Best bullet weight for PP 45-70?

[Redhawk1]

I have loaded up some 510 gr. Paper patch bullets in my 45-70. I have .300 compression and I am using 1 wad over the powder and one over my grease cookie. But what I have found is when I chamber there into my Sharps, the paper patch is into the rifling and about the last 1/8 inch is a little hard to push into the gun.  I am at 60 gr. of Goex FFg by volume. Should I be using lighter weight bullets for paper patching in my 45-70? I also have 200 of the 540 gr. paper patch bullets and the length of the ogive to the base of the bullet is even longer than the 510 gr. that I am having problems with. I can chamber the 510 gr. but like I said it takes a little more effort to get the last 1/8 inch into the gun.

[JBMauser]

I am NOT a BP cartridge expert, I am learning as well, but I would try only one wad and perhaps a second out of wax paper or milk carton.  Or go to just milk carton and wax paper.  why are you using a grease cookie?  you don't need any lube with PP though most coat the paper with a bit of lube or wax.  Come to think of it.  The paper protects the bullet base.  You don't need any wad at all!  Remember, a PP bullet is a JACKETED bullet.  There is no lead touching the bore.  Perhaps you load sans wads and cookies will not kiss the rifling.  JB

[Redhawk1]

I am NOT a BP cartridge expert, I am learning as well, but I would try only one wad and perhaps a second out of wax paper or milk carton.  Or go to just milk carton and wax paper.  why are you using a grease cookie?  you don't need any lube with PP though most coat the paper with a bit of lube or wax.  Come to think of it.  The paper protects the bullet base.  You don't need any wad at all!  Remember, a PP bullet is a JACKETED bullet.  There is no lead touching the bore.  Perhaps you load sans wads and cookies will not kiss the rifling.  JB

The lube is for soften the fouling caused by Black powder nothing to do with the paper patch. The patch would not hold enough lube for the barrel. The grease cookie is a must.

[JBMauser]

thanks Redhawk1, I am learing about BP cart.  I have shot a front stuffer and the only lube is in the patch aroung the ball or I butter up a Lee REAL cast projectile with nothing between it and the powder.  Like anything else you have to unlearn to learn.  I still compute lube with bullet/barrel protection.  JB

[tommy4toes]

maybe this will help.......
I'm not an expert either, but I've been shooting these things for a few years now. Redhawk, you want the patched portion of the bullet into the rifling, as far as possible to avoid damage to the patch upon firing. As others have said, a grease cookie is essential unless you plan on wiping after each shot.
Personally, when I load 500 gr PPBs, they are seated barely 1/16th" into the case - that way I can get all the powder i want behind them. These are strictly for target work though.
My hunting rounds are as follows : 420 gr .443" bullet, .100" cookie, .030 wad, then 75 grs Swiss 1.5, Winchester case, and a Fed 215 primer. About six breaths a shot on the tube and I can shoot all day. As mentioned in another post, the bullets are wiped with a little graphite after being inserted into the case.
As a rule of thumb, compress your powder enough to make room for the cookie.
I patch my bullets to .450( a snug fit in the muzzle ) and cast about 16:1.

Good shooting



t4t