New load suggestions

[Captain*kirk]

I have a new rifle that I have yet to fire; a Miroku Winchester 1886 Deluxe high grade chambered in (but of course!) .45-70 Gov't.
For background, I currently load .45-70 in smokeless for my Browning 1885 High Wall, and in black powder for my Pedersoli Sharps.
The Sharps has decided it likes 65gr of 2F behind a 535gr Postell, and the HW has decided it prefers 40.6gr of H4895 behind the Remington 405gr semi-jacketed LFN.
I have decided NOT to shoot BP loads or cast lead bullets out of the 1886 for the moment. I could use the 1885 loads, but being as how H4895 is very hard to come by these days and Remington is no longer selling the 405gr as a component, I have decided to build a load for the Winchester using common and relatively easy to come by components and leave my current inventory for the High Wall.
Most likely I would start with either Berry's 350gr TMJ .458 bullets, or possibly the Speer 400gr SJLFP bullet, backed with a relatively mild charge of a fairly bulky powder that would hopefully not leave a lot of empty case space.
This will primarily be 'range fodder' and not a hunting load. I would also like to be able to shoot 20-40 rounds off the bench and still have a shoulder left as well.
Before you ask;
*copper jacketed for ease of cleaning and less airborne lead
*smokeless, because I watched a strip and clean of the Miroku 1886 and want no part of that every time I shoot!
My primary "go-to" powder is Unique for all my handgun stuff and I've heard many like it for .45-70, but I'm concerned about case capacity with flake powder...I'm guessing there would be a lot of unused space with Unique at shoulder-saver velocities. Any suggestions and sources for load data from those who load for the '86?

 

[Charlie98]

I have loaded Unique in the .45-70... it is not my favorite powder for that, although it worked. I found better results using 2400.

I have previously owned a Browning (Miroku) 1886 SRC... it remains the 'One Rifle I Regret Selling'... so I'm super jelly over your Deluxe.

Don't be afraid of cast in the 1886... it's just the same thing as the 1885, and for that matter, your Sharps. I currently own a Pedersoli 1885 HiWall... it only sees cast bullets. If I owned an 1886, that's all it would see as well.

My recipe for the .45-70, cast or jacketed, is IMR4198, H4198, or AA5744. If you really wanted some performance from jacketed bullets, I would step up to IMR3031. H4895 isn't a bad choice, because you can safely download it, but as you say, it's a bit hard to come by. You want 'range fodder,' so I would suggest something inexpensive... like the LaserCast 350grn FP bullet over a reasonable charge of IMR4198. If you insist on jacketed bullets... sub in the Sierra 300grn JHP, or something similar, or take your pick of the plated bullets available. 'Range fodder' suggests shooting for fun... I would leave the 350+ grain bullets for more serious work.

 

[Captain*kirk]

'Range fodder' suggests shooting for fun... I would leave the 350+ grain bullets for more serious work.

Thanks for the reply and suggestions!
That's primarily why I'm considering the Berry's 350...they are available in bulk, have a cannelure for a good FCD crimp, and are way cheaper than other semi-jacketed bullets from the major bullet manufacturers.
Nothing against cast bullets (I load a ton of them) but I think the jacketed leave less worries about leading and such after a day of heavy shooting.

 

[Charlie98]

Just remember... and you probably know this already... a proper fitting bullet coupled with the right powder, matched with good load data to produce reasonable velocities... shouldn't give you leading issues. However, having said that, I don't deny the lead hazard issue... I have recently switched to plated bullets in the .41, for example, to reduce the toxic cloud of death when I shoot indoors.

Honest and true... try to find some IMR or H4198... it's just a fantastic powder for those mid-range cast (or plated!) bullet loads.

 

[AJC1]

A 350 grain bullet and 37 grains of imr4227 is what my two 45-70s eat currently. That's a level 2 starting load, and is was a little less thump on the shoulder that the starting load for 4198. My loads are cast, but tagging in berry's as a substitute should be no issue. I had considered working it back but junior isn't fond of shooting it.

 

[Captain*kirk]

A 350 grain bullet and 37 grains of imr4227 is what my two 45-70s eat currently. That's a level 2 starting load, and is was a little less thump on the shoulder that the starting load for 4198. My loads are cast, but tagging in berry's as a substitute should be no issue. I had considered working it back but junior isn't fond of shooting it.

IMR4227 looks to be nip & tuck on availability at times as well...It's frustrating as hell trying to build/develop a load when you don't know if your preferred components will be around tomorrow...or not for the next five years. The only powders I see consistently in stock are AA and VitaVouri, all others seem to be hit or miss.

 

[AJC1]

IMR4227 looks to be nip & tuck on availability at times as well...It's frustrating as hell trying to build/develop a load when you don't know if your preferred components will be around tomorrow...or not for the next five years. The only powders I see consistently in stock are AA and VitaVouri, all others seem to be hit or miss.

Then grab an 8 of n110 or n120.