Inquiry on 45-70 340gr Lee loads.

[Old Fart]

I recently came into ownership of one of the Buffalo Classic’s in 45-70. Along with the trade I received a 340gr Lee flat nose mold. I have yet to load the butt stock with lead shot, but plan to before doing any significant shooting with it. I already have cast up some nice hard cast bullets, I've got everything ready to do some loading.

My question is for those of you who may have the same or similar mold what type of loading data might you share?
Not looking to set the world on fire with flaming ballistics or anything.
Just looking for a nice mid range decent recipe, can you help an old fart out?

[BrianB]

I started casting those this year with straight WW's. The weight was about correct as I recall. I lubed them with LLA, unsized. (they water dropped at .459) I settled on 41 grains of Reloder-7, though 39 or 40 grains would probably be just as accurate.  When I got up to 43 and 45 grain loads, it just got uncomfortable to shoot. (We don't get long shots where we hunt and I have nothing to prove, therefore I'm no longer interested in hot loads) I didn't have a lot of time when I tested the loads, but the 41 grain loads were getting about 1.5" groups at 80 yards. (Off a shaky rest)
Would like to hear what groups you get if you use 39 and 40 grains of Reloder-7, I just have not gotten out to try those loads.
BTW, there was no visible leading, even with the hotter loads.

[Old Fart]

Thanks for the info.
I also am not looking to dislocate a shoulder. 
Those days are long into the past.

I'm just wanting to plink with it mostly.
I've got a little farm and go down to it occassionally just to take some long shots.
I can calc the elevation stuff just fine for the long ones with lite powder loads.

[quickdtoo]

See UNIQUE powder for 45-70 target loads? on page 2.

Tim