45/70 BC

[m60 tanker]

I have H&R Buffalo Classic in 45/70. I was sent me some 500gr SP cast boolits and I need a good load with Varget. I loaded some with 45grs of Varget does that sound ok? And can I use cardboard for a wad with blackpowder loads. I was going to 55 to 60gr of RS black powder. And they are comprssed about 1/4 inch.

[rdlange]

Your load is 10gr OVER recommended for cast according to MD Smith site... just FYI. 

BPCR shooters have mixed opinions on over powder ANYTHING;  can ring or destroy barrel.  We do not advise on this.

Hogdon site has free reloading info for their powders. 

You need a Lyman Cast Bullet Loading manual.

[RPRNY]

I like Varget a lot. Use it for 6.5x55, 30-30 and even 30-06. But it's a relatively fast burner and seems like it wouldn't be best suited to the barrel length of the BC.

[quickdtoo]

The Lyman 48th lists the 500gr #457125 cast bullet Varget trapdoor loads as 40.5gr start to 45gr max at just 17.7kcup(kpsi), also listed in their Ruger data as 50gr start to 56gr Max at just 35.9kcup(kpsi) which is a Levergun load per Hodgdon and Hornady, not a problem for an SB2 H&R, BUT they list the COL for both as 2.835", loading substantially shorter can increase pressure considerably in the typically short throated H&R 45-70 barrel.

Tim

[m60 tanker]

Your load is 10gr OVER recommended for cast according to MD Smith site... just FYI. 

BPCR shooters have mixed opinions on over powder ANYTHING;  can ring or destroy barrel.  We do not advise on this.

Hogdon site has free reloading info for their powders. 

You need a Lyman Cast Bullet Loading manual.

The Lyman 48th book is what I used to reload these rounds. The OAL was 2.995 so the pressure were not over the limt for lever action section that I got the info from. I went to the range today and shot these rounds and they shot very good. The only thing is I need a taller front sight. It shoots low. The recoil is very strong. I am needing some blackpowder load data. Thanks Tim. I love this rifle.

[shvlhead.45]

M60 tanker,

If you BC is shooting low, you will need a shorter front sight, not taller.  A taller sight will make you shoot even lower.

r/shvlhead.45

[m60 tanker]

I thought about what I said after I said it. Were can I get lower front sight?

[quickdtoo]

H&R puts one of two different front sight heights on the BC, the higher .584"(made for the 38-55 Target) is too tall for the WGRS peep, many of us chose to swap it out for the .404" tall front sight. The correct sight that comes on some BCs  is .494" which works good with the WGRS, both it and the .404" are available aftermarket from many sources, Brownells, Midway, BA, and others,  the .404" being best for any long range shooting if you choose to upgrade the rear sight as well.

Tim

[m60 tanker]

I called H&R today and they are sending me a front sight of .428 I think that this will work.

[quickdtoo]

Let us know what it actually measures and the part number if they provide it so I can add it to the FAQs, dovetailed globe sights are measured from the bottom of the dovetail to the center of the globe.

thanks,

Tim

[m60 tanker]

The man I talked to with H&R said sight  height was .428. Because he looked at blueprints and he told me the sight on the rifle was .584. When I get it in I will post a report and the part number.

[quickdtoo]

Best of luck, you wouldn't be the first to be sent the wrong front sight by H&R CS, .428" sounds like a screw mounted sight, Lyman doesn't make a 3/8" dovetail target sight that size, just .404", .494", .584" and .700", could be something new tho, this has been a problem with the BC for years, it would be nice if they finally correct it. 

Tim