Big case, small load

[Sierra Sherpa]

Like I stated in an earlier post, I'm new to loading cast bullets although I've brewed jacketed slugs regularly.  Recently I picked up some 405-gr. cast lead pills (sized .459") for my .45-70 Handi and Uberti Highwall and am looking to concoct some reduced, as well as deer hunting, loads using SR 4759.  With my jacketed bullets I'm used to relying on 45-61 grains of powder (IMR 3031, 4198 and Varget) under 300-gr. Hornadys. 


The SR 4759 load I've started with is 25.0 grs. under the 405-gr. cast with a COAL of 2.54".  To me, there seems to be an inordinate amount of unfilled case space as the load doesn't even seem to occupy even half of the available capacity.  According to what I've read, there is no need to use a filler with SR 4759.  I just want to ask if this is safe, normal and whether there will be any problems relating to ignition due to powder positioning in the half-empty/full case.  Can you gents enlighten on this?   

[Doublebass73]

SR 4759 is a great powder for the 45-70, you don't need filler and yes it's perfectly safe. You also need not worry about about the empty space. The 405 cast will actually take up quite a bit of that space. 25.0 grains is also enough that if you did happen to double charge the case it would be very apparent to you.

[Sierra Sherpa]

Thanks Doublebass73.  Back to the reloading bench.  I'm thinking of maxing out at 28.5 grs. SR 4759.  I saw that 30.0 grs. is considered Marlin 1895 load level, which I think my Handi and Highwall can handle.

[cwlongshot]

XMP5744 and Trail Boss are tow other good bulky powder options.

You are just fine with your loading!  AVOID ANY URGE TO ADD A FILLER!!!!!

CW

[quickdtoo]

30gr SR4759 under a 405gr cast bullet is listed as 25.5kcup(kpsi)in the Lyman 48th, which is still under the SAAMI trapdoor limit of 28kpsi, however Lyman lists it as a starting Ruger #1 load! 

Tim

[Sierra Sherpa]

Alrighty, thank you fellas.  This should be fun.  Those big ol' cast bullets just look mighty fine on my Handi's butt cuff.

[quickdtoo]

That sounds almost kinky!! 

Tim

[Flynmoose]

I had bullet envy until I got 45-70s. The SR4759 load is one that I used for several years until my shoulder went sour. I use Trailboss and Lasercast 405s in all three 45-70s now. If I were to hunt with one, I still have a few of the 4759 loads, ready and waiting to go to work.

[gcrank1]

Dont make too many of the stiff loads until you find out how you take to them. I hate having to pull/knock down loads and painful shooting and wasting powder & ball irks me.