JD DRIVER,
The world of the 45/70 should keep you entertained for a long time to come. I'm currently evaluating loads in my Marlin 1895G, and with open sights, I have learned some stuff.
I started out using 405 grain bullets from a Lee mould. Using light charges of Unique (with a bit of wadding over the bullet) I have found that 13.5 grains shoots very accurately with no leading and no real recoil. Even more accurately, with just a bit of recoil, the 405 grain bullet will cut a one hole group at 50 yards when lit off by 34 grains of 3031. This load is a real pleasure to shoot. I even killed two deer with this load during the past season.
The bullets I'm using are water dropped wheel weights, unsized, and tumble lubed.
BTW, the second deer that I killed with this caliber gave me a laugh. She was "going away" and I gave her the enima shot, centering the bullet right in the poop-hole. No kidding...we couldn't find an entrance hole. Those peep sights really center up well on a small target! The bullet came up through her and exited about halfway up her back, breaking the backbone. She went butt-over-head and never moved again.
The trick to the Lee mould is to use a gloved hand to hold the bottom of the mould blocks together when opening the mould, otherwise, bullet extraction from the mould can be difficult.
Good luck and enjoy that new gun!
The Blade
