45-70 loads using Unique powder

[DancesWithEmptyCasings]

Hey folks,

I load a lot of pistol ammo using Unique powder. I have my hunting load down pat for my Marlin 1895 Classic. What I am looking for is a range/plinking load with Unique up to 100m just for the pure enjoyment of it. I use both 405 and 450Gr cast bullets for this and some "shorter" Hornady" cases included. If y'all have any load tables out there it would be greatly appreciated. I am good with filler media as I do shoot BP as well. Thank you.

 

[jethunter]

Lyman 46th - 45/70 data for 1873 Sprinfield rifle with 405gr RNFP:
Start 11.0gr Unique, 890 fps
Max 15.0gr Unique, 1220fps

You could go a couple grains higher if you're using a stronger rifle.

 

[unstableryan]

I load 8 to 16 behind pretty much any cast bullet I have for my marlin. All is good.

Make powdercoated 405 hb RN by the hundreds loaded with 15gr. My primary plinking gun for the last few years.

 

[DancesWithEmptyCasings]

Thanks

 

[aric84]

I wonder if the new IMR unequal could be used in the same sort of capacity as Unique since it is supposed to be a very close copy. Would be great since IMR powders are much easier to get a hold of locally.

 

[QueensHorseman]

I have been meaning to try some .45-70 cast loads with Unique. I have used the powder for years in .44 wcf, .45 Colt, .45 acp, etc with great results. I tried modern (read heavy!) loads in my ‘86 src and they almost ruined the rifle / caliber combination for me. Black powder velocities and cast Bullets are what I enjoy in the .45-70 so Unique is a natural alternative to mild 3031 and 4198 loads. There is a great channel on you tube where they shoot many of the older rounds at long range. I love watching the mild recoil and hearing the gongs song when they are firing their .45-70s with mild Unique loads.

 

[cooey43]

I have used 12 gr. of Unique behind a 385 gr. cast bullet in my Trapdoor for 30 yrs. Accurate , soft & fun !!!

 

[laurencen]

running 12 grains over a 400 grain cast lead for target, also used 13.5 grains for testing, fired from a Encorer

sorry error should have been 13.5

 

[tigrr]

http://www.gmdr.com/lever/lowveldata.htm
Scroll down to 45/70 and hit 405gr see what you can do.

 

[Garand]

I've used both Red Dot & Unique at 13.0 grains and a Bullet Barn 405 GC Bullet in my .45-70. Great plinking ctge at 100mr.

 

[vagrantviking]

http://www.gmdr.com/lever/lowveldata.htm
Scroll down to 45/70 and hit 405gr see what you can do.

Thanks for putting this up!
A wealth of information for the cast boolit shooter.

 

[DancesWithEmptyCasings]

A quick range report (sorry for the lack of pictures) with a 22" Marlin 1895 Classic. 13gr of Unique with a heavy roll crimp clover leafed at 50m with a very mild recoil. This was under a hard cast 405gr hard cast RNFP bullet. I used both waded( Toilet paper) and unwaded. Interesting enough, the unwaded rounds proved to be more accurate.