Cheap plinking / grouse 45-70

[prolifik]

I stumbled across this on the Internet a couple years ago and played with it. Can make a round for 22 ammo prices.
Take a .490 round ball, squeeze it through a .458 bullet sizing die. If you set it on a gas check before you size it it comes out with a gas check (go figure ) Tumble lube in Lee liquid alox. Loaded with 12gr unique it penetrates through an 8" round of fir firewood, 7gr penetrates 4", 4gr bounces off but makes a 1"deep dent. They're comfortable and quiet to shoot. They hit the same point as normal loads in my buffalo rifle but high in my marlin. The 12gr load shoots a 178gr projectile close to the speed of sound, placed in the lungs would kill any deer but I'm not recommending trying. I've shot hundreds of these rounds, they're fun, cheap and very easy on brass.

 

[Snider shooter]

I have made up round ball loads but using 0.457 ball. Short range they work well. My powder measure is set for 9 grs of Unique so that's what I used.

 

[nowarningshot]

If you are interested in a grouse load for a 45-70, search forager loads..
Basically, its a cut down 410 wad with #8 shot, sealed with a wax/shot mixture.

 

[mudgunner49]

I have made up round ball loads but using 0.457 ball. Short range they work well. My powder measure is set for 9 grs of Unique so that's what I used.

I load 3 Speer .457" round balls lubed with Alox over 26 gr WCC844 (H335 equivalent +/-) and get a good cluster of the three out to abut 60 yards...

 

[geologist]

I just carry 2 or 3 2.5" .410 birdshot shells g=for my 1895 GS.

 

[Papaclaude]

Have you tried using Trail Boss? I was thinking of running some 50 cal RB through the sizer. I know the old timers also had "button" moulds that fired a hemispherical bullet.I have a bunch of Pyrodex to burn off, and I would be OK using it in my H&R, but not my 1895 (I don't want to have to tear it down every time I shoot it).

 

[kodiakjack]

I stumbled across this on the Internet a couple years ago and played with it. Can make a round for 22 ammo prices.
Take a .490 round ball, squeeze it through a .458 bullet sizing die. If you set it on a gas check before you size it it comes out with a gas check (go figure ) Tumble lube in Lee liquid alox. Loaded with 12gr unique it penetrates through an 8" round of fir firewood, 7gr penetrates 4", 4gr bounces off but makes a 1"deep dent. They're comfortable and quiet to shoot. They hit the same point as normal loads in my buffalo rifle but high in my marlin. The 12gr load shoots a 178gr projectile close to the speed of sound, placed in the lungs would kill any deer but I'm not recommending trying. I've shot hundreds of these rounds, they're fun, cheap and very easy on brass.

I’ve stolen this for the Mouse Fart Cook Book: https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/for...rt-recipes?p=12129034&viewfull=1#post12129034

I’ve been hoping someone would fill the 45-70 gap.