3031 Load for 45-70

vancouverbc

vancouverbc

Regular
Rating - 99.5%
807   4   6
Location
BC
Last week I only had Varget on hand so loaded up some 45-70 350gr FN copper jacket with 54gr and it shot holes in holes at 50 yards. Was very impressed. But alas my Varget is all gone now.

So, picked up 8lb of 3031. Should be enough powder to pull my shoulder back out of its socket.

For plinking I will be shooting Bullet Barn cast 405gr - just wondering if anyone could suggest a good starting load? I am new to cast bullets so I am guessing I want to start on the lower end of the power curve? It's a new Remlin 1895

As an aside, I assume the BB 405gr bullets (triple lubed) are not too hard on a barrel? I bought the bullets first, figured I would ask questions later. :rolleyes:
 
I use 46grns with 405grn jacketed bullets and it is my go to load. i messed around with some bullet barn 405's and the only thing I know is you don't wanna try an push em towards 2000fps. Closer to original Gov't loading the better
 
My Marlin liked IMR 3031 with the 300grHP and IMR 4198 for the 350's Both shot 1/2" at 100 yards with a 4X Leupold............Harold
 
When I started reloading the 45-70 it was suggested to me to use 4198 the cans still sitting here as after a couple of tries trying to get enough powder in the case I gave up. Always used 3031 after that. I shoot a #3 Ruger so max loads are out due to the recoil.
 
With 44gr IMR 4198 and a 350gr Hornady FN I shot a .504" 3 shot group at 100 yards.In a pre-crossbolt safety model Marlin 1895........Harold
 
I've heard the unburned powder argument a few times. Especially with IMR3031, and I've seen this myself with my own 458 American.
But the target results speak for themselves IMO. I could care less about the odd lonely bit of powder in the rifle bore. Other then this odd circumstance in front of your eyes, did the rifle shoot any more poorly? Did the bullet know this too and perform any differently? Did your d@ck fall off??
Seriously guys, most of us that shoot 45-70 with smokeless powder are hunters of big game at normal woods hunting distances.
I personally think this is a rather moot subject not even worth worrying about.
 
Brutus said:
I've heard the unburned powder argument a few times. Especially with IMR3031, and I've seen this myself with my own 458 American.
But the target results speak for themselves IMO. I could care less about the odd lonely bit of powder in the rifle bore. Other then this odd circumstance in front of your eyes, did the rifle shoot any more poorly? Did the bullet know this too and perform any differently? Did your d@ck fall off??
Seriously guys, most of us that shoot 45-70 with smokeless powder are hunters of big game at normal woods hunting distances.
I personally think this is a rather moot subject not even worth worrying about.
Click to expand...

We gotta talk about something... it's better than NetFlix.
 
I went up to 42gr of 3031 with a plain base 405gr cast bullet then lost accuracy. I think my top end with a gas check was 50gr. Anyway I settled on 40gr as a good accurate everything load.
 
But what fun is 1200 when you could go 1950?

I'll have to double check my load when I get home but 3031 gives me 1950fps out of my 1885 with a 418gr cast bullet.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom