45/70 - 500gr FNGC

[Con]

Guys,
Has anyone worked with the RCBS 500gr FNGC in a Marlin 45/70? I'm not sure there is anything to be gained compared to a 420gr but I'd like to develop some loads. Noticed Garrett clims over 1500fps from a 500gr+ cast projectile, so I presume 1450 - 1500fps with a 500gr cast is achievable. Any load sources?
Thanks...
Con

[John Traveler]

Sure, you can load up 500 grain slugs in the .45-70.

But you have to keep under maximum length (about like the 405 grain load) using those 500 grain slugs.  The action won't cycle or eject overlength rounds.  It may be a little tricky to find a proper seating depth to get a good crimp.

Just saw these pictures of a like-new Marlin M1895G with the receiver peeled back and the barrel split wide open.  It takes reminders like that for me to remember that standard velocity .45-70 loads will do just fine for me!

[oso45-70]

John.
Does any one know for sure what caused that mess up ? Boy who ever shot that round had one hell of an experence. I've been known to soup up my loads in my G gun and just wonder how close i'm coming to the same
end. Some times a short load is as bad as a hot one, maybe a plugged barrel,, Who knows. That shooter is lucky to be alive, That is one of the worst wrecks i've seen. Sure messed up a pretty little gun. Stay safe.
                                      Joe

[Blackhawk44]

Go slowly with that 500 grainer.  Look for loads specifically for the Marlin.  Remember, by deep seating you are losing a lot of case capacity.  That smaller chamber will cause pressures to advance much more quickly.

[John Traveler]

oso/Joe,

The caption with that M1895G blowup picture stated it was likely a double-charged handload.  The bore and chamber showed no obstruction.

Yeah, I'll say the shooter was lucky.  He only got his left hand and arm mangled instead of blowing his head off.

It reminded me of other gun blowup pictures I've studied recently:

1.  Springfield M1A blownup with factory German milsurp ball ammo.  Shattered  receiver ring, split & peeled back barrel/chamber, splintered stock.  No evidence of bore or chamber obstruction.

2.  .444 Marlin rechambered .44 Mag Thompson-Contender.  Split open receiver, barrel split 2/3 length, shattered scope.  No evidence of bore or chamber obstruction.  Lengthened chamber job came close to factory scope mounting holes, and it appeared rupture started at the holes.

As much as I love to shoot and reload for my Marlin M1895 rifles, I've made it a point to stay the hell away from non-standard loads not documented in the reloading manuals.  Ditto for reduced charges of ball powders!

That Big Marlin 1895 action may be ferociously strong, but I have NO desire to keep pumping near-proof pressures through it!

Chicken John

[TennesseeNuc]

Con,
Even with a safe load, I think a 500g bullet @ 1500 fps out of a Marlin would give you a real pounding.
Best,
TnNuc

[Camp Cook]

I have been loading Jae-Bok Young's 550gr Crater's and have safely pushed them faster than 1500fps in my unported Marlin 1895GS. If you haven't heard of these hard cast bullets they are specially made for the 45-70 in lever rifles. His link is www.competitor-pistol.com/jbyoung.html if you would like to read up on these bullets. Yes they do push back a bit but I installed a Kick-Eeze magnum recoil pad on this rifle and have no problems shooting this load.
Cam

[oso45-70]

John Traveler,
I don;t see how it could be a double charged load. When loading with most of your normal powder the case is full, Now if he got his powder mixed up and used a very fast powder that sure as heck would account for the wreck. I use 4198 in most of my loads and i don't think you could get enough in the case to blow up like that. I think there must be some thing we are not hitting on, Sure would like to know so i wouldent make the same mistake. I guess i have been the luckest person in the world as i have been loading since 1948 and have never had a messup,Knock on wood,Have a good one and stay safe............Joe...............................