Author Topic: Reduced loads  (Read 597 times)

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Offline waksupi

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Reduced loads
« on: July 06, 2003, 04:42:46 AM »
Does any one have any info on loading down a 45-70? I have a youngster around here that wants to shoot, but the recoil of the full load is too much for him. Not to mention, I would like a milder plinking load, myself.  

My guess is that I can reduce the BP charge, and use a filler so as to still have a compressed load, and get decent accuracy at a hundred or so yards. The only mold I have is for a Postell, so that will have to be the bullet used.

Any experience?

Offline Charlie Detroit

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Reduced loads
« Reply #1 on: July 06, 2003, 06:17:24 AM »
I can't pretend to be an authority on this, but the Postell design might actually be one of the best ones to use...it's very long, and you might be able to seat it deeply enough to take up at least some of the space, so you don't have to use so much filler.
I think that basically you have the right idea, and you seem to be aware of the need to eliminate gaps in the charge column, both for better accuracy and not blowing your gun up.
I ain't paranoid but every so often, I spin around real quick.--just in case
Sometimes I have a gun in my hand when I spin around.--just in case
I ain't paranoid, but sometimes I shoot when I spin around.--just in case

Offline John Traveler

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reduced .45-70 loads
« Reply #2 on: July 07, 2003, 06:27:33 AM »
Waksupi,

For reduced .45-70 loads, I use a 300 grain soft lead cast bullet loaded over moderate charges of Unique to duplicate the old .45-60 rifle and carbine loads for about 1100 fps.  I would start at 8 to 9 grains Unique and work up carefully.

You can also use the same bullet over about 60 grains of BP, but you need to use card or filler wads to take up the air space.

Both loads are much easier on the shoulder, and are plenty accurate to 200 yards for casual shooting or for youngsters.

HTH
John
John Traveler

Offline Coydog C.

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Reduced loads
« Reply #3 on: July 07, 2003, 07:53:27 AM »
Waksupi,

     If you don’t want to mess with fillers, or another bullet, you could try switching to 1F. It will slow things down some and reduce the recoil a bit.

Chuck
"Your Mileage May Vary"

Offline HWooldridge

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Reduced loads
« Reply #4 on: July 07, 2003, 11:02:06 AM »
You can shoot a .457 round ball with acceptable accuracy out to 50-75 yds.  If you are using a single shot and not in a big hurry, it won't hurt to seat the ball way down in the case on a smaller charge of powder and let the ball jump thru the case into the rifling.  Not conducive to outstanding accuracy but should be OK for what you want to do.  Try 25grs of FFG, a wonder wad and a .457 ball seated firmly on the charge.

I do this with 6.0 gr of WW231 and use three balls, which I'm told duplicates a sentry load the Army used for some years.  It's like big buckshot and gives a nice pattern.

Offline waksupi

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Reduced loads
« Reply #5 on: July 15, 2003, 12:45:48 PM »
Well, here is what I came up with .

Duplex load. Usual caveats apply.

5 gr. 3031
43.2 gr. WC 872
Plastic wad
Felix Lube
Postell bullet.
Compressed load

Average fps comes in around 975.

Group comes in at about 7/8" or less if I do my part.

I'm happy. Mild recoil, good accuracy. We've only tried it at a hundred yards so far, but will see what it will do at longer ranges.