To Throat, or not to Throat

[CyberDean]

I have just received two (2) H&R 45-70's in Oct '08.  Both were checked and shoot 300 grain HP's great.  I have selected one to shoot the 400 grain Barnes semi-spitzer.  I have been researching throating and taking measurements and all.  The Barnes bullet, 400 gr, needs to be 0.050" prior to hitting the lands.  Measured my 45-70 and found it is 2.663" for maximum COL at the lands.  Currently, I can load a cartridge up to 2.613" COL and be within Barnes bullet requirements.  With cases trimmed to 2.0885" and a bullet length of 1.1635", the bullet above case is 0.5235", and bullet in the case being 0.7400".  The empty depth inside the case being 1.919", and the bullet being loaded, will give an area inside the case for powder of 1.179" high.  This finally brings me to my question.  Is the area from the bullet to the bottom of the case sufficient to hold the powder without powder compression using normal loads for a 400 grain bullet?  Or would it be better for me to throat the barrel to be on the safe side?

Thanks.

[Smokin Joe]

The stock throat is just fine, especially if it shoots the 300 gn well. If you throat, you can't put it back.
 I have 2 throated barrels, but I did it for a specific reason and application. The Barnes 400 will work well with your barrel just the way it is.

[CyberDean]

Thanks SmokinJoe, I was afraid of getting into problems if I started compressing the loads during reloading, but am not sure what powder I'll end up using and how much.  This one 45-70 will only be used for the 400 grain Barnes bullets and the other with the 300 grain bullets.  Did not want to wreck the rifle or me.

Have a Merry, Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year.

Dean

[Badnews Bob]

I doubt your shoulder will let you shoot a compess load in a .45-70 .

[CyberDean]

Hi Badnews Bob,  I have been using the Marlin Lever 45-70 this year for hunting, know what you mean, the shoulder kicking can get to ya.

Thanks.

Dean

P.S.  I like your avatar, great.

[Badnews Bob]

The Tomcat was what I played with in the Navy, The USS Enterprise was the last ship I was assigned to when I retired, And I've always liked sci-fi, It kinda covers them all.

[FW Conch]

Bob, there is a Tomcat on the field down here @ Boca Chica Naval Air Station that is a "museum piece"

left over from the "Grim Reapers" Squadron. We sure miss hearing & seeing those baby's fly over & every

 pilot who ever flew one wishes they were still around !       Jim

[Badnews Bob]

I was in VF-101 The grimm reapers for 4 1/2 years, spent a lot of time in Boca Chica pretty place, Lotsa crazies for niebours thou, I think you know what I mean.

Funny thing about those F-14 museum peices, they'er 100% flyable, most museum birds aren't........coinsidence?

That bird will be there if we need her.

[CyberDean]

Bob, you ever been stationed at Pensacola Air Station?

[Badnews Bob]

No but I spent alot of time there somebody has to teach those pilots how to fly and us low lifes have to keep the jets flying.

I was there with VA-42 and VF-101 all thru the 80s.

[CyberDean]

I spent about 6 1/2 years, two tours, at Corry Field just up the road from the Navy Air Station during the 70's, teaching and managing a multi-service computer school.  The only time I was out of FL in the 70's was 73-77 in Alaska.  Retired from the Air Force in 80.

[FW Conch]

Bob, a lot of the crazy neighbors seem to have relocated to Fort Lauderdale, leaving more room for us fishermen .       Jim

[Smokin Joe]

Dean, check your PM

[CyberDean]

Smokinjoe, got your PM, forgive my ignorance, but where do I find the instruction to send a PM?

I found it