45-70 Load Help

[rescue_171]

Hey guys I just got a new to me 45-70 super 14 barrel with a muzzle break.

I am getting ready to reload for it and have a good bit of IMR 3031 so that is what I will be using since I read this is a good powder for this round. I have chose to use the 300gr HP from Seirra.

My question is do you guys have any pet loads for the loading at contender pressures?

Also I read on the IMR site on there loading data and they list:

300 GR. SIE HP  IMR  IMR 3031  .458"  2.525"  56.0gr  1884fps  21,100 CUP  max --- 59.5grC  2021fps  22,000 CUP 

Isn't 59.5 grains of 3031 a heafty charge? And could that pressure be right? But it says that this is a loading for the trapdoor rifles.

Also what is there to look for as signs of excess pressure in this cartridge as the gun will come apart before it show signs of normal over pressure such as flat primers spit cases...etc?                                                                                                                                       
Thanks

[MePlat]

You have asked a question that is going to get many different answers.  I tend to listen to what JD Jones (of SSK fame) has to say about the Contender in 45/70 .   He says the Contender will take 28,000 cup loads as a good working safe maximum load.
If anyone on here knows more than Jones I am ready to listen provided they give evidence of their knowledge with actual experience.
That being said look in your loading books at data up to the 28,000 cup limits and use that.
With a 300 gr (light for caliber and case) H4198 and IMR 4198 with be better choices in the long haul.  It will get just as good velocities with less powder.
Now 3031 is an excellent powder though and will serve you well since you have a good supply of it.
Remember use data up to 28,000 cup and you will be okay.

[shot1]

In my 4th edition Sierra manual for pistols it gives 51.9 grs IMR 3031 as the max load for 1550 fps which is also the load that they give as the accuracy load with their 300 gr HP bullet. They use Federal cases and Federal 210M primers and a 16 1/4" barrel T/C Contender. They list RE-7 with 46.6 grs as the hunting load which does 1700 fps. I have shot a few deer with a 420 gr cast bullet and black powder out of my Sharps rifle at 1400 fps and I can attest from what it does to deer that the 300 gr Sierra HP at 1550 fps would put the hurting on a deer about as far away as you could hit it.

[rusty shackelford]

i load imr  what you have picked and 300 grain remingtons i use 50.0 grains and  have shot that for 9 years in my 16" 45/70 set  up at 1" high at 100 yards  it has dropped every pa that i hit with it. very easy on recoil also.
 it is a nice little thumper.

rusty

[Blackhawker]

Without giving away specific loads, I use IMR-4198 and 2400 with 300g JHP's and 410g cast bullets.  They work pretty well for me.  Just keep your loads at trap door specs and you'll be fine.

[Artful]

Well I'm using cast 400 or heavier boolits and Accurate 5744 powder with them - accurate loads seem to come easy with my 14".

[Lawful Larry]

Also I read on the IMR site on there loading data and they list:

300 GR. SIE HP  IMR  IMR 3031  .458"  2.525"  56.0gr  1884fps  21,100 CUP  max --- 59.5grC  2021fps  22,000 CUP 

Isn't 59.5 grains of 3031 a heafty charge? And could that pressure be right? But it says that this is a loading for the trapdoor rifles.

                                                                                                                                    
Thanks

I would never in a thousand years put a cartridge like that in my trapdoor.  Don't know who is putting that info out, but it is pure BS!!!  I load 38 grs of IMR 3031 for my orignial trapdoor.  Where did you get that info?

If I remember right the max load for a Marlin 1895 CB was around 54 or 55 grs. of IMR 3031 for a hunting load.

[Blackhawker]

Also I read on the IMR site on there loading data and they list:

300 GR. SIE HP  IMR  IMR 3031  .458"  2.525"  56.0gr  1884fps  21,100 CUP  max --- 59.5grC  2021fps  22,000 CUP  

Isn't 59.5 grains of 3031 a heafty charge? And could that pressure be right? But it says that this is a loading for the trapdoor rifles.

                                                                                                                                    
Thanks

I would never in a thousand years put a cartridge like that in my trapdoor.  Don't know who is putting that info out, but it is pure BS!!!  I load 38 grs of IMR 3031 for my orignial trapdoor.  Where did you get that info?

If I remember right the max load for a Marlin 1895 CB was around 54 or 55 grs. of IMR 3031 for a hunting load.

Agreed.....that does not sound like a Trapdoor charge at all.  

[rescue_171]

That load is copy and pasted straight off the Hodgen website.... Thought that was way wrong.