45/70 long range loads?

[freddogs]

 I ordered out a NEF Buffalo gun in 45/70. I'll need to get some dies, but I was wondering what was a good long range load. Do I shoot jacketed or cast and what size? I plan to use smokeless powders. :gulp:

[ButlerFord45]

Cast bullets in the 500+ grain range.  I think you'd be pleasantly suprised with the accuracy of black powder loads.  If black powder is not a consideration, then, I have always felt that they made IMR 3031 with the 30-30, 30-40, 38-55 and 45-70 in mind.   I've tried 5744 and it shoots good but too much residue to me.  Ive used IMR 4198 with good results.
But this particular rifle deserves the best, give black powder a try, I think you'll like the results.

[jhalcott]

Bigger bullets increase recoil!That said,350 round nosed bullets started at 2200fps and zeroed at 200 yards will drop23" at 300 yds.The 500 grain fmj started at 1800 will drop 24.9".I AM NOT SURE YOU CAN REACH THESE VELOCITIES IN YOUR GUN!
  flat nosed bullets ,lead or jacketed,have worse trajectories. Depending on your use of the gun, a round nose cast loaded with IMR 4198 or 3031 should make you happy,  jh

[Blackhawk44]

Due to both the design and weight of your gun, I think you will be much happier and safer by studying the section of good reloading manuals listed for the Trapdoor Springfield.  You will be quite suprised how much performance can be accomplished with less that 20000lbs of breach pressure.  When loads are suggested to you, always ask what type of rifle they were worked up in.  It can make a very big difference.  Just for targets, you might look at the more pointed 400-450 gr silouette type bullets and loads in the 1200-1300fps range.

[Arrroman]

Here is my favorite 45-70 load. Starline 45-70 brass, 60grains IMR4895, FederalGoldmedal Benchrest primers, and a Remington 300grain hp bullet. This was a 1"@ 100yard load in my Marlin, its comfortable to shoot too. The mv is around 2000FPS. Good luck hunting!

[Nobade]

Yep, just like Butler Ford says... use BP and heavy cast bullets. velocity deviation is usually smaller with proper BP loads, and no matter what you do you're not going to get a lot of speed out of it. So you go for heavy bullets that will hold on to the speed they do have and not get blown around in the wind. My favorite is the SAECO copy of the 500gr. arsenal bullet, but there are lots out there to choose from.

[Smokeless Jim]

I have a  Buffalo Classic 45-70 and use Lyman mold that cast 525gr with 1/2 WW's and 1/2 Pure lead mix. They come out at .459 I  don't size them.Have tried Varget load from new Speer manual,shoots 1 3/4 moa @ 100yds.Need to get out and try longer ranges. H4198 worked fine with Rem 3oo-405JSP.I think if one learns how to use the front sight inserts with the right size paper target,groups will be tight.I love the recoil it makes you feel alive!!!            Smokeless Jim

[Smokeless Jim]

The Sept-Oct 03 Rifle magazine has a bunch of smokeless loads for 45-70 with 500gr cast. If you can't find a copy I'll e-mail them for you. Smokeless Jim  Greene Co,PA

[handcanon]

I have been useing 535 gr postalls in my 14" SSK contender with luck. Took a large coyote with it at our farm. just punched one rather large hole all the way out.

the load I use is 44gr of pyrodex b/w (65 gr b/v) large rifle primers with a 535 postall and thru my friends 'graf it was just under 1100 fps

if you don't want to use pyrodex I have a load useing H4198

work up to the loads little by little
I can not take responsibility for damage to you or your equipment