Loaded some 45-70

To learn and introduce new loaders. Tips and tricks from old timers.

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RichN
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Location: Southwest Ohio

Loaded some 45-70

Post by RichN »

posted November 18, 2015 05:26 PM

*** WARNING ***
Do NOT use this load if shooting a Trapdoor or other antique rifle
***************

Now that straight wall rifle cartridges are legal for deer hunting in Ohio, I decided to dust off my Marlin 1895 45-70 lever action that has been hiding in the back of the closet.
I loaded up some Barnes Original 400gr bullets with 53.2 grains of IMR 4895 behind them and took them to the range. I got a 5” group at 100 yards with open sights resting on a shooting bag. I'm sure the rifle and loads where capable of better, but alas, my eyes were not.

The chronograph showed 1,660 fps average velocity with a range of 1,648 to 1,679. They gave a nice thump to the shoulder, but not really unpleasant.

*** WARNING ***
Do NOT use this load if shooting a Trapdoor or other antique rifle
***************
"Those who would give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety."
- Benjamin Franklin

"So this is how liberty dies; with thunderous applause."
- Senator Amidala (Star Wars III: Revenge of the Sith)
glocksmith
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Location: Cincinnati/SW Ohio

Re: Loaded some 45-70

Post by glocksmith »

RichN wrote:I loaded up some Barnes Original 400gr bullets with 53.2 grains of IMR 4895 behind them and took them to the range. The chronograph showed 1,660 fps average velocity with a range of 1,648 to 1,679. They gave a nice thump to the shoulder, but not really unpleasant.
That's gotta hurt. I'm shooting 350 grain bullets out of my SBL at similar velocities - one tube full is enough - or else my shoulder is a bit tender when I get up the next morning. You must have the larger heavier 1895 CB ???
Give em' Hell Pike!!!
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RichN
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Location: Southwest Ohio

Re: Loaded some 45-70

Post by RichN »

It's an 1895SS, late 1980s vintage. It isn't particularly heavy, about 7-7.5 pounds with a 22" barrel. It does have what was a state of the art at the time recoil pad installed.
"Those who would give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety."
- Benjamin Franklin

"So this is how liberty dies; with thunderous applause."
- Senator Amidala (Star Wars III: Revenge of the Sith)
Greenleaf4902
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Location: Ashland Richland and Other Counties

Re: Loaded some 45-70

Post by Greenleaf4902 »

I began loading ammo at age 12 and the 45/70 at age 14. That's years and years ago. I found the IMR 4198 Required less powder to do more. I push the 300 grain JHP well over 2000 fps from the 1895 as well as the Browning 1886. But I always use jacketed bullets. Never over 350 grains.
The speer manual has quite a bit of info on handloads for the 45/70 including cast bullets. One oddity is the 325 grain at 2009 fps from a Trapdoor ! I never pushed mine that fast but strange that its that fast when lighter loads with lighter bullets are listed as max of 1700 fps.

But I never experimented with cast lead or lead alloy.I never felt compelled to cast my own nor purchase them.
The German
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Re: Loaded some 45-70

Post by The German »

I load my 405 grain LFN cat bullets with 50 grain of Varget and get it close to 1800 fps. Kicks a bit, but not as bad as a 3 1/2" Magnum 12ga slug with 400+ grains out of my Remington 870.
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