45-70 Reloading Question

[rayatphonix]

I am new to both the 45-70 and leverguns. In any case I’m trying to work up a mild load to use with 300 gn cast bullets. I’ve got a decent load going but it appears I don’t burn all the powder in the case. Using 41 grains of Varget. No pressure signs and I’ve not yet checked velocity. Barrel is 26” long.

This surprises me. What would cause incomplete combustion?

 

[troy fairweather]

try a magnum primer. i use 3031 for 45/70 eem to work the bet for me. u load some pretty hot load in my siamese mauser. but for a nice mild load i like 52 grains 3031. try more crimp that will help to burn the powder better. with the 45/70 even with the 300gr u dont need much fps the bullet just have to get there.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

IMO fast powders work much better in the 45-70 than slower rifle powders. Even today many reloaded use Unique or 2400 in this cartridge. IMO with lighter bullets and light loads Varget is not your best choice.

IMR or H4198, IMR 3031 or AA5744 which I now use are better choices. I'm not sure how mild you want to go. A good trapdoor load with a 300gr cast bullet is 29.0gr AA5744. A little hotter in your levergun would be 32.0gr, still not hot but hotter. Good luck.

 

[FROGO207]

For a light load you could try Trail Boss. I like it for light accurate loads in my 45-70 Handi Rifle.

 

[Ohen Cepel]

Another vote for Trail Boss if it fits your needs.

 

[someguy2800]

Trail boss is awsome. I shoot 19 grains with a 350 grain cast in my marlin which does 1250 FPS and burns clean. 2400 is also good for light loads. 5744 is perfect for mid power loads.

Almost any powder can be made to work in 45/70, but if you match the burn speed to the load you want to produce it will work more betterer.

 

[rayatphonix]

Thanks for all the replies. I’ve got some magnum primers I’ll try later this week on my next load. I’ve got some 3031 that I can use also, but that seemed better suited for jacketed bullets. I’ll do some more research.

I’ll check out Trailboss and that may be the ticket for cast bullets. I’ve got lots of powders, but most are best suited to hotter loads. This Varget’s been sitting around for several years and I was looking for a way to burn it up. I was partially successful. I’ll also get my chronograph out to check my speeds.

 

[LRDGCO]

Another vote for 4198 with cast bullets. Trail Boss also a good idea.

 

[MEHavey]

mild load to use with 300 gn cast

Key words underlined/bold.
12gr of Unique.


.

 

[Obturation]

I like trailboss for 45-70 plinkers. I do 12.5 grains under a 405 grain laser cast and i always use mag rifle primers because i have other cartridges that require them and since i do my load development from the start with them ive had no issue - i average 940 fps, comfortable for my wife to shoot too. If you arent familiar with trailboss and you prefer cast its a good one. Fills the case, burns clean and i can get reasonable accuracy. Dont compress the trailboss - it makes him angry.

 

[25-20 WCF]

....I’ve got a decent load going but it appears I don’t burn all the powder in the case. Using 41 grains of Varget. No pressure signs and I’ve not yet checked velocity. Barrel is 26” long. This surprises me. What would cause incomplete combustion?

The OP has too little Varget in the case. Hodgdon’s minimum load for a 300 grain cast bullet is 45 grains. The OP’s load does not develop enough pressure to completely burn the powder. As others have stated, there are far more appropriate powders for mild cast bullet loads. Trailboss, BlueDot and Unique are my favorites for this use.


.

 

[rayatphonix]

I loaded up to 44 grains of Varget. I chose 41 grains because it was much more consistent. Looks like I didn’t go quite high enough. I’ve loaded some with 3031that I’ll try this week.

 

[Charlie98]

IMR or H4198, IMR 3031 or AA5744

...for me as well. I don't go as light as 300grn, I load 350's or 405's. I think that 300grn bullet is too light for that Varget load.

 

[ilmonster]

I shoot 300 gr. RNFP's through my 1895 using Trail Boss. Reference Hodgdon's website for recipe's. I use 14-15gr. of Trail Boss for 1100-1200 fps, and can shoot these all day long. Also very economical to shoot. As others have said, pistol powders can also be used (I've used HS-6 for similar loads), but you must make certain that you don't get a double charge, or you could have a very exciting day! (see website gmdr.com for pistol powder recipes). I would visually verify each case in the loading block for powder before seating bullets with pistol powders. That's part of the reason I went with Trail Boss - no way to get a double charge.

 

[AmmunitionDepot]

I agree Trail Boss is a great powder for what you're looking to do.

 

[cheygriz]

I always had good luck with 10-12 grains of Unique.

 

[dh1633pm]

I have used a lot of powders for the Gov. I have settled on AA5744. Is there anything you can't load with it. Even better are all the choices available. Just read though and take your pick.