45-70 reloading data needed please :)

zee123

zee123

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Hello all,

I wanted to get some reloading data for reloading my Marlin 1895 Lever action “JM” stamped in 45-70 I just got this rifle not too long ago and haven’t tried it yet, I need to load up some rounds for it.

I got a box of 45-70 RNFP TLG BB 405 gr .459 bullets from the bullet barn, and IMR 3031

Do any of you have any info loading these bullets with this powder in this rifle?

Thank you
 
I can check my Lee manual this weekend, I'm pretty sure they have cast data. Have you slugged your bore? My last 1895G slugged @ .4585" needing a fairly chubby boolit. Also, have you checked Hodgdon's online data? Their new data site absolutely sucks but they've got a pretty good selection.
 
http://stevespages.com/458_1_385.html
Start low and work your way up till they punish you to your satisfaction. I have that weight of bullet that I call powder puff loads and I have that weight of bullet loaded to set light people on their butt.
Hodgdon site has more recipes for you of that weight of bullet. Load lighter than recommended for jacketed when using cast bullets.
http://www.gmdr.com/lever/lowveldata.htm This is a good site for my powder puff loads. scroll down to 45/70
 
I never got accuracy without a gas check above 42gr of 3031 with 420s. I shot very good groups with 40gr of 3031 and that my go to load with or without a GC
 
Narrow down the powder grain range in what way? You have to work up the load. Unfortunately, Hodgdon(owners of IMR) don't give cast data online. Fortunately, there are hordes of .45-70 sites that do. There are some 405 grain loads on Handloads.com.
 
If you are getting into loading cast bullets I highly recommend you get a copy of the Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook. Which specific mould or type of cast bullet you are loading isn't as important as being the correct weight and the size is within reason (anything from .001" over bore diameter to .003" is just fine). The Lyman book has several pages with 45-70 loads ranging from black powder equivalent loads for trap door rifles to the higher power lever loads to the really heavy single shot/dropping block/bolt action loads.
 
Full Power (Lever Action Load - Jacketed 400);

IMR 3031

.458"

2.540"


Starting (Jacketed 400);

51.0

1,809

26,900 cup


Maximum (Jacketed 400);

55.0c

1,971

37,300 cup


Trapdoor Load (Cast 405);


IMR 3031

.458"

2.540"

Starting Load (Cast 405);

45.5

1,597

17,300 CUP


Maximum Load (405 Cast);

48.5

1,706

21,100 CUP
 
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I have made loads from the old Lyman handbook that range from around 35 grains to over fifty grains of imr 3031, once you get around fifty with a 405 grain bullet it starts to smart. They make my 375 H&H seem like a pussycat!.

Make sure you use published data that you can verify, and work up.

The castboolits suggestion is great, lots of experience with the 45/70 there.
 
Just a heads up that's not powder related but one of the reloading issues to be aware of with this rifle is that OAL is fairly critical. 10 thou to long and the bullet tip will hang up still in the mag tube, or 10 thou to short and the next cartridge will enter the action and hang up the elevator.

Most of the problems will show themselves with Jacketed bullets if you ever try them, some are manufactured with a cannelur for .458 mag (or single shot 45-70) OAL. they still shoot very well in the gun but have to be fed one at a time through the ejection port.
The lead bullets you have mentioned work alright but even them, if the crimp is right up tight to the driving ring, I have had the next shell come too far into the action.
 
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