h4895 + cast 450 gr in 45-70

GcG166

CGN Regular
Rating - 100%
66   0   0
Location
Beamsville
just started casting for the 45-70 and some 450gr bullets. i have a very limited selection of powders (h4895 and imr4350) my lee manual only shows loads with accur powders for 440 and 460gr projectiles but h4895 for other weights. would there be a problem shooting this powder with this weight?

also loads for rolling block rifles can be shot in lever actions but loads for lever action cant be shot in a rolling block. correct?

new to casting and loading for this caliber so may be stupid questions.
 
H4895 is a great powder for that.

Use either 440gr or 460gr loads

Im assuming loads used in a rolling block are what are called " trap door loads". Shoot them in either lever actions or modern rifles. Dont shoot modern rifles or lever action loads out of the rolling block.

Go on hodgdon reloading online and check out their 45-70 trapdoor loads ( use the 485gr data)
https://www.hodgdonreloading.com/data/rifle


Another good powder if your into cast is imr 3031.
A2400 is also nice to have on hand
 
Last edited:
I see you are correct. I thought they had h4895 for the 485gr. But i guess i was mistaken.

With h4895 you can use 60% the max load as a start load. So you dont have to worry about under charging it.

Really id just start around 36gr and work up to your velocity using 450gr cast bullets

I wouldnt push it over 1400fps with h4895

(With 405gr you can use 48gr) so not much worry about being hot at 36gr
 
What gun exactly are you shooting?There are at least 3 classes of 45-70 loads.I have data Lyman for a 451gr cast bullet but not with that powder........IMR4198 or IMR 3031 may be a better choice?
 
Ken Waters found poor accuracy and dirty burning when he tested the both IMR + H 4895 powders.IMR 3031 was the best single powder with all bullet weights and types.
 
I know its not the best powder but living where i do i have to get all powder shipped in and i only have those 2 powders on hand and it will likely be a little while before i can get more... cant leave the gun there not being shot lol

Its a marlin with the "guide" length barrel
 
Good then you have a strong rifle.Is it Ballard or Micro-groove rifled? It matters as the micro-groove needs hard cast gas checked bullets sized 2 thou over groove diameter. Try the folks on castboolits forum they will point you in the right direction.Another good one is the Marlin owners forum.Another thing is will the 450gr cycle through the Marlin or are they too long?
 
Back
Top Bottom