Letters - 08/96

Better .45/70 Bullets Are Available, Reader Says

In your “Ultimate Handgun Caliber” article in the January 1996 Performance Shooter, you stated that a disadvantage of the 45/70 Government caliber in a handgun is that there are no “long, sleek bullets” for the 45/70. While the terms long and sleek may not fit, there are several sources where spitzer and/or semi-spitzer bullets may be ordered. Many of these bullets are designed to expand quickly at TC Contender pistol velocities.

Using these bullets, the trajectory will be improved somewhat, and the foot-pounds of energy will be improved dramatically. For instance, compare the Speer 400-grain and the Alpha La Franck 405-grain spitzer. At 150 yards, the Alpha bullet has 1,636 foot-pounds of energy, and the Speer has 1,316 foot-pounds. This is with a muzzle velocity of 1,000 fps for both.

Many varieties of spitzer bullets are available; different ogives (25, 35 and 45 are styles I’m aware of), weights, jacketed or not jacketed, gas checks or no gas checks.

There is also another supplier, Raptor Arms, who advertises bullets for contender hunters.

-Ray Park
Aurora, CO

Mr. Park also supplied us with the names of the companies that supply these bullets: Alpha La Franck Enterprises, Dept. PS, P.O. Box 81072, Lincoln, NE 68501, telephone (402) 466-3193; Northern Precision Custom Swaged Bullets, Dept. PS, 329 S. James St., Carthage, NY 13619, telephone (315) 493-1711; and Raptor Arms, Dept. PS, 2003 Briarstem, Houston, TX 77077.

Ruger Query
In the January 1996 article about Black Star, you listed some impressive accuracy results from the .25-06 Ruger M77. Which specific model of the M77 did you test?

-Joan Hennen
Zanesville, OH

The Ruger M77R MK II.

Astra Question
I recently purchased an EEA Astra A-75 in .45 ACP. I’ve only put 100 rounds through it so far, but I feel that this particular weapon has the potential to be an accurate firearm for its value. I got mine for $300. I’m working on a handload for it now.

I did some pretty thorough research comparison on the small frame/barrel .45s and choose this model for its exceptional value and its unique feature of being able to switch barrel/slide assemblies to convert to either 9mm or .40 S&W. Brownells has the extra slides for around $150.

This is a fairly new weapon; I believe EEA came out with it last year. I was wondering if you had done or considered doing any accuracy comparison tests, ease of changing calibers, effect of performance after changing, and other performance related questions. I’d be interested in your results.

Thanks for your consideration.

-Wes Glick
Aumsville, OR

We have no plans to test this particular pistol at this time, but the questions you raise about the switch-barrel issues are intriguing. We’ll try to locate a similar product to match it up against.

Trailer Accuracy Testing
I read with great pleasure your article entitled, “Varmint Pick: Anschutz Wins .22 WMR Bolt-Action Test.” I, too, didn’t realize the accuracy potential of this cartridge. However, I can only wonder what kinds of groups could be obtained if you had not been shooting from atop a two-wheeled trailer.Having worked on a farm in my youth, I can honestly attest to the inherent instability of such a device resting on two balloon tires. I make this comment under the impression that the shooting tests were performed on the same trailer that Mr. Geivet was shooting from. Some jackstands under the corners would have helped but, I believe in keeping that shooting bench planted firmly on the ground.

-Joseph W. Sula
Temple, TX

Sorry for the misunderstanding. All of our accuracy testing was conducted from concrete benches at a shooting range. We did, however, shoot more than a few varmints from atop the trailer.