smokeless loads for 500 gr 45-70

[Longcruise]

I want to load some smokelss loads for my 1885 hi wall replica for a cowboy silouette match later this month and wonder if anybody has a good consistent load for a 500 grain cast bullet at 1250 to 1300 fps?

It's a heavy load, but it's the best fitting and most accurate bullet I have handy for the 45-70.  It's the 500 gr round nose GC bore ride nose design.

If you have any tried and tested loads that meet the above requirements, Id sure like to hear about them.

[sharps4590]

Back when I used smokeless powder the two best I found for the 45-70 were IMR 3031 and Reloader 7.  Check your loading manuals for charges.  I've shot black for so long I've forgotten what mine were.

Vic

[Longcruise]

Vic, thanks.  3031 and RE7 were prime suspects all along.  They have worked good with lighter bullets for me.

I would load black but my supplier of BPC bullets went belly up and the only other mold I have on hand throws a .442 bore ride and my gun measures .448.  The lee smokeless mold throws a .447 with wheel weights so until I get a BPC mold to fit this 1885 I'll be doing it the modern way I'm afraid.

[DPRinks]

LC;
I am having good results with the Lee 500gr 3R, modified for a gas check, [I do this on all my rifle cast bullets] with 25 to 28 gr 4198, with the Lyman recommended 5/8" sq. , 1/4" thick dacron patch, a 24"x 60" roll of quilt batting from the dime store will do for years.
Chronographs 1180, with 25gr to 1290 with 28gr.
At 28 gr it is starting to talk to my bad rotator cuff, even with a recoil pad, but, should do a job on anything at 100yd or less.
I can keep it in 2" at 50 yds with open sights, as soon as the mount and scope get here, I shall have more to report.
Don

[ron haralson]

Longcruise,
     
     I've had very good success with 24 gr. of 2400 in my rolling block. I have shot a good many groups under an inch at 100 yards ( 5 shots). I have a good set of aperature sights, but no scope. Was never led to believe that this kind of rifle would shoot so well.

                                                                                Ron.

[sharps4590]

Regarding accuracy of these old rifles:  If correctly loaded, a good set of sights, the correct target and obviously with a rifle that will shoot in the first place these old guns are capable of extraordinary accuracy.  My first Sharps was a Shiloh, Long Range Express chambered in 45-70.  I saved on 500 yard target I shot with that rifle.  I fired 19 shots that perfect morning.  I'll never forget it.  I had 17 in the 10 ring with eleven X's.  The first shot was a sighter and the wind came up on my last shot and pushed it into the 9 ring.  I don't dope wind very well!!  That equates to 17 shots in an 8 inch group and 11 in 6 inches.  Load was 61 grs. of GOEX Ctg. under a Walters Wonderwad and RCBS 500 BPC bullet cast 25-1 with SPG lube.  All bullets and cases were indexed.  Sights are MVA the front with spirit level and windage.  I've never duplicated that but I know the rifle is capable.  I believe my 40-70 SS will beat it but I haven't had the chance to find out.  It's a shame that oftentimes these old rifles are denigrated regarding their accuracy.

Vic