reloading for the 45-70

[30063030223357]

Just started loading for the 45-70. Have tried different powder/bullet loads, mostly light loads. I've got a lot of unburnt powder in the barrel with stick powders? Is this normal in this caliber? BTW this is a handi-rifle 22" barrel. Some loads i've tried are 405 gr. cast with 46gr. of 4064 w/ rem 9 1/2 primer. 40 gr. of 4064 same bullet, 40 gr. h322 same bullet. Have loaded some light loads with unique powder and of course have a clean barrel after shooting these. Like i said these are light loads. Will beefing up the load burn up all the powder? Does the powder left in the barrel affect accuracy? Have been putting a slight crimp on the loads. I can see why people are attracted to this caliber, it is fun to shoot, and accurate too. But i can't see myself shooting a full power load!! Not yet anyway. Well maybe just out of curiosity!! Have some 500 gr. bullets that are really impressive! Will have to work up to them.

[Nobade]

No worries about the unburnt powder. With the low pressure and fast expansion ratio, the 45-70 doesn't completely burn most smokeless powders. As long as it's accurate it doesn't hurt anything.

[HL]

You may also want to give H4895 a try. It's pressure runs lower than most other powders, but delivers good velocity.

Just from what I've found.

[stimpylu32]

Most of what your seeing is not un-burnt powder but good old Carbon , a bi-product of the powder burning , just like charcoal from wood .

It should not affect how well the gun shoots in general , lead & copper fouling will be a greater concern for the most part , and most Handi's like a dirty barrel anyhow .

As said either H or IMR 4895 do wonderful in the 45/70 , also don't overlook Reloader 7 , it too does a great job .

stimpy

[BBF]

I don't like that crap left in the barrel either and switched to the fastest powders that would give the velocities wanted. RL-7 is one of those and it can be loaded to " unpleasant" levels  within SAAMI pressures.