Author Topic: Handload results in 45-70 Handi (Read 722 times)

Natman · « **on:** October 22, 2004, 07:33:45 AM »

Just worked some loads for the 45-70..We used IMR4198 powder and CCI200 primers with Winchester brass and nosler 300 grain partitions..C.O.L. was 2.510..Used a Lee Factory crimper with a heavy crimp..First 3 loads were with 41.2 grains and a spread of about 2 inches..Next was 42.2 grains and had 2 shots to go through the same hole and another one to touch the others..43.2 and 44.2 grains were about the same with about 1.5 to 2 inch groups with 2 holes in each load touching..Final load was 45.2 grains and had a spread of 1inch maybe less with two rounds almost in the same hole...You can tell the difference from 5 grain spread..haven't decided which load to do more testing with the 42.2 or the 45.2...Both were very impressive...Wish I had a chrono so I could see what velocity and energy I'm getting...I plan on trying to go to about 51 grains and see how that works after hunting season..I'm looking for about 2100fps so I can zero in 4 inches high at 100yds and have a point blank yardage of about 220yards...Any body work with this combination of powder and bullets..

Mac11700 · « **Reply #1 on:** October 22, 2004, 10:25:23 AM »

Natman:

Using the same Nosler 300 grainer...I have a 230 yard max point blank range of 230 yards based on a 8" kill zone with a muzzle velocity of 2300fps...and at 100 yards I'm 3" high....drop to a 6" kill zone...moves the range in some...208 yards,and increasing it to 10" moves it out to 250 yards...according to Point Blank calculations...can't say what the IMRpowder is giving you...I use H4198....differnt cases/primers/and seating dept...mine is loaded out to 2.529"....for my 1895GS...

Mac

Natman · « **Reply #2 on:** October 22, 2004, 04:23:40 PM »

Thanks Mac...
This was for my dads load..He has the synthetic stock in 45-70..I would like around 2100fps to 2200fps out of mine..i think I can handle the recoil while shooting at game just shooting off the bench may take a few days to get sighted in...Can't be any worse than my 835Ulti-Mag for turkey..

Mac11700 · « **Reply #3 on:** October 22, 2004, 08:43:56 PM »

Try to add some weight to the stock if you can...lead shot works great...you don't have to leave it in there to hunt with...but it does help...so too does adding a soft cheek pad to the stock...it takes the bite off your face on the recoil...and this is where a-lot of the percived recoil is coming from...if it's slapping your cheek bone...you'll hurt...I used a Uncle Mikes Neoprean cartridge holder and a little soft rubatex foam(pipe insulation) under mine...works like a charm...and I also added a Limbsaver recoil pad to it...and now it doesn't hurt at all with my loads...I believe you'll shoot better with any hard hitting load with these...and your right...it doesn't kick as hard as your utili mag...

Mac

Joel · « **Reply #4 on:** October 23, 2004, 04:57:13 AM »

45.2 grs of IMR 4198/Rem 9 1/2 primers/Win cases/Hornady 300 gr JHP's gives me 1840 fps out of my Handi. It has been my favourite deer load here in the Thick woods of central PA for a lot of years. Same accuracy as you state. Same components, except
51.2 grs of same powder gives me 2173 fps. Accuracy is still at the 1" mark. Too much meat damage at the ranges I shoot at in the woods, but that might not be the problem with the Noslers.
42.2 would give you somewhere around 1650 fps, which is what most 300 grain factory loads used to be like 13 years ago when I first started shooting the 45/70. They said 1880 fps for the Win/Federal loads, but lied as usual. Killed a couple of deer with those loads with no problem, until I started handloading. I mean....300 gr might seem light to us, but that's downright heavy to most folks.

Natman · « **Reply #5 on:** October 23, 2004, 03:00:38 PM »

Your right about the winchester loads I believe..I have the Handi in wood stock topped off with a Tasco World Class 3-9X40..I could shoot those factory loads all day..My gun goes about a pound heavier than dads synthetic...I hunt here in the appalachains in Giles county Virginia and some in Monroe county West Virginia...Got my first buck with a bow yesterday in Monroe..My Handi is sighted in for the Winchesters now and I know it has a point blank range of 145yds..I'll use this load this year then starting summer next year I'll see how well 52.2 grains groups in mine..I'll work up from 45.2 though just to be on the safe side.. This is the first big bore I've had..Shot a few .300 mags and 7mm mags but man I love that 45-70...Nothing like having a shooting bench to yourself at the range know what I mean :lol:

bull b 25-06 · « **Reply #6 on:** October 23, 2004, 06:01:02 PM »

I have the wood version Handi , but painted the rear stock ultra-matte black. Stuffed as much lead shot into the rear stock hole i could and pounded a cork into it. Also put a store-arm(forearm)on it. Anyways i also put the uncle mike's cartridge holder on it, and took one of our old neoprene mouse pads and cut to shape and placed it under the cartridge holder. What's real nice is to put the non-slip grip bottom of the mouse pad side against the wood stock. Also today i drilled a hole in my store-arm stock today to put in a swivel stud for using my bipod for bench use. Worked very good,and looks tough.

later bull b 25-06