45/70 Load

[upstech76]

Looking for some insight for a 45/70 Handirifle load. Bullet will be the 300 gr Sierra HP and will be used for whitetails here in Mississippi. Load data will be double checked against published data as I don't load beyond this.

[tacklebury]

My favorite load for the 300 gr. Hornady HP was 47 gr. Reloader7.  I took it up as high as 52 gr. which was safe pressure wise, but more recoil than I wanted and took it down as low as 34 gr. for some trap door level loads for the wife to shoot.  Don't know if you like RL7 or have it, but it's all I use in .45-70.
 
http://www.alliantpowder.com/reloaders/powderlist.aspx?type=1&powderid=7&cartridge=109

[revbc]

Here's a couple loads from mild to fairly wild.

[keith44]

I am trying one recommended by Elmer Keith, and it's still listed.  53.0 grains of IMR 3031 with a 300 grain (I went with Hornady) hollowpoint.  I am using Large Rifle Magnum primers to get a cleaner burn, books call for standard large rifle primers.


My load data shows 52.0 for the Sierra 300 grain bullet in the Win 1886, but also shows up to 60 grains 3031 for the Marlin 1895 and Ruger 1 rifles.

[jhalcott]

 I've killed a few crop damage does with the 45-70 with CAST 300 grain bullets and 3031! None of those Buffalo hunter long shots, all mine were under 200 yards and resulted in pass thrus. The deer usually fell before they got out of the fields!

[Kmrere42]

Hi upstech76,

If you are also loading for other cartridges,  Try Varget.  50gr under almost anything except the jacked HP.  There try the 57gr load.



Pulled this from the Hodgdon load data website,   http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp





Paul,




These data are intended for Springfield "Trapdoor", Rolling Block, and Antique Replicas.  Max pressure, 28,000 CUP
 

Cartridge: 45-70 Government (Trapdoor Rifles)* Load Type: Rifle

Starting Loads

Maximum Loads

Bullet Weight (Gr.)

Manufacturer

Powder

Bullet Diam.

C.O.L.

Grs.

Vel. (ft/s)

Pressure

Grs.

Vel. (ft/s)

Pressure

300 GR. CAST LFP

Hodgdon

Varget

.458"

2.465"

45.0

1599

17,800 CUP

55.0

1880

20,600 CUP

300 GR. SIE HP

Hodgdon

Varget

.458"

2.525"

57.0

1770

16,300 CUP

63.0C

2020

23,800 CUP

385 GR. CAST LFP

Hodgdon

Varget

.458"

2.505"

42.5

1537

15,400 CUP

52.5

1805

21,800 CUP

405 GR. CAST LFP

Hodgdon

Varget

.458"

2.540"

40.0

1392

15,600 CUP

50.0

1718

20,900 CUP

These data are intended for the 1895 lever action Marlin ONLY.  Max pressure, 40,000 CUP.  Do not use these data in any of the firearms listed in the Trapdoor section.  Do not use pointed bullets in any rifle with a tubular magazine.
 

Cartridge: 45-70 Government (Lever Actions)* Load Type: Rifle

Starting Loads

Maximum Loads

Bullet Weight (Gr.)

Manufacturer

Powder

Bullet Diam.

C.O.L.

Grs.

Vel. (ft/s)

Pressure

Grs.

Vel. (ft/s)

Pressure

350 GR. HDY JRN

Hodgdon

Varget

.458"

2.540"

54.0

1786

21,800 CUP

60.0C

2013

29,500 CUP

400 GR. SPR JFP

Hodgdon

Varget

.458"

2.540"

50.0

1655

18,600 CUP

55.0C

1845

25,000 CUP

[twoshooter]

My load turned out the same as Tacklebury, 47gr of RL7 and I used 300 Rem Hp. About 1 1/8 group  @ 100YDS from a #3. Very middle of the road load.

[gary0529]

I have used 50 gr. 3031 under a 300 gr. Hornady bullet for years in my Marlin 1895 SS Guide gun. Very accurate-can hold 1 to 1.5 inches at 100 yards with red dot scope and deer never venture more than a few steps after being hit.
Usually get pass thru but a huge blood trail for the short distance they travel.

I have tried faster and heavier loadings but don't appreciate the recoil at my age as much as I used to.

Gary

[jburris2001]

what was your distance on these shots. getting ready to load some up with cases cut to 1.8 but seated full length for indiana deer hunting.
 

Here's a couple loads from mild to fairly wild.

[Center Shot]

I like 4198 with 300gr. Loads my favorite being a 300 gr Lee paper patched up  to .457.

[GH1]

My go to load with my Handi is 30 gr of AA 5744 under a 405 gr cast bullet. Velocity is low 14's.
GH1