Loads for Buffalo shooting

[john boy]

For compition does the load have to use black powder? 

Yes - no duplex loads allowed and the only substitute powder allowed for NRA matches is Pyrodex

And what would y'all recommend for someone looking to buy his first BIG BORE?

A 30" Pedersoli in 45-70.  You will be able to make the 10# weight requirement for Silhouette and also use the rifle for Mid and Long Range Target matches

[Ranch 13]

For compition does the load have to use black powder?  And what would y'all recommend for someone looking to buy his first BIG BORE?

It depends on the shoot. Most of the non NRA sanctioned events smokeless, duplex, the fake bp's are allowed, but the majority of the shooters shoot black.

As far as rifles go take a look at the C Sharps 75 more rifle for the money than anything they're importing from Italy.
the 45-70 is a very good choice. Bullets you'll want to find an offhand load using a 350-400 gr bullet, and a standard load with a 500-530 gr bullet .

[Fiddler Green]

Duke,

I've got an H&R (NEF) 1871 Buffalo Classic, in 45/70,  that I mounted a tang sight on and have had very good luck with it in the 700 Yrd and under matches. Not shot a 1,000 match wtih it, yet. I shoot Harlan Sage's 525 Grain Postal on 61 Grains of Goex Cartrige.

Bruce