 100-YDS; ZERO @ 150-YDS; -7" @ 200-YDS

http://www.garrettcartridges.com/products.asp

Posted: 28 December 2009 at 05:25 | IP Logged

Ran about 20 500gr out of it yesterday. Yea I kicks, and yea I feel the shoulder a little today.

I usually shoot 350's man was that a differance!

Posted: 17 February 2010 at 14:11 | IP Logged

MM.....if you want to shoot 500s and minimize the "kick" try using black powder.....more of a push then kick......or get the Past recoil pad for bench shooting I hear it works too.  What is your twist rate in the NEF?  It might not like 500's for stability.  Same with the Marlin, I'd guess it was designed for 300 or 405 to do its best work.