Small Magnum Pistol Primers in 45-70?

[badguybuster]

Ive been loading the berrys 350 grain plate FPs with good success. I am using 34 grains of RL7 and a tight crimp. CCI Large Rifle Primers. My groups are averaging 1.5" at 100 yrds out of my Marlin 1895 22" barrel. However, I read a few articles that folks were having good success with using Large Magnum Pistol Primers. Anyone tried them? How did you adjust your powder?

 

[dirty gary]

I've been loading 45-70 for a Magnum Research BFR for quite a while, and lately I've been using the Berrys plated bullets. I tried LMP primers and they work fine in the revolver, but I never tried them in my Marlin. The primer cup may be thinner, which may cause the rifle firing pin to pierce the primer - maybe? I've been using H4198, I think about 50-51 gr

 

[badguybuster]

Ya, I have heard of using 4198 and RL10. I had an excess of RL7 from my 50 beowulf days. I know a lot of Black Powder guys use the LPM's in 45-70

 

[Kinman]

I've been messing around with an old 1886 Winchester 45-70, the barrels twist rate is more suited to lead but I have found the 300gr Hornady JHP with 28.6 gr AA-5744 produces a very nice grouping 3" high at 50yds and dead on the money at 150, it would be an excellent hunting load.
For accuracy it seems to like 405gr WLNGC "flying bricks" using 44gr of H-4895, that load produces a tattered hole at 100yds...
Best "Plinker" rounds are 350gr Meister Hardcast FNLGC with 45gr 4064...that load produces a decent group and is pleasant to shoot from the bench, just about anyone can handle it standing up or sitting.

 

[badguybuster]

What primers are you using? I was wrong in my title. The ones I was inquiring about are Larger Pistol Magnums, not small. My bad. I am getting mixed opinions. Prolly not gunna use them but wanted to see if anyone had and what the results were.

 

[keoki]

I tried WLP on a plinking load (300gr laser cast/15gr Unique). The groups opened up slightly but they functioned ok.

 

[mtgianni]

The Large Rifle Primers are taller than Large Pistol primers. If you have a short firing pin they may not get all the force that they should. They should be bottommed also, not seated flush. If you have a soft load and want a less harsh ignition, they might be OK.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I was about to say the same thing, LR primers are taller than LP primers. IMO it's not a good idea to use pistol primers in rifle loads because the cups may not be able to withstand the pressures. It might work in low pressure 45-70 loads but it's still a bad idea...

 

[Edmo]

I was about to say the same thing, LR primers are taller than LP primers. IMO it's not a good idea to use pistol primers in rifle loads because the cups may not be able to withstand the pressures. It might work in low pressure 45-70 loads but it's still a bad idea...

+1...

OBTW, My favorite powder in the 45-70 is IMR 3031. I use it in many of my rifle calibers.

Edmo

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I was using H4198 for my 45-70 ammo and a few months ago I gave AA5744 a try. I'm usually a stich in the mud when it comes to powder that work well in a caliber but this is one change I can stick with. I like the smoke it generates and the type of recoil is different, it's a push back instead of a heavy bump.