Author Topic: 45-70 Recipe for 405 gr bullets (Read 545 times)

Fearless · « **on:** March 08, 2005, 05:44:50 AM »

Just wondering if anyone has any experience loading 405 gr. bullets for the 45-70. I am shooting a 16" Super Contender. Any help/advice would be appreciated. Thanks. Fearless

palgeno · « **Reply #1 on:** March 08, 2005, 06:55:55 AM »

This is a load I use in my Marlin Guide gun---53 gr Varget under a 405 gr Oregon Trail hardcast lead bullet---appx 1800 fps from the 20 inch barrel. Might recoil a whole bunch in a 16 inch barrel!!!! :roll: pg

sawfish · « **Reply #2 on:** March 08, 2005, 12:11:19 PM »

I have used these loads in my RPM XL, which is throated, but they might be too much for a std. Contender barrel. They are MAX or over MAX for most guns. Do not use as starting loads! Double check the manufacturer's loading guides, and preferably the contender manual. As a rule, powders in the same burning rate as H-4895 work well in the 45/70 with heavy bullets. These loads are chronographed from a 12.5" barrel with R-P 405 gr. bullets.

AA-2015 52.0 1543

AA-2520 51.0 1440

RL-7 46.0 1575 (Hot)

H-322 43.5 Not Chronographed

Fearless · « **Reply #3 on:** March 09, 2005, 06:08:05 AM »

Thanks Guys,
My biggest concern is of course safety. My TC reloading manual doesn't have a load for the 405 gr bullets. So I will keep looking. Thanks again for the suggestions. Fearless

sawfish · « **Reply #4 on:** March 09, 2005, 06:43:17 AM »

You might try checking the Magnum Research website. There was an article posted that compared velocities between the Magnum Research BFR and the Contender in 45/70 using the same loads. To the best of my recollection, there was some limited loading data. Otherwise, try loaddata.com or the Speer and Hornady websites. Accurate Arms previously claimed their 45/70 date for the Marlin was okay in the Contender, but that may have changed in recent years. Good luck.

fyrepowrx · « **Reply #5 on:** March 09, 2005, 01:54:08 PM »

Layne Simpson did an excellent article a few years back in Shooting Times with loads for all 3 pressure levels of loads for the 3 action types, which he listed as 1) trapdoor safe, low pressure, 2) Contender/Marlin Lever, etc, and 3) Ruger #1&3 , and Browning HiWall... i kept a copy of this, if you have access to a fax i can send you a copy... email me at fyrepowrx@aol.com if interested & i will dig up the info. Not sure if he listed 405 grain loads, but his data was extensive..

Fearless · « **Reply #6 on:** March 12, 2005, 12:11:21 PM »

fyrepowrx & sawfish,
Thanks for the info. I don't have a fax but I think I know someone with some old Shooting Times that I could check out. Also I will check out the website for the 45/70 info...still keeping my eyes open for some good loading data. Thanks for the help. Fearless

fyrepowrx · « **Reply #7 on:** March 12, 2005, 12:33:00 PM »

Fearless,

i dont mind sending you a copy by mail if you want the data... my email address is fyrepowrx@aol.com, send me your address if you want it. its about 12 pages in length & gives some excellent data. i have sent it by fax & mail to several shooters who have indicated they also found it useful. Thanks & good shooting!