So I've been handloading for 45-70 ever since I first got it in 2011, close to a couple hundred rounds by now. Lots of Hornady FTX (leverevolution) and 350grain FP, as well as 405gr lead cast triple lube groove from bullit barn. I have been loading using IMR 4198 and IMR 3031 only, 4198 for the Hornady ammunition and 3031 for my lead cast. Seems 3031 delivers the higher velocities I was looking for with loads starting at 41grains at 1450 up to 46gr at 1650 on paper versus 4198 which offered velocities around 1150-1350 in comparison. I've been loading mine up at 43 grains of 3031 with great results.
I vaguely remember seeing some recipes in my lee book call for gas checks which I wasn't familiar with. So I just went with the load data in my 45-70 handbook and the Hornady reloading book for the stuff I am shooting. Since pretty much everything I shoot is higher than black powder velocities...am I supposed to be using gas checks?? The Hornady book makes no mention of them on the 45-70 page nor does their load data printout for the 325gr FTX. When should I be using gas checks? I had read that when shooting velocities higher than black power they are needed, is that only with specific bullets or in general?
I vaguely remember seeing some recipes in my lee book call for gas checks which I wasn't familiar with. So I just went with the load data in my 45-70 handbook and the Hornady reloading book for the stuff I am shooting. Since pretty much everything I shoot is higher than black powder velocities...am I supposed to be using gas checks?? The Hornady book makes no mention of them on the 45-70 page nor does their load data printout for the 325gr FTX. When should I be using gas checks? I had read that when shooting velocities higher than black power they are needed, is that only with specific bullets or in general?
