Author Topic: Need .45-70 load recommendations  (Read 506 times)

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Offline jason280

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Need .45-70 load recommendations
« on: April 23, 2005, 07:25:38 AM »
I just picked up a Handi Rifle in .45-70, and I would like to start loading for it.  I would like to a mid-level load, something like a 420gr hard cast bullet at around 1400-1600 fps.  Any suggestions?  Thanks!
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Offline quickdtoo

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Need .45-70 load recommendations
« Reply #1 on: April 23, 2005, 07:32:19 AM »
Welcome aboard! :D  Hopefully some of the cast bullet shooters will help ya out soon, I haven't shot any cast bullets in my 45-70, but have shot several different bullets in my 45-120 BC, the Cast Performance 405gr WLNGC and 460gr WFNGC to be specific are great shooters for me. Several others here shoot the 405gr in their 45-70, I'm sure they'll chime in for ya.....
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Offline jason280

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Need .45-70 load recommendations
« Reply #2 on: April 23, 2005, 07:59:29 AM »
Thanks for the welcome!  I've been watching the site for a little while, and I finally decided to join.

Anyway, I guess I should have included what I plan on using the load for.  I would like to have an "all around" load that I can use for regular shooting and hunting deer/hogs.  I think a 420gr bullet at 1500fps should work quite well, but I would like to get a few recommendations.  I just picked up my dies yesterday, so I'm ready to go!
"Hey Peter, check out Channel 9!!"

Offline Mac11700

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Need .45-70 load recommendations
« Reply #3 on: April 23, 2005, 08:42:19 AM »
I'll second what Quick has said...the Cast Performance 405gr WLNGC is 1 awsome bullet...you can try a couple different powders to get you to the velocity you want...but I have had my best luck with Hodgdons 4198...it works well with cast bullets as well as jacketed...I personally  use Remington nickle cases...Remington 9-1/2 primes...I also use a Lyman " M " die to bell the case mouth it works a-lot better than anyone elses IMHO...and the lee Factory crimp die... using a heavy crimp...and use a chronagraph when doing load developement...and as a disclaimer..." What may be safe and accurate out of my rifle...may not be out of yours...always start low...and work your way up following the powder and bullet manufactures load recommendations".....
 
From the Hodgdons Annual Manual...for the 405 gr LFP..using  Winchester cases...and CCI 200 primers...
 
These are trapdoor loads...and are real mild compared to some of the heavier loading available...and should do well out of the Handi...and it's a good place to start out with...
 
 
H4198...27grains...1279fps...14,200 cup.....31.0 grains...1459fps...17,100 cup...
 
 
Benchmark...47.0 grains...1564fps...17,100 cup....50.0 grains...1695fps...22,600cup...
 
 
 
Varget...40.0 grains...1392fps...15,600 cup...50.0 grains...1718 fps...20,900 cup....
 
 
 
These 3 powders I have used and have had good results with...Good Luck.. :D  
 
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Offline Stan in SC

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Mild cast 45/70 load
« Reply #4 on: April 23, 2005, 12:30:34 PM »
I like the 300 grain round nose bullet and 40 grains of Reloader7.
The more I listen,the more I hear....and vice versa.

45/70..it's almost a religion.

Offline Longcruise

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Need .45-70 load recommendations
« Reply #5 on: April 23, 2005, 02:21:53 PM »
400 to 450 grain, flat nose, varget, 4895, benchmark, 3031, 4198 loaded to prefered velocity.  Will kill pigs and up all day long!!

Find a bullet that you can cast yourself and you will become addicted, guaranteed!! :grin:

Offline MtJerry

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Need .45-70 load recommendations
« Reply #6 on: April 23, 2005, 02:24:01 PM »
I settled on 300gr. Hornady HP with 56.0gr. of IMR 3031.

Makes it a 200 yard gun at 1900 fps.
:D

Offline MSP Ret

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Need .45-70 load recommendations
« Reply #7 on: April 23, 2005, 03:23:53 PM »
For what it's worth, my favorite 45-70 load is 28.0 grains of 2400 behind a Hornandy 350 grain roundnose softpoint. It is an easy shooting and accurate load. I have reccommended it many times both on the old site and here. There are several people here on this site who are now shooting it with great results also....<><.... :grin:
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Offline Mac11700

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Need .45-70 load recommendations
« Reply #8 on: April 23, 2005, 08:16:05 PM »
Well...if you guys are going to mention jacketed bullets...then I'll have to mention my favorite jacketed bullet too :)

Load up some 300 grain Nosler Partitons over a good dose of H 4198...well...IMHO...it doesn't get any better than that for the 45-70...all though...I've heard the Speer HotCore 300 grainer is mighty close in performance...haven't tried any of them...but I've got a whole box waiting to load up...once I get a new 45-70 barrel  :wink:

Mac
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