Max loads but low pressure?

shelby78

shelby78

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Gun is a marlin 1895 in 45-70. I will be reloading for it. Looking thru hodgdons load data some things don't make sense.. If they say the gun can handle a max of 40000 cup why are some max loads only 25000 cup? I plan to try Varget with a 405 grainer and the max load for that is claiming 25000, yet some other max loads are right on 40000.

Can someone explain the reasoning for this? I take it pressure isn't just pressure and there's more to it? Yes I will be working up a load and not starting at max. I want to understand why the data is what it is. The only thing I can figure is the case may be running out of volume? Thanks for any help.
 
http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp

45-70 Government (Trapdoor Rifles)*: These data are intended for Springfield "Trapdoor", Rolling Block, and Antique Replicas. Max pressure, 28,000 CUP

45-70 Government (Lever Actions)*: These data are intended for the 1895 lever action Marlin ONLY. Max pressure, 40,000 CUP. Do not use these data in any of the firearms listed in the Trapdoor section. Do not use pointed bullets in any rifle with a tubular magazine.
45-70 Government (Modern Rifles)*: These data are for only Ruger No.1 and No.3 single shots, Browning 1885 single shots and Siamese bolt action rifles. Max pressure, 50,000 CUP. Do not use these data in either of the prior two sections of 45-70 data (Trapdoor and Lever Actions).
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Sorry reread you question and this isn't the answer
 
Yeah it'll be case capacity. BTW, you might find that a lot of the Hodgdon's levergun starting loads are plenty hot enough already :). Their starting load for the Hornady 350gr bullet using IMR-3031 was nice and accurate for me. Same with H-4198.

Chris.
 
I had a Ruger No.3 in 45-70 and could load it to 50,000 cup or the maximum pressure allowed, your lever action Marlin is only loaded to 40,000 cup. The Ruger No.3 only weighs 5 1/2 pounds and with the right bullet would kick like a mule.

A friend gave me three 500 grain soft point bullets made for the 458 Winchester Magnum, I only fired two of these bullets and kept the one below as a souvenir to remind me of both nose bleeds.

45-70002_zps9cd58823.jpg
 
I played with Varget in the 45/70 with a Lee 405 and I was astonished with the amount of unburnt powder that poured out of the ejected shell....I may have been doing something wrong but it seemed like such a waste. I'm using H322 now and don't see the unburnt stuff anymore.
 
Pressure curve may come into play, fast powders hit like a steel sledge compared to slow thump of a dead blow hammer in comparison, not sure on it though, just a thought!
 
Thanks for the info guys. I don't need max loads, just want to make some if they are accurate. I have lots of Varget and some guys say it was quite accurate in 45-70. I know it is in the 4 other guns I've loaded it in but they are totally different animals. I should be clear that I want the most accuracy I can possibly find and will run whatever powder does it. This was just a why is it like that sorta question. Thanks.
 
There's a max load for the cartridge, and then there's the max load for the action - you need to choose the lesser of the two. Every powder has a pressure range in which it works well, and Varget does not produce consistent results below about 35K psi IMO. The 4198's as pointed out do, and can be used from about 15K psi and up with excellent results. It's THE 45 cal rifle powder IMO.
 
Andy said:
There's a max load for the cartridge, and then there's the max load for the action - you need to choose the lesser of the two. Every powder has a pressure range in which it works well, and Varget does not produce consistent results below about 35K psi IMO. The 4198's as pointed out do, and can be used from about 15K psi and up with excellent results. It's THE 45 cal rifle powder IMO.
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Thanks.. Did some reading and the IMR seemed more accurate than the hodgdons 4198 in 45-70 in a marlin. I just got back from a semi local gunshop and came home with dies, shell holder,s, bullets, and 2 lbs of imr 4198 (they had both brands also). This gun store has a very good selection of powder in stock. I didn't even buy any Varget this time lol.
 
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