imr 3031 load data for 45-70

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peterk1234

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Hi guys. My two reloading books have limited data for this powder and my bullet, 405 grain lead cast (hitek coated). Modern reloading gave me a range of 45.5 to 48.5. Anybody out there using 3031 and loading within this range?

IMR 3031 is all I could get my hands on for now. It seems to be geared more toward 300 grain and lower bullets.

Thanks Pete
 
Thank you. Looks like I am within the range of safety at 45.5 grains for a lead cast bullet. I made up five of them and tested them at the range. No signs of pressure, at least to these rookies eyes. It also appears I could easily back off the load a bit as well. Pete
 
With a 400 grain 458 it does not have to go fast to work, it's just got to get there. 3031 works good in the 45-70. I've used it for plinking loads up to why did I shoot that loads in my Siamese mauser.

I did not see what your using the 45-70 for?
 
Thank you. Looks like I am within the range of safety at 45.5 grains for a lead cast bullet. I made up five of them and tested them at the range. No signs of pressure, at least to these rookies eyes. It also appears I could easily back off the load a bit as well. Pete
Should have no pressure I've loaded over 10 grain more then that with out problems.
 
For now just punching paper and shooting steel. When I retire (hopefully) in four years and get to move to a normal state like Montana, hopefully hunting.

The gun is new to me, about a week old. My first loads were with Alliant 2400; 24 grains. Nice easy shooter. I have no idea how accurate though because my 53 year old eyes, combined with bifocals, hate the rear sight. I just ordered a skinner peep. If it is anything like a peep on my bow, problem solved.

I am trying for a stronger load with 3031. Sometimes it is just fun to shoot something with a bit of a kick.

I think I mentioned this in some of my other posts, I have fallen in love with lever actions. My first one was a Henry big boy 357. The 45-70 is a Marlin Guide Gun, 18.5 barrel. This gun is just so cool looking. Looks so small and innocent, until you pull out the cartridge :)

Pete
 
Got the lever gun bug a few years ago myself. Once you go Skinner you can't go back. All my Marlins wear Skinners now.

If you want an amazingly soft shooting, fantasically accurate plinking load, try 13gr Unique under that 405. 223 type recoil and bangs steel with authority. Fun load.
 
I am trying for a stronger load with 3031. Sometimes it is just fun to shoot something with a bit of a kick.

A bit of a kick, eh? You'll get it with those 'modern lever-action' loads. I had a 1895 LTD V for a while, I found those lever-action loads pretty punishing for things like paper poking and ringing steel. If you want to have a little fun, start with those published loads... then you can reduce those to reasonable levels after the 'fun' wears you out.

I use primarily 2 powders for my single-shot .45-70... IMR's 3031 and 4198. At Trapdoor levels, I've found IMR4198 works better (AA5744 would be an alternate,) but if I was loading for hunting, I would work with IMR3031. Here's the deal... hunting with the big .45, I would use 300 grain bullets... you can get more velocity at reasonable recoil levels; if you are looking for a plinking load with the heavies (400grn and up...) a faster powder like IMR4198 achieving mid-teen velocities is the answer.
 
Someone mentioned sights... all my levers wear the Williams receiver peep. The Skinner is a great hunting sight, but if you are shooting at distance (which is what I do...) the adjustability of the Williams is paramount.

The 1895 is on the left... but it has since moved down the trail...

dqykfhom.jpg

My Browning 71 in .348WCF with the Williams... set for 900yds.

3T27WVmm.jpg
 
I like shooting unique and trail boss at steel. We did try 3031 when i first got the gun and it will have the exciting kick your looking for in the modern loadings. Want to up your game shoot a box of the lever revolution from hornaday. The only issue is those cases only work with the ftx bullet and are short.
 
A bit of a kick, eh? You'll get it with those 'modern lever-action' loads. I had a 1895 LTD V for a while, I found those lever-action loads pretty punishing for things like paper poking and ringing steel. If you want to have a little fun, start with those published loads... then you can reduce those to reasonable levels after the 'fun' wears you out.

I use primarily 2 powders for my single-shot .45-70... IMR's 3031 and 4198. At Trapdoor levels, I've found IMR4198 works better (AA5744 would be an alternate,) but if I was loading for hunting, I would work with IMR3031. Here's the deal... hunting with the big .45, I would use 300 grain bullets... you can get more velocity at reasonable recoil levels; if you are looking for a plinking load with the heavies (400grn and up...) a faster powder like IMR4198 achieving mid-teen velocities is the answer.

I really wanted to get my hands on some 4198 but I could not find it locally. Even online many of the places were out of stock. I will get some soon though, as everyone feels the same way as you, it is just a great powder for the 45-70.

I really enjoy this gun. I think my biggest challenge will be to not develop too many different loads for it.

BTW, is there much difference in the feel of the 300 grain over the 405? I was actually trying to find the lightest bullet possible for a 45-70, again just to play and try something completely different, but it seems 300 is about as light as a bullet gets for this gun.

Thanks Pete
 
Want to up your game shoot a box of the lever revolution from hornaday. The only issue is those cases only work with the ftx bullet and are short.

Not necessarily. Ive loaded the Hornady LeverEvolution brass with MBC 405's without issue. I do however keep them separate from all other brand of brass because of the shorter length but thats solely to keep my crimp consistent.

Regarding load data i've went to loading pretty much trapdoor level loads for my 1895 and nothing else. More enjoyable to shoot and these 405's have proven to take deer just fine as well moving less that 1500 fps. That 3031 works well with lead, you'll be happy with it I think until you find another suitable powder to work with.
 
Not necessarily. Ive loaded the Hornady LeverEvolution brass with MBC 405's without issue. I do however keep them separate from all other brand of brass because of the shorter length but thats solely to keep my

Ok your loading a case that is not in sami spec I do not support that at all. Knowingly doing this is a practice you accept but is not keeping with the standards and specifications of proper hand/reloading.
 
I loaded 405's with 3031 from 48.5 to 36.0 in my 1895.

At 45.5 I got 1540 fps
At 36.0 I got 1144 fps.

I sure didnt like shooting the 48.5's. Kinda hurt.

My memory is not so good but if I recall I got some squibs with yellow flakes of sunburnt powder on the very low end of the 3031 loads. I figured it might be a case sensitive powder but someone smarter than me will know more.
 
H-4198 works really well for me with a 405 bullet. Even at the lowest charge of 27 grains after a dozen or so shots there is only a couple of yellow sticks in barrel.
 
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