Has anyone had luck finding an accurate factory load for a .45-70? I shoot a 14" Contender with a Burris 4X. All my reloading supplies are in storage and archery season is almost here, so working up a new load is not an option right now.

I've had good luck with Federal Classic 300gr. factory loads with the Sierra HP, or the new Speer hotcore SP. Both loads have proven extremely accurate out of my BFR as well as my Marlin 1895 Ltd, plus they're not too hard on the pocketbook! They're definetly worth trying if you're after deer/small bears/hogs.

Thanks for the information. Have you had a chance to see if the Speer Hot Core bullet will expand on game at handgun velocities? All I need them for this year is a doe tag. I plan to work up a load soon using the 400 grain Speer for elk/deer season next fall.

I have used a Garrett Cartridge load. I believe it was around a 300 grain solid point and really hit hard. They are a little pricey, but well worth it!

You may want to rethink that 400 gr load in a Contender, esp if worked up as hunt load velocity. Mine generates all the recoil I can handle with 300 gr handloads that run about 1800. Their info suggests not using more than 300 grainers to prevent stretching the frame. I'm using Hornady FP in mine with great accuracy.

Try Remington's 300gr HP's factory ammo. Shot xtremly well out of my SSK 14" barrel. In fact I gained only a little bit more accuracy by handloading vs Remington. MOA@100yds w/hand-loads. 1.5" w/factory Rem's

I didn't realize a 400 grain load would stress the frame that much. I was planning on a load in the 1400-1500 fps range. Was the information about stretching the frame from TC? For a 300 gr. load I only plan on shooting for around 1600 fps. How well do the Hornady 300 gr. FP expand and penetrate at 1800 fps? I want to find a bullet that will expand on deer, but also penetrate enough for elk.

The thing about frame streching came both from TC and another site.
Loading them down as you intend may make a difference. The Hornady's expand well on deer; can't comment on elk use.
You may just want to check out some hard cast/gas-checked bullets for that purpose.

Guys, I have never heard of a factory 45-70 load stretching a Contender (JMO). I don't think it's an issue until you start overloading it with heavy 500's that are designed for the big single shot rifles (aka Ruger #3 or #1) . I would shoot any factory load in my contenders, however, I would not try to turn it into a 450 Marlin - but it can loaded to hotter velocities than factory form. Have fun! BTW-my TC 14" shoots all factory loads extremely well and recoil to me is extremely manageable.