Kazman1960
CGN Regular
- Location
- Timmins Ontario
Hi . Just bought a 45-70 . Looking to get used to the rifle first so , does anyone have any "light load " recommendations ?
45-70 loads
- Thread starter Kazman1960
- Start date
- Location
- Near Yorkton
another 45-70 reloading string ... yawn
- Location
- Near Yorkton
Kazman1960
CGN Regular
- Location
- Timmins Ontario
Marlin 1895 Guide Gun .
I have a .50 BMG and 338 Lapua , I'm not afraid of recoil .
I just want to get used to the rifle before going to heavy loads .
A Guide Gun with a heavy bullet and a stiff load will kick quite a bit more than a 50BMG or 338 Lapua assuming both of those have efficient muzzle brakes.
No brake, lightweight rifle, and a heavy bullet add up to quite a bit of felt recoil.
If you check most any data source (book or online) you will usually find 3 "levels" of load for 45-70. Level 1 is usually based on the actual SAAMI max pressure for 45-70 which is based on the original black powder loads and are often called trap door rifle loads. Level 2 is usually for lever rifles like Marlin 1895's and Winchester 1886's. Level 3 are usually for single shot dropping block rifles like a Ruger #1, modern Browning highwall, and bolt action rifles; often Mausers.
If you want moderate recoil loads I'd pick up some cast bullets in or around 350-405gr and try out some of the level 1 loads. Hard cast bullets at level 1 velocities are proven against any game in North America including the great bears and bison. The level 2 loads move things up a bit and that's normally when I switch to jacketed bullets. I'm 6'3" and 280lbs and I don't enjoy shooting these after the first couple rounds. I've tried some level 3 loads in an H&R handi rifle and they where even more excessive and popped the action open from the recoil.
I stick to level 1 loads in my guide gun so I can fire more than a couple shots before it gets uncomfortable. Most of my 45-70 shooting lately has been black powder in an H&R Buffalo Classic though so even less recoil.
No brake, lightweight rifle, and a heavy bullet add up to quite a bit of felt recoil.
If you check most any data source (book or online) you will usually find 3 "levels" of load for 45-70. Level 1 is usually based on the actual SAAMI max pressure for 45-70 which is based on the original black powder loads and are often called trap door rifle loads. Level 2 is usually for lever rifles like Marlin 1895's and Winchester 1886's. Level 3 are usually for single shot dropping block rifles like a Ruger #1, modern Browning highwall, and bolt action rifles; often Mausers.
If you want moderate recoil loads I'd pick up some cast bullets in or around 350-405gr and try out some of the level 1 loads. Hard cast bullets at level 1 velocities are proven against any game in North America including the great bears and bison. The level 2 loads move things up a bit and that's normally when I switch to jacketed bullets. I'm 6'3" and 280lbs and I don't enjoy shooting these after the first couple rounds. I've tried some level 3 loads in an H&R handi rifle and they where even more excessive and popped the action open from the recoil.
I stick to level 1 loads in my guide gun so I can fire more than a couple shots before it gets uncomfortable. Most of my 45-70 shooting lately has been black powder in an H&R Buffalo Classic though so even less recoil.
- Location
- Haliburton County, Central Ontario
Hodgdon's 'Trail Boss' powder was designed for exactly what you want to do (try Higginson's Powders). It is a great way to put in some trigger time to get used to a new gun before going to factory or stout hand loads. I have used it in all my rifles at different times for years. It's a great way to bring a new shooter into the big bore hobby too.
Kazman1960
CGN Regular
- Location
- Timmins Ontario
Great , that will be my first load . Do you use anything for a "filler " as its only 13.5 grains . ? .
