Author Topic: 45-70 loads  (Read 868 times)

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Offline Scotsman1886

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45-70 loads
« on: March 04, 2004, 09:13:19 AM »
Any thoughts on 45-70 load data?
Is the Hani Rifle Safe for "trapdoor", lever or ruger load levels?
I was thinking of tryiing to get close to the original 405 grn lead load for fun.

Offline dpastor

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45-70 loads
« Reply #1 on: March 04, 2004, 10:21:16 AM »
Scotsman

The Handi is designed for the "middle" load in the books, the 1886 lever load level.  NEF says to stay away from the Ruger #1 loads.  The Handi is a great shooter and an easy handling rifle when shooting the "lower" or Trapdoor level loads.  With open sights and a 405 gr lead bullet, 2"-2 1/2" groups at 100 yards can be had.  Try a Williams peep (FP from NEF catalog) and things should get better-call and ask for the higher front sight too!  I haven't had time to try this combo yet, but soon...

If you are going to experiment, just keep increasing your load until you loose a crown or two  :)  Honestly, your tolerance for recoil and the intended use of the rifle will determine how high into the "middle" you go.  I reversed course at 300gr/1800fps.  The rifle is a lot stronger than I am :-D
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Offline TOMMYY01

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45-70 loads
« Reply #2 on: March 04, 2004, 01:01:33 PM »
I like the 300 coreloks. Until I can get my reloading things to gether, I'll stick to the factory loads.  :D I'm surprised that it doesn't have the recoil that my tracker has, not that i want it. I don't beleive I've ever had so much fun shooting a rifle, except when I was younger, when I got my 1st .22 win. model 190 carbine.(man, I wished I'd never sold that rifle.        Tommy
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Offline Ed Hill

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45-70 loads
« Reply #3 on: March 04, 2004, 06:10:17 PM »
Scotsman, try Accurate xmp5744 for BP like loads. Their site has info for trapdoor level loads for the 45-70 that will give you some easy-on-the-shoulder and accurate shooting.
E.D.

Offline handirifle

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45-70 loads
« Reply #4 on: March 04, 2004, 07:22:17 PM »
Scotsman
The Handi can easily handle Marlin level loads.  The factory loads are safe in trapdoor guns and are no problem in the Handi.  Start with those and go from there, either up or down as you see fit.  But if you go up, you're shoulder will complain before the gun does.
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Offline Leftoverdj

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45-70 loads
« Reply #5 on: March 04, 2004, 09:16:15 PM »
Scotsman, the Lee 459-405 HB bullets work very well for most of us. 27.0 grains of XMP 5744 will give about the velocity you want.

If you buy cast bullets,  get .459 diameter. .457s are very unlikely to work well in a Handi and .458s are iffie.
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Offline dpastor

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45-70 loads
« Reply #6 on: March 05, 2004, 09:05:39 AM »
Leftover

I experimented with cast 405 (not hollow based), 325, and 500gr bullets.  I slugged the barrel and found .457.  Using 5% tin or wheel weights (about the same hardness) the 405's shot best and even better sized to .457 and Alox lube at Trapdoor level loads both with Reloder 7 and Pyrodex (I used a 1/2 gr of dacron filler with the smokeless load).  I guess that each barrel is different.
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Offline elyod56

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45-70 loads
« Reply #7 on: January 06, 2005, 06:57:55 PM »
i like the 405 gr lbt load at about 1300-1400 fps. easy on the shoulder and fun to shoot. on medium sized game it will get the job done. :)

Offline Lone Star

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45-70 loads
« Reply #8 on: January 07, 2005, 03:30:41 AM »
Okay, just what is a Middle-Level Load?  It varies from 28,000 cup to 40,000 cup depending on the loading manual.  Didn't know that did you.  Which pressure does Marlin recommend for the Handi?  Saying "middle level" is meaningless when top level loads vary from 35,000 to 50,000 cup.  Ask them for an actual pressure level in cup or psi.

BTW, "Trapdoor" loads vary from under 18,000 cup up to 28,000 cup.  Which pressure is actually safe in a Trapdoor?

Offline Mac11700

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45-70 loads
« Reply #9 on: January 07, 2005, 04:50:02 AM »
Lone Star:

Hogdon's annual list all 3 loads they list Trapdoor rifles...Lever Actions..and Modern Rifles...and seperate them accordling...Trapdoors...list includes..Springfield "Trapdoor" 1886,Rolling Blocks,and Antique Replicas.....Lever Actions...this data is for the 1895 Lever Action Marlin only...and Modern Rifles..is for Ruger #1 and #3 Single Shots,Brownings 1895 Single Shots,and Modern Bolt Action Rifles chambered for the 45-70....


Their pressures for the various levels  range as follows;


Trapdoors...14,400 CUP to 28,000 Cup

Lever Actions...18,600 CUP...to...40,000 CUP

Modern Rifles...29,800CUP...to...50,000 CUP...


You can of course use any of the  Trapdoor level loads in the Marlin...and also the Trapdoor loads and the Marlin loads in the Modern Rifles...and the lower rated CUp loads of the Modern Rifles in the appropiate Lever Actions and Trapdoor ...hope that helps...

Mac
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