Help tame the BEAST (45-70)

[k9dude2010]

Was at the range shooting 340,405 and 450 grain lead bullets, shoulder killing me. I am new to loaing the 45-70 and relatively new to reloading period by many of your standards. I am looking for loading data for the 45-70 cast lead bullet in 340,405, and 450 grain all are flat nosed no gas checks, and will be propelled out of my Handi-Rifle.:banghead:

Also have Marlin but micro groove barrel and cast bullets how is the leading or if I just keep to the trap door loading should be minimal lead transfer?

340 gr. RNFP cast (Lee MOLD) IMR4227, IMR4064, IMR4198 IMR 4064 best overall 1 1/4 in @ 50 yards
405 gr. RNFP cast (Lee MOLD) Same Powder Handi Rifle didnt like 405 gr. all over paper
450 gr. RNFP cast (Lee MOLD) IMR4227, IMR4064 IMR 4064 best again 1 3/4 in @ 50 yards

shot 5 each practice and 5 for results, wind not a problem, sunny/dry 78 degrees.

 

[scallop]

Check out the loading info on Trailboss. Many light loads that are a blast to shoot. You can find it in hodgdons web sight.

 

[jgiehl]

try trapdoor loads, a WHOLE lot more pleasant to shoot.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Is there a butt-pad on that Handi-rifle? If not add a Pachmayr slip on pad, they help a lot!

Those Trapdoor loads mentioned above are a very good idea too.

 

[k9dude2010]

Trapdoor loads, are they good for hunting as well

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Trapdoor loads, are they good for hunting as well

Yes, unless you are going to shoot something larger than a Buffalo.

 

[gman82001]

Just shot my first 45-70 round yesterday and all were reloads the 405 cr cast loaded with unique were a hoot BOOOMMMM............................SLAP

The 300 and 350 gr jacketed with Reloader 7 were harder but still nothing compared to some of the older '06 rounds I shot out of my grangpas old winchester back in the day.
all i can say is this 45-70 is gonna be a blast to play with

 

[737Driver]

300gr Missouri cast rnfp over trailboss is a very shoulder friendly and accurate load in my Marlin guide gun. Check trailboss load data on their website.

 

[k9dude2010]

Have shot loads with IMR 4064 and IMR 4198, had great results with 450 grain RNFP. 1 1/4 inch group at 50 yards with the 4064 powder, but very very unpleasant on the shoulder. The 4198 was even harder on the shoulder and all over the paper, or my shoulder was just spent at that point.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Have shot loads with IMR 4064 and IMR 4198, had great results with 450 grain RNFP. 1 1/4 inch group at 50 yards with the 4064 powder, but very very unpleasant on the shoulder. The 4198 was even harder on the shoulder and all over the paper, or my shoulder was just spent at that point.

Give 30.0gr H4198 under a 405gr LRNFP bullet a try and you will see your shoulder will be fine and you will group that ammo well.

If you have IMR4198 use a charge of 31.0gr under the same bullet for the same velocity but IMR4198 will generate more pressure than H4198 adding to the felt recoil...

Also, in your OP you said you shot 5 of each for practice and 5 of each for results. Make sure you let the barrel cool between every 5 shot group or the groups will open up considerably.

 

[Clark]

I shot a trapdoor Springfield with the full house blackpowder load and it just gave me a push.
I shot trapdoor load with smokeless powder in my handi rifle and it kicked so hard I did not fire it again for more than a year.

The problem is the handi rifle is just too light for shooting 405 gr bullets fast.

Since then I have discovered the Limbsaver recoil pads left un trimmed cover a lot of shoulder area.
My BAR 338 Win Mag 250 gr loads as hot as I can load them do not make any recoil pain at all, with such a pad.

 

[snakeman]

I shot an 8 point this year with hornady leverevolution rounds and it decimated the poor thing. that said i am going to shoot the 405 gr. soft point next year and probably handload them to trapdoor levels.