Have a Handi 45/70 and Dardas 350 grain AA 2015 powder

[filanto]

Just needing idea on a good powder load for this combo. I got 2015 because there was not much else available and I am having issues finding load recommendations for the 350 grain cast bullets. I found one that recommended 45-51 gr, but the lower amount seamed to leave a lot of powder in the barrel. I just don't want to lead up the barrel with the higher charge. I also use the Lee dippers. The higher charge had a nice thump to it, slightly more than the Hornady 325 gr.

[Catshooter]

filanto,

What sort of velocity are you looking for?

I use a lot of Universal Clays in mine. Fifteen grains under a 500 grainer is a very pleasant and fun load.

Welcome to the site.


Cat

[Kraschenbirn]

29.8 gr AA2015 under a 440 grainer from an old Ohaus mould pretty much duplicates BP ballistics in my Pedersoli RB. Load does leave a bit of unburned powder in the barrel but is dead-on accurate out to 300M.

Bill

[filanto]

1600-2000 f/s is what I am shooting for. I shot approximately 1600 and 1900 the other day with the 350 grain bullet. Both had kick but the 1900 kicked more. Neither gave any bruising but might limit the number I fire in a row. I just want to be sure I don't lead up the barrel too much. I think the stronger one may be the one I end up with, it should be some what close to the factory Hornady trajectery. I have

[30calflash]

What diameter bullets are you using in the Handi? I've not fired any cast thru mine yet, might try this weekend. Thanks.

[filanto]

.459 Dardas 350 grain. The ~1600 load blew right through an 7-8 inch ash log that I shot on the outer edge of it. Looked like a nice 1/2 channel until about 5 inches then it was about a solid inch. Either expanded or turned sideways. Can't wait till dear season. I would love to go hog hunting with it. Michigan is where I am at and there is a bill being voted on that would allow straight wall cartridge rifles throughout the state. I also now need a new deprimer, old one snapped. It lasted a total of 1 casing. I think it was over tempered.

[MT Chambers]

AA2015 is one of the best powders for top end loads in the 45/70 50 grains is the starting load in Speer's manual for the Trapdoor action, heavy loads for the Ruger go up to 60 grains for a 350 grain bullet.

[filanto]

The Dardas is hard cast bullets WITHOUT a gas check so jacketed powder charges would not be used. Though I am thinking of using some Barnes non lead bullets in a shoulder bruising charges. I am also thinking of using 500 grain bullets in both high power and reduced loads. Can't wait till Christmas, that's when I get a real scope and not a freebie from a friend.