Author Topic: 45-70 loads (Read 833 times)

James B · « **on:** March 30, 2004, 02:47:21 PM »

Thanks for the info on loads. I went to the range today with the chronograph to test some loads that I reloaded the last couple windy days. The 405 grain cast load is a winner at least on paper. I did not have time to shoot for groups today as I had many loads to speed check. The 13.0 grains of Unique read out 1123 1109 1117 1113 and 1123. Very consistant an pleasant load to shoot. The 300 grain HP with the same 13.0 gr of Unique was pleasant but not as consistand it averaged about 1200 fps but there was almost 100 fps difference between the high and low shots. I would quess it may need a little more powder but have not tried that yet. I have yet to try any other powder for a reduced load for the 300 Grain bullet. I will get back on in an hour or so with the loads for the NEF 44 Mag and the NEF 223 loads that I also tested today. Will have to wait until my wife is off on a nice day to do the Accuracy tests but if they are good I will post them.

Cottonwood · « **Reply #1 on:** March 31, 2004, 03:19:53 AM »

James B.

That is nice results.... I wish I had a chrono to test my loads with the 13.5 gr of Unique I'm using. I'm also using a Fed 215 LMRP and a good firm crimp. With the results that I am getting from this load, I'm not going to change a thing.

Have a good one!

Wlscott · « **Reply #2 on:** March 31, 2004, 07:22:57 AM »

James, what other powders are you using for your 45-70 loads? I've got a 45-70 barrel on the way and am anxious to get started loading for it.

Leftoverdj · « **Reply #3 on:** March 31, 2004, 11:56:26 AM »

WIScott, the fast rifle powders seem to be the place to start. You won't go wrong with XMP 5744 or either of the 4198s. As this thread notes, Unique works very well in light cast loads. There are those who swear by Blue Dot, 2400, and 4227, but I have not done much with them. H-322 and 3031 do well with heavy hunting loads with jacketed bullets, but they give too much unburned powder for me with lighter loads. You have to shoot bullets faster than I want to shoot them to get the pressures up enough for a clean burn with those powders.

James B · « **Reply #4 on:** March 31, 2004, 05:12:31 PM »

3031 is the only other powder I have used recently. For Bear loads I load the Hornady or Speer 350 grain. With this I have written down here 56 gr. of 3031 behind the 350 grain Hornady Round nose. That load will shake your fillings loose in the Handi rifle and is the max load listed for the Marlin. This from the OLD hornady Manual. Don't start with that load. I shot one into a 500 lb plus Bear. It went in the top of the skull, all the way down the center of the neck, through the chest and fell out from under the hide between the front legs. The critter was dead before it hit the ground and never even quivered. The top of the skull was just a cup or two of shredded bone. That load clocked about 1950 from the Marlin barrel. I never clocked one from the Handi rifle but I think both have 22 inch barrels.