BL-C(2) in 45/70

[mpmarty]

Since I've got a humongous amount of this powder I decided to try it in my Marlin 1895.

Start load for 350gr boolit I found was 41 gr.

Loaded up fifteen of them and set up the chronograph.
First shot showed 204fps and didn't go "bang" it went "woof"

Next shot showed 1040 fps and that's where I should have stopped.

Third shot didn't sat anything at all and stuck the boolit 10" infront of the bolt.

These were primed with Winchester Large Rifle primers.

After driving out the boolit I had to strip the bolt and clean every nook and cranny as that darn blc-2 gets into everything and makes life a chore.

Pulled a dozen boolits and dumped the powder back into my container.

I'm gonna try some H-335 next starting at 38gr for 1460fps and around 10,000 psi up to a max of 55gr 1900fps and 28,000psi.

ps: I may not shoot many of the higher loads as I have a delicate shoulder.

[btroj]

Not enough pressure for a proper burn. I would nix the BL-C2 and stick with H335. 38 gr seems low to me. That is a better powder for higher end loads. Loads that thump on both ends.
I would suggest 2400 as a better powder for loads in the 1300 to 1400 fps range. You are working with powders that want to be used in 1800 fps or better loads. It isn't so much the velocity as it is the pressure developed by the powder to get those velocities. Each powder had a range of pressures where it works well. You are below that range for the powders used. Happiness is not likely to be met.

[Rico1950]

try 24 grs. of 2400. moderate load.

[mpmarty]

Thanks guys and I agree on the 2400 as I am currently using a load of 23gr and a lp primer for good results. Very mile load and around 1200 fps.

[1Shirt]

Think you learned a hard lesson. As others have stated. Go with 2400, someplace in the 20-26 gr level will probably produce what you want. I also use about a grain of Dac filler, but that is just me.
1Shirt!:coffeecom

[Freischütz]

I tried BLC-2 when I got my Marlin 1895 in the early 1970. It produced a muzzle flash that obscured the target and a report that emptied the shooting benches on either side of me.

[MtGun44]

I use W748 as my favorite low pressure, accurate load in .45-70. 57 gr will drive a
405 jbullet or boolit at about 1750 fps and is very accurate for me. I do use a mag
primer, and BLC2 is not a lot different in speed from 748. You should try a mag
primer.

Bill

[BAGTIC]

Iran that charge through Quickload with a 350 gr lead bullet. Max pressure was about 9,100 psi with only 54% of the powder burning. From a 22 inch barrel muzzle velocity would be about 104 fps. Thats about 71 mph or little league baseball speed. A good slingshot will beat that by at least 50%.

[btroj]

Yes Bill, W 748 is a good powder for 45-70. For top end loads.
I have used it in 50 plus gr loads but the OP mentioned starting at 41 gr. he isn't developing enough pressure for a good burn.

I view powder as having a "happy range" of pressures where they work best. He used a powder well below the range where it was happy. Sort of like using a lite load of H110 in a 44 mag. Great powder for top end loads but downright scary for mid range loads.

This is why so many of us have so darn many powders on hand. Each one fills a specific niche in loading. Stay inside that niche and all is well, get outside of it and things go south in a hurry.

I suggest using 2400 for mid range loads. Works well.

[Char-Gar]

I have a Marlin 45-70 levergun and get great accuracy with the RCBS 405 GC bullet. I use either 2400 or 4759 and quite at about 1.400 fps, before the recoil gets to far up the chart.

[Nrut]

I tried BLC-2 when I got my Marlin 1895 in the early 1970. It produced a muzzle flash that obscured the target and a report that emptied the shooting benches on either side of me.
Freischütz,
Thanks for the range clearing tip!!:drinks:

[MtGun44]

I guess my point was that with a mag primer and a load that is more like my load with a
similar powder he may have some better luck. I agree that powders need enough pressure
to burn properly.

If he wants to continue, maybe 50 gr as a start with mag primer and work up may be a good
plan. Having a "humongous" amount of a particular powder makes you want to figure out
many ways to use it.

Bill

[miestro_jerry]

With a 420 grain Lyman bullet I use 28 grains of SR4759, you can try 24 grains of 2400 with some fill, 46 grains of RX7

You may want to try the bullet molds and data from Ranch Dog. I have many of his mold and they produce outstanding bullets.

Jerry