Suggestions on reloading 45-70

[Ivan the Butcher]

The lyman 46th edition had hot load for 405 cast and a bunch of IMR3031; out of a Browning 1886, 26" was in the low 1800's fps and a wooping 4 foot extreme spread, also shoots good out of a guide gun, but has too much recoil for fun shooting. For best results; weigh every charge, and roll crimp!! Back when I could see better, this load would do 1" offhand 100 yard slow fire out of the iron sighted Browning, & 3'' out of the GG at 50YD as fast as I can [some brusing involved]
A mild load that shoots well is Accurate 5744 and a 325gr. cast in the 900fps range, [has won 100 yd. speed rifle for me] at about 2 inches[again offhand] in the Browning, you should get similer results in a 22 in Ruger. By the way do not "Jamb the Lands" on cast bullet loads and stick to the listed overall cartridge length, and you will be amaized at some of your groups. ENJOY!

 

[VAdoublegunner]

I have a number of 45/70s; B78 and 1885, Browning 1886 rifle and SRC, and a T/C.

All are great shooters with about any load. The cartridge is very easy to load, giving great accuracy with many powder choices. Although I've used 3031, 2495, 4198, and even Green Dot (for cast bullet loads), I currently like Varget best.

Faster powders do generally tend to work better in one of these, however. Rem 300 gr JHPs are highly effective bullets for the field, and quite accurate, when pushed to 1700+fps in this set up (I like your choice 625Smith!) --

 

[lafayne]

I am also a fan of the Sierra 300 and the Remington 405. IMR 4198 has proven to be the most accurate powder for me. I can load it relatively mild or over 2100 fps with the 300. I have never used cast bullets in my No. 1 as these two bullets perform so well. In my 38-55 I found that it took a lot of testing to achieve really good accuracy with cast bullets so I opted to only test jacketed bullets in the 45-70.

Ken

 

[Wheelgunner840]

Howdy.

I have used several of the powders mentioned above in the past, but have pretty much settled on two. I am not loading for a Ruger, but a Pedersoli Sharps falling block, and an 1886 Winchester. The smokeless powder is 5744 because it is the only powder that I have found that is not case position sensitive. The 45-70 is a big case, and there can be quite a difference in velocity depending on whether the powder is forward or rearward in the case. I have chronoed my 5744 loads purposefully positioning the powder forward and rearward in the case with no noticeable fluctuation in velocity.

I have also found that a full case of FFF Goex BP (slightly compressed) is extremely accurate out of the 36" bbl. Sharps. Shooting the black stuff is a hoot, and a snap to clean up. Pour hot soapy water down the barrel, a couple of patches, lube with some balistol and you are done.

Well, that's my two cents.


WG840