45-70 Marlin & 400gr Barnes

[Slamfire]

Worked up a maximum speed load with acceptable accuracy at safe pressure in my GBL. It's a rather long bullet so requires increased seating depth to keep COAL within maximum for the Marlin. Maximum powder charge backed off compared to the shorter 400gr Speer to keep pressure at a safe level.

Results as shown. Accuracy isn't too bad. Muzzle energy is 3050 ft-lbs. 7 shots on tap. Mild recoil. Bison stomper.

.45-70 Marlin 1895 GBL with Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 1.75-5x32mm

 

[mikeelliot]

Nice shooting! I have the same scope on mine...but the rail isn’t as far forward
I like that scout rail. Do you have to lean way forward to get a good view of the scope?

 

[Slamfire]

Not at all. The Bushnell 1.75-5x has generous eye relief. Nice to have the eye piece a bit forward of the hammer.

 

[mikeelliot]

Nice. Can you mount a peep site and use it with the rail?
I have mine mounted in QD rings so I can still use the irons

Anyone have any loads for the 325g FTX in the Marlin?

 

[Slamfire]

Should be doable I think (?). Would have to use QD rings and move the scope a little more forward to mount a Williams FP or the like.

 

[nowarningshot]

My guide is a JM. It needed a action job as it liked to jam, got the trigger and loading gate lightened. All done by Rusty Woods, Peter knows his stuff. Not much for small talk.

Sights were hitting 5" right at 50. Instead of drifting the sight, I simply added a Vx-hog loop low variable. Closest thing i could get to a german 4a reticle.

Then I moved from a area over run by Bears, to a island with no predators. Go figure.

 

[Slamfire]

Well the Bushnell 1.75-5x on my GBL was short-lived. The rifle feels a bit too heavy with it for my liking. Don't see a need for a variable so changed it out in favor of my Leupold M8 Compact 2.5x20mm. Appears to be the same as the current FX-II Ultralight 2.5x20mm which weighs a mere 6.5 oz, half the weight of the Bushnell.

Now my GBL weighs 8.2 lbs as shown. Much better.

The 2.5x was on my Deerfield Carbine. Now to get re-acquainted with the fine open sights. Take 44 magnum Big Bear hunting too.

 

[Slamfire]

Anyone have any loads for the 325g FTX in the Marlin?

I've loaded the FTX in my Marlin at about 2000 fps muzzle speed. Better results with this bullet in my .45-70 Ruger No.1. No problem safely getting 2400 fps MV.

I have a Nikon 3-9x with the BDC 250 reticle on my No.1. Works pretty good for accurate hits on distant targets calibrated with the Nikon Spot On app.