Author Topic: BP loads for an original Rolling block  (Read 365 times)

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Offline Redhawk1

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BP loads for an original Rolling block
« on: July 04, 2004, 02:09:25 AM »
I have an original Remington Rolling Block carbine in 45-70. I also have a Shiloh Sharps in 45-70. I have been shooting 60 gr. of BP with various bullet weights, from 500 gr. to 550 gr. paper patch and grease grove bullets. I have shot several out of the Rolling block and everything work and appears to function well. Now is this a safe load in the original Rolling block? I know it has been shooting them, and I know that the BP at 60 gr by volume is not a heavy pressure load. I have not tried any heavier loads to 70 gr. For one I can't get 70 gr. of BP in the case and compress it enough to fit those large bullets. I have compressed the powder almost .500 with the 60 gr. of BP to get the 550 gr paper patch bullets to be seated deep enough to properly fit without going into the riffling of either gun. Between the thickness of the wads and grease cookie it does not leave a lot of room for powder, even after compression. I have tried 405 gr. bullets, but I do not get the accuracy that I get out of the 500 to 550 gr. bullets.
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Offline The Shrink

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BP loads for an original Rolling block
« Reply #1 on: July 04, 2004, 06:41:38 AM »
Redhalk

First of all you need some indication of the date of manufacture and country of manufacture to know the steel and hardening.  However, the action was used for the 30-40 Kraig, .303 and the 7mm Mauser, so the design is strong enough if the steel is.  

The 405 bullet needs a strong crimp to ensure complete combustion in the case.  The mass of the 500 gr. and larger bullets is adequate to accomplish this.  If you didn't crimp the 405's accuracy is not expected.  

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Offline RPbump

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BP loads for an original Rolling block
« Reply #2 on: July 06, 2004, 03:10:51 AM »
Redhawk 1,   My 45-70 load is 67gr GOEX Cartridge poured via drop tube into RP cases, compressed .30", WLR primer, .060 LDPE wad.  Winchester cases will hold 2>3gr more powder than RP cases. Using 20:1 0r 30:1 alloy you should cast a bullet about .001 larger than your groove diameter for best accuracy. Use Cerro Safe to ascertain your chamber dimensions and slug the barrel for groove and bore dimensions.  Many older BP rifles had a twist rate of 1 turn in 22" and will get best results with bullets from 405 to 480gr. Most modern 45-70 BP rifles have a 1 turn in 18" twist rate that stabilizes bullets up to 570gr depending on muzzle velocity. Rbump