Starting load 45/70

[pittbull46]

What is a good starting load for the H&R BC 45/70 layman 535 bullet using BP. New to BP shooting and reloading and don't want to screw up thanks

[Lone Star]

Enough BP to fill the case enough to have some compression when the bullet is seated.  Without some compression ignition and accuracy will be spotty.  Try a few thin cardboard wads between the powder and the bullet.



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[longcaribiner]

Agreed,  I load with a 100 yr old Ideal Tong tool, and I can feel the powder grains compress slightly when seating the bullets.  A card board wad and or grease cookie is good.  Make sure thhe bullets are lubed with a black powder lube, not a hard smokeless lube like Alox.      There are all kinds of "magic" formulations for loads and lubes.  Around 60 grains of 2f will be right (3f will kick a bit more, but might burn cleaner.  With Black powder, tha main danger is that you don't want to hear powder flopping back and forth in a loaded cartridge.  Should be stuffed to the max.  Now, for less powder,  adding a card wad or grease cookie or filler like cream of wheat is ok, just so it will not shake inside the case.

For best results swab the bore between shots.  wet patch dry patch.   

[zrifleman]

You will need a drop tube--at least 24" long and powder compression die to get the best out of your 45-70. A full case of cartridge will hold about 70 grs and .350-.400" compressiom with your bullet should load and shoot fine.