45/70 load help please

[Jeffery8mm]

I have some 300gr Sierra bullets, #8900.  Powders I have are IMR3031 and IMR4064.  what are some possible combinations with these components that may work well in a NEF Handi??  My Speer 13 does not list data for any 300gr bullet, they start at 350.

Thanks

Jeff

[EsoxLucius]

With 300 grain bullets (Sierra, Hornady and Speer), 54 grains of IMR3031 is about a 28,000 PSI load in the 45-70 according to IMR.  59 grains is a maximum load in the Marlin 1895 according to Speer. Winchester brass.

With 300 grain bullets (Sierra, Hornady and Speer), 61 grains of IMR4064 is about a 28,000 PSI load in the 45-70 according to Speer.  63 grains compressed is about all you can get in a Winchester 45-70 case which would be maximum for the Marlin 1895.

[STexhunter]

While I have used a lot of 3031 with 300 gr. bullets, I have found Reloader 7 a good powder.  The other day I loaded a number of rounds with 2400 and found it worked great.  I shoot a Marlin 1895 and the load while a little hot it is not max.

[sharps4590]

With smokeless loads I'd have to go along with STexHunter.  I used IMR 3031 for 20+ years and never found it lacking.  IMR 4064 is also a good powder in the 133 year old cartridge.  My choice these days when I rarely load smokelss in the 45-70 is Reloader #7.  More verlocity, less pressure and accuracy has always been superb.  Plus it goes thru a measure like water.  The lightest bullet I've ever loaded in a 45-70 is 420 grains as the light stuff just didn't work as well for me.