45-70 reloading
- Thread starter mikeboehm
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I haven't tried either of these powders. I started with IMR4198 and kind of stayed there. I've bought other powders to try but haven't got around to it yet.
Bullets in the 400 grain class and loaded at trap door velocities, will stop any bear.
3031 is also one of the powders that work very well in the 45-70. I'm going from memory here, so may be out, but I think I used 42 grains of 3031 with 420 grain cast bullets and they turned up around the 1450 fps range, completely satisfactory for any close range shooting of bears, or anything similar, while in the safe range for a Springfield Trapdoor.
Absolutely. There is no terribly good reason to go heavier, and several good reasons not to.
Please educate me, I am new to reloading 45-70 and want to learn as much as I can about the heavier loads for bear defence. I have no problem making plinking loads, but I am confused about all the different type of loads that are available in 45-70, such as modern rifle loads, lever action loads loads for all rifles in good condition and what not.
45-70 is a very old cartridge and has subsequently been chambered in many different action types of varying strengths. Some of the actions are stronger than others. You can load hotter in actions that are stronger. That's why there are different levels of loads in your reloading manual. Use loads recommended for your rifle/action type. It's very self explanatory.
Thanks jethunter. I am reloading for a marlin 1895 gbl. Mainly for bush defence, but would still like to plink with it too. I am also having a hard time finding load data for hornady 325 ftx loads. I have the short brass for it, but I have looked online and my manual doesn't have load data for it.
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50 grains of IMR 3031 behind a 405 gr Jacketed bullet makes a very decent "thumper" load
in the 45-70. Recoil is brisk in the Marlins.Dave.
An excellent all-round hunting load and 400 gr bullet at +/-1900 fps is a hammer. The heavier bullets don't get that velocity in a 45-70.
I have a marlin 1895 guide gun stainless and personally do not find the action all that strong.I have shot "buffalo bore" cartridges out of it and the lever opens up after every shot. You can see the wear on the bolt after several hot firings. The metal is flaking off. The steel does not seem to be that well made. I stick with 42 grains of IMR 3031 over a 405 grain hardcast for about 1370 fps. I really think I would seriously reduce the life of this firearm if I went any stouter. Maybe others are having better luck. This is my second marlin btw. The first one I had to bring back because the chamber on the first one was damages after maybe 100 firings.
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I get 1985 FPS in a 95g with a 420 cast gas checked boolit loaded over a LOT of H322 ! Its a Thumper for sure !
RJFYI other than the receiver and barrel, most parts on the Marlin (and a lot of other Stainless guns) are nickel plated carbon steel parts.
Hi All,
I am looking at reloading 350g RSFN (Berry bullets - Lead core, copper jacket) with IMR-4064. I was thinking of a start of 59g, does anyone have exp. with this load? I an using a 18" Henry Rifle for shooting. any help/advice would be great, Thanks
I am looking at reloading 350g RSFN (Berry bullets - Lead core, copper jacket) with IMR-4064. I was thinking of a start of 59g, does anyone have exp. with this load? I an using a 18" Henry Rifle for shooting. any help/advice would be great, Thanks
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I use that exact amount and powder with Hornady 350gr RN bullets in my Marlin .45-70 1895XLR (24" barrel). The 3rd edition of the Hornady Handbook lists this load as near maximum in the Marlin. Unknown pressure level in your Henry.
Just under 2000 fps MV and just over 1" groups at 100 meters off the bench rest
Marlin 1895XLR .45-70 with Weaver V-3 1-3x20mm scope
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