45-70 load data help, please!

[tree rat]

I have the 500g lee pointed bullets, I cast. I am looking for about 1,400 to 1,500 fps, can I do this with IMR-3031? what load book would I find this in? also can I push plain base wheel weight bullets, lubed with lee alox to these speed?

[EsoxLucius]

I assume you are shooting a single shot 45-70 rifle. Try 44 grains of IMR 3031 with your 500 grain cast bullet.  Should be right around 1500 fps and should not be a problem with plain base and lubed bullets.

[tree rat]

Its for a Ruger #1, is that 44g a low pressure load, would it be safe for a trap door?

[quickdtoo]

The Lyman 48th shows the Lyman 457658 500gr spitzter cast bullet trapdoor load of IMR3031 as 37gr start to 40gr max at 16.4kcup and 1412fps in a 24" or 30" barrel, they don't indicate which, COL is 2.990", rem 9½, Rem brass. They also show the Lyman 457125 round nose as 38gr start and 42gr max at 1332fps and 17.9kcup in the trapdoor loads. The only IMR3031 data in their Ruger level loads is for the 457132 535gr bullet which I think is the Postell, 45gr start and 50gr max for 1674fps and 37kcup (which is very conservative, Hodgdon puts their levergun load limit at 40kcup and Ruger at 50kcup), same primer and brass as the trapdoor loads.

Tim

[tree rat]

thanks, so what I have in mind is to start at 40g and work up 1g at a time to 45g and I should have very safe load for the #1 Ruger, and it should be easy on brass. one more question, should I crimp this load at C.O.L. or seat just off the lands?

[quickdtoo]

I like to crimp with the Lee factory crimp die for the shot to shot consistency it affords, but it's not necessary in a single shot, it does insure consistent neck tension and bullet pull. Seating just off the lands is usually desirable, but not mandatory, I don't like to seat shorter than recommended COL in the data, or it will increase pressure.

Tim

[Redhawk1]

tree rat, if you are going to be reloading I suggest you invest in a couple reloading manuals. It is nice to have that information at your disposal. Good luck with your 45-70

[tree rat]

redhawk1 is right about the reloading manuals, however my lee book pushes accurate arms powder whenever you start looking for heavy cast loads in the 45-70, and I have heard 3031 mentioned alot for the 45-70 for low pressure loads, and since I use this powder for other calibers I wanted to try it