Cowboy story and load check

[KW]

Hi, everyone. So in my search for a smooth-bore I actually got a good deal on the other gun I have always wanted , an 1895 cowboy. This gun's serial # starts with 99 so I think it was build in 2001 and had only 35 rounds through it. The gentleman swore on CHRISTmas that it was true, how could I not believe him? Got the rifle, dies and 100 rounds of ammo for $450, so (thanks to an understanding wife) I got the second gun of my dreams. I have started loading for this rifle and I was curious if using 42 grns. of IMR 3031 just to try some Laser Cast bullets on for size was to light of a load? It states that 48 for starting, but I saw in a Lyman book 41.5 was good to start. Was just curious so that I don't get a second pressure load. Thanks.

[Chuck White]

What caliber and bullet weight?

[KW]

Oops... guess that would be helpful. It's 45/70, a 405 grn Laser Cast bullet and 42 grns of IMR 3031. What ya think???

[KW]

Well the load works fine. Not much recoil and aluminum cans are easy prey at 25 yds. (And for the legal cya) Always check your own loads, this may work for me but not you and I assume no responsibility if you use this load. This question was for info only.

[EsoxLucius]

42 grains of IMR3031 with a 405 grain bullet is about 13 grains short of a maximum Marlin 1895 45-70 load.  48.5 grains of IMR3031 produces about 1,700 fps and 21,100 CUP with a 405 grain cast bullet in the 45-70, a load suitable for the Springfield Trapdoor rifle.