45-70 shotshells

[bmars]

Anybody have any info on loading 45-70 cases with shot for close quarters grouse or experience?

 

[Bishopus]

I've had mediocre experiences loading cases with #4 shot, over tiny loads of IMR3031 (like .9 grn); the problem is generally the rifling twist--it's going to throw shot all over the place, no matter how you load the shell.

After a number of experiments I just switched to ye olde field expedient of carrying a few 2" .410 for 'opportunity grouse'. The patterns are still terrible, but at least I've got a pocketfull of them if I miss with the first (and second, and third...) rounds.

 

[stewarch]

There is no problem firing 410 shells in a 45-70, but just don't try setting off a 45-70 in a little 410 shotgun!!! It'll go boom all right!

 

[Bishopus]

Good point! Note also that firing .410 from your .45-70 does create an unsupported head condition for the .410 shell, and you'll notice that it pretty much ruins the brass and hulls. This is basically only safe because shotgun shells operate at such a low average pressure compared to centerfire rifle cartridges.

 

[bmars]

Thanks for the information, I will give the 410 shells a try

 

[BC Bigbore]

I bought a pile of 2" .410 shells just for this purpose. Didn't know they made them until now. Thought all you could get was 2 1/2" and 3".

 

[Big Guy]

I reload my .444 using 410 wads and 1/2 oz of shot over 14 gr. of ww296 powder.I top it off with a brass gas check inverted and slightly crimped in place. You can do the same with your 45-70 but use a 45 cal. gas check. They will not cycle through the action but work fine fed as a single shot.

 

[bmars]

Thanks,
More ideas to play with.