I want to make a light 45-70 load for my son

[shannonavah]

I want to try some light loads for my little man any advice on powder and bullet weight I should try for him

[AtlLaw]

I'm thinking about the same thing for myself and my oldest G'son.  We both little fellers with low recoil tolerance...    I figger on seein how a 300 gr. HP, which I know will kill deer at 1800 FPS, feels, recoil wise, at an estimated 1000 -1300 fps imact velocity at 50 yards.  Maybe try Unique, Trail Boss, 2400, sumpin like that...   

[Autorim]

I have not tested any light loads in the 45-70 yet, but Trail Boss will be my go-to powder. I use it in .38, .44, .45AR and .45 Colt - all with good results. I would try a 300 grain bullet. The usual TB loading technique is to discern how much powder is needed to fill the case to the base of the bullet and back off from there for a starting load.

[Hodr]

I trimmed my H&R 45-70 to 18".  I tried using jacketed 350 and a 405 lead nosed flat point over 12 & 14 grains of Trailboss.  (2.8, 3.1 lee dipper scoops)  Funny thing, all four loads were fairly accurate at 50 yds but the 405 seemed to have less recoil for the same powder.

blindhari

[AtlLaw]

Funny thing, all four loads were fairly accurate at 50 yds but the 405 seemed to have less recoil for the same powder.

Shhhhhhhhhhh!  Quiet!     If Swampman hears you say that... 

 

Did you use a filler with that load of TB?

[burntmuch]

Ive got lotsa lead for my 45/70. I may have to get some trail boss. Im kinda a whimp when it comes to those big ol 425 grainers

[gary0529]

Try using a 300 gr. Hornady over IMR3031  I believe (not at my bench with load data)
I use 50 gr.
Very pleasant to shoot through 1895 GG

Once I get up to the 405gr and up I notice the recoil and enjoy it much less.

The 300 gr. at 1600fps is potent deer medicine.

Gary

[Hodr]

AtLaw
I just dumped it in, set the bullet and pulled the trigger.  I grabbed a red dot and bolted it on without loctite.  I didn't try to zero the sight just fired for group.  At 50 yds all four loads could put a 5 shot group in less than 4" circle.  Each group went to a slightly different point of aim, no filler.  Come to think of it I don't even know how to use a filler.  I am trying to find a ghost ring or peep sight, front post setup for permanent installation.  I intend to use this for walk around plinking and with factory ammo for Texas hog.  Now that I think about it I had better start braiding a sling.  This is going to be a k.i.s.s. gun like my shortened off road jeep 20 ga.  I have a brother in law who loves to hunt, if I was serious I would take my .308 H&R, but I believe best part of hunt is the people I go with.

blindhari

PS I generally go as camp cook

[shannonavah]

Thanks guy's this info will help out a little.

[havent got a clue]

I've used 17 gr. of unique under a 280 WFN (454 dia.) that I run thru my 458. lube/size die. I get decent accuracy considering, 3"@ 100 yds. It chronos out at just under 1500 fps. Very pleasnt to shoot!!