need 45-70 load

[tree rat]

I have been loading 12gr unique and 405 rnfp works perfect, but I ordered a lee 500gr mold, and want to use unique,  I have been unable to find any load data on the web for unique and 500gr. I am looking for a safe starting load, and do not want to exceed 1200 fps as I want to keep this a fun load. and I refuse to use any powder other than unique, one powder for all I load! that and I am cheep. I am guessing 10gr start, but guessing is not very smart in this hobby, so please help me out.

[Almtnman]

I have been loading 12gr unique and 405 rnfp works perfect, but I ordered a lee 500gr mold, and want to use unique,  I have been unable to find any load data on the web for unique and 500gr. I am looking for a safe starting load, and do not want to exceed 1200 fps as I want to keep this a fun load. and I refuse to use any powder other than unique, one powder for all I load! that and I am cheep. I am guessing 10gr start, but guessing is not very smart in this hobby, so please help me out.

If you're new to reloading and plan on only using one powder for everything, you need to rethink that. There is no magic do-all powder out there that can be used for everything. Never guess on any load, as a mistake can be fatal. If you go to that larger grain bullet, the recoil is going to be greater. Also different rifles in 45/70 caliber can use certain loads as there are still 45/70's out there that is not capable of shooting loads that a modern 45/70 will and then some of the modern rifles are not capabale of shooting a load that some of the modern ones will. Loading for a 45/70, you have to know exactly which rifle you plan on shooting it in before loading.

I use nothing but IMR 3031 in all my 45/70 loads and haven't found a powder that does a better job than it.

If you're looking for a fun load, use a 300 grain hollowpoint bullet, it won't have as much recoil.