Which cast bullets and powder to buy to load my new Marlin SBL 45-70

DIGGER2

DIGGER2

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Hey fellas, well I picked up a new Marlin 45-70 SBL to play with. I want to run cast bullets in the 400-460gr weight class. Why?? Because I can I guess ;-) Who makes a good cast bullet, that'll work for hunting and range. I have imr 3031 powder and probably going to grab a pound or 2 of H4198 or imr 4198(??)

Which bullet, weight , and place to buy do you recommend?
Which powder works best with the weight range I'm wanting to shoot?
Is IMR better or worse than the Hogdons in the 4198? I know there not interchangeable in data apparently
Best place to find load data for these heavier cast loads

Thanks for any input

Cheers!
 
It says it has Ballard?. Quoted off Marlins website below

"18.5" stainless steel barrel with deep-cut Ballard-type rifling (6 grooves)"
 
Hodgdon reloading site shows the H4198 with a slight edge but only 40 - 50 fps difference depending on the bullet weight. If you want to just put lead down range for practice look into buying some of the D4198 from Canada Ammo (Site sponsor). If I could find a powder for 270 that only costs around $26 a pound I would love it.
 
The load I make for the wife's sbl is 46gr of 3031 behind a 405gr cast from x-reload.com... It's a nice load some thump but not too much have gone as high as 52gr
 
Well I ordered some 425gr bullets from Jet bullets. I'll maybe order a mold or 2 and let my brother in law have a go at casting some bullets for me. When I get it out I'll let you know how it shoots. Thanks to all who replied. Cheers
 
I have an SBL and have a nice accurate load of IMR4198 with home cast 425gr wfn going around 1550fps just need to dig out my books for the specific load data.
 
I use the 425 gr cast bullets from jet hunter, consistant bullets and hit like a mother fing freight train. I use 46 gr of 3031 behind that bullet. Nice load and not a whole lot of recoil .
 
Mikeyman said:
I have an SBL and have a nice accurate load of IMR4198 with home cast 425gr wfn going around 1550fps just need to dig out my books for the specific load data.
Click to expand...

That would be appreciated sir.

Luis1 said:
I use the 425 gr cast bullets from jet hunter, consistant bullets and hit like a mother fing freight train. I use 46 gr of 3031 behind that bullet. Nice load and not a whole lot of recoil .
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info, I'll try that combo when my bullets arrive. Cheers
 
Best load in my marlin was 46 gr of 3031 w/ 405. My son now has this gun, I sent along enough ammo with this load to keep him shooting for a while. I also loaded some light loads with 300 gr bullets.
 
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As long as the length of the bullet nose is fairly short and flat nosed, in order to feed and function OK in the tube magazine, I have not found a cast bullet load that my Marlin guide gun does not like. .458-.459" dia, and anywhere from 300 grain to 480 grain, using IMR 3031 and H or IMR 4198 with middle of the road powder charges.
 
I have used H 4198 and IMR 3031 with UNIQUE for fun soft loads.
The older Marlin rifles had a modified micro groove rifling. These would foul or lead up after 25 shots but hey I only needed 10 shots to win side match at the cowboy action shoots.
 
My Order of 425gr Jet bullets arrived yesterday. I'm hoping to get some loaded up shortly and get out to the range. Thanks again for all your input. Cheers!
 
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