Author Topic: 45-70 vs. 450 Marlin load data  (Read 1309 times)

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Offline jpuke

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45-70 vs. 450 Marlin load data
« on: September 13, 2004, 05:46:59 AM »
I want to start loading some 330 Gould hollowpoints and I was wondering if I could use the 450 Marlin data for my 1895.  I was thinking about using the 350 gr data from the free Hodgdon handloaders guide I got from the store the other day.  My reasoning is that if it's safe for the 450, it should be safe for the 45-70 since the gun is the same.  Are there differences in the brass that would make this a problem?  Naturally I'd start 10% less than what they show and work up, anyone know if this is a smart idea? (I have a Lyman 47th edition with loads that will work, but I wanted to use Varget because I have some and because of its indifference to temp changes)

Offline Dr. A

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45-70 vs. 450 Marlin load data
« Reply #1 on: September 13, 2004, 10:10:52 AM »
One point:  The gun is not the same.  They are ballistically equivalent, but that is the end of that point.  They take different loads to achieve the same velocity.  The brass on the 45-70 is more voluminous than on the 450, so using 450 data in a 45-70 should bereasonably safe.  I would simply start the load slow and work up.  Varget produces extremely accurate loads, but works much better when the case is nearly full.  Using the type of bullet you indicate, you will be lucky to get that much velocity with any accuracy.  I use the Gould, and love it a lot.  My best hunting accuracy is around 1400fps to 1600fps with a 1700 doable.  Varget with a full case on a 340gr. bullet will definitely go beyond that safely.  I guess experimentation on this aspect should be fairly safe.  I used 60 gr. of Varget for a Hornady RN the other day and got lower velocity than I wanted with a full case.  Accuracy was very good.  I would recommend using another powder.  One possibility is H4198.  Try out 30 to 36 gr.  Another is XMP 5477.  Love that powder.  Produces very good results for a small volume load.  Good luck and keep your velocities down for accuracy!  My best accuracy comes from using Greg Mushial's pistol powder loads.  One example is Titegroup at 10gr.  Velocity is low, but is very accurate.  Mainly a plinking load.

Offline jaycocreek

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45-70 vs. 450 Marlin load data
« Reply #2 on: September 13, 2004, 10:15:09 AM »
jpuke-Theres a big difference in Brass Capacity from .450 Marlin then next or closest to it is Remington 45-70 brass-Starline and then Winchester.I might suggest you check out Hodgdons Data for the .450 Marlin and 45-70 using the same bullet and powder.

In my opinion you can if you understand the diff in capacity and powder charges to attain the velocity.Hodgdons .450 Marlin and 45-70 Data kinda shows the difference in powder charges-velocity and pressure.When loaded with the same bullet powder and primer the 45-70 will hold a slight velocity advantage over the .450 Marlin due to case capacity.

Good luck and research it well before attempting to use .450 data in the 45-70.

My opinion only...Jayco
I didn''t do it and whoever said I did is lieing!!

Offline jackfish

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45-70 vs. 450 Marlin load data
« Reply #3 on: September 13, 2004, 11:25:13 AM »
The Hodgdon Annual Manual for $7 contains 40,000 CUP 45-70 loads for the Marlin 1895.  Go there first before trying to adapt 450 Marlin loads to the 45-70.
You learn something new everyday whether you want to or not.

Offline jpuke

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45-70 vs. 450 Marlin load data
« Reply #4 on: September 14, 2004, 03:17:45 AM »
Thanks for the replies guys, you never can be too cautious with reloading.