Need 45-70 / 250 Barnes Reloading Advice

[BNoz01]

Greetings,

I got a 444 Marlin GG a few years back.  I worked up a 240 grain load using H-335 and regular primers.  After a lot of unburned powder was left in the barrel, I switch to magnum (Fed 215) primers, and worked up the pressure loads again.  Works great - lots of bang / recoil and no unburned powder in the barrel!

A couple months ago I got a friend to part with his 45-70 GG.  I started out with 250 grain Barnes X-bullets.  I jumped straight to the magnum primers and carefully worked up loads using IMR-4895 powder.  I'm at a max load now and I've got (1) unburned powder in the barrel, (2) significantly less recoil than the 444 Marlin, and (3) 1900 fps velocities.  I've gone back and put as much crimp onto the case as I can stand and there's no real improvement.

Any advice, before I give up and go to 300 grain Barnes bullets?

Thanks in advance for any replies,

B. Noz.

[quickdtoo]

More load data for the Barnes bullets...

http://www.realguns.com/loads/4570.htm

Warning: Bullet selections are specific, and loads are not valid with substitutions of different bullets of the same weight. Variations in bullet length will alter net case capacity,  pressure and velocity. Primer selection is specific and primer types are not interchangeable. These are maximum loads in my firearms and may easily be excessive in others. All loads should be reduced by 10%,  and developed following safe handloading practices as represented in established reloading manuals produced by component manufacturers. Presentation of these loads does not constitute a solicitation for their use, nor a recommendation.

 

[gcf]

I have never used any Barnes bullets, but 250 seems a bit light for the 45-70. You might try a faster powder like IMR 4198, & a heavier bullet (300 / 350 / 405) in that big bore.

In my Ruger #1 45-70, I have had good luck w/ bullets from Hornady, & Cast Performance.

My plinking load is 36.5 IMR4198 under a Remington 300JHP. Although not the most accurate (or devestating) load I have found, it shoots 1" at 100 yards, is economical, & is quite comfortable for extended off hand practice sessions.

[RugerNo3]

You should hit Barnes up for data. Those copper bullets aren't exactly high velocity bullets. They run at much higher pressure then a given weight jacketed lead bullet. Do you want Barnes penetration or good velocity. It's a compromise. I never saw the need for anything fancy in a 45-70 bullet over the last 40yrs. You just don't get 300mag performance with one. And you don't get a lot of bloodshot meat.

[Castaway]

In the 45-70,  4895 tends to work best with heavier bullets.  I'm with gcf, try a heavier bullet or a faster powder