H&R Buffalo Classic load

G

gerardjohnson

CGN Regular
EE Expired
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Location
New Brunswick
I have been trying to get a decent load for my 350 gr cast bullets to use in my Buffalo Classic with less than great success. I am uncertain how hot I can load them for this rifle, although I am only punching paper so a hot load shouldn't be necessary. I have tried Unique, IMR3031, IMR4198. I am having trouble finding load data for 350 gr. cast so have been using light loads. I would like to try ffg but can find little data. Do you measure black powder for a cartridge by weight, or by volume as with a muzzleloader? Any advice appreciated.
 
Some things that I would start with is what is your barrel size and have you slugged it. Just because it says the caliber and I am assuming it is a 45/70 doesn't mean the the size is exactly .458, it could be .459 it could be .457. I had a 1886 winchester that if I could hit the target at 100 yards I was doing good with it. I tried all sorts of different powders/primers and even tried different cases and nothing would constantly give me anything smaller than 5" at 100 yards. I had it at the range with the latest powder workup when another shooter was beside me with a trapdoor and was putting them into a 2 inch circle with no problems at all. I told him my predicament and he said the first thing to do is find out exactly what my barrel diameter was and for lead size the bullets 1 thou. over that measurement and see how it goes. I did some searching and slugged the barrel and my barrel was .459 and the cast bullets that I bought at the store were .458 and for my barrel should have been .460. The bullets were basically banging back and forth down the barrel as they went out. I got a sizing die and a lee mold and tried the new bullets. Holy crap my groups now were hovering around 3 " with the first load work up I tried. I finally settled on IMR 3031 and for some reason 40 grns sticks in my head ( been 20 years since I owned and shot the rifle and I wish I had never sold it). A 10 shot group was averaging 1 3/4" and basically one hole that big at 100 yards and people couldn't believe it when I showed them the target.

Bullet seating depth also has a big factor on accuracy but when you get 350grn bullets sometimes you have to seat it where it has to be to work and you don't have much lea-way like a 30.06 or so.

My 2 cents and I am sure other people will chime in with suggestions. As it not shooting good with 3031 then something is defiantly wrong with the barrel/sights/or using the wrong size of bullet. I have never had a rifle that wouldn't shoot as good as factory for accuracy with IMR 3031.
 
Thanks for the reply Hunter. I tried some IMR3031 with a bit heavier load and am getting 3" to 4" 5 shot groups at 100 yds. I'm not unhappy with that but can likely do better with a little more experimenting. I doubt that there is much variation in bore diameter in a new, modern rifle but may try to slug the barrel anyway. The last time I tried it, I got the slug stuck in the barrel and broke my best cleaning rod getting it out. I had been using a wooden dowel but it kept breaking. I was using a round ball that was supposed to be pure lead, but only got it halfway down the barrel before it stuck.
 
I use 405s or better tes 500 gr casts with 4759, no cas check with cream of wheat or other cottom fillers.
1 1/2 honest groups at 100y , cut 3 shots last week under 3/4 inch.
The problem with the B.C is the rear site does not adjust well for reduced loads, I was luck to be given a Parker H rear apature that I hase a gunsmith install
Picture.jpg

Picture003.jpg

Seems to do the trick
 
What did you have to pay for your rifle? Looking at some pictures on various web sites I think it is a cheap way to get into the old time rifle shooting fun without having to wait 1 year or 2000.00 to get one.

Really from the side view it kind of resembles a 1885 Winchester High wall, just like this one.

http://www.chuckhawks.com/winchester_high_wall.htm

So all you would have to do is change the trigger guard a bit to look like the high wall and away you go. Or you could fashion one to look like a sharps for the heck of it. My 2 cents anyway.
 
There is an NEF in 500S&W - probably the same action as yours. If so, that would indicate that it can handle 60,000psi loads. Most load manuals refer to these as 45-70 (ruger #1) loads. Marlin loads are usually kept to 45,000 PSI, and standard loads are 35,000PSI IIRC.
 
Prosper: I was just going to ask what level of action strength these rifles might be. On a side note I have been searching other sites and someone said you could get metal or brass replacement trigger guards from Dixie Gun works but as yet I haven't found any on there site, that would be neat to get a sharps style or Highwall style guard.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom