500-600 gr. 45-70 Load Data

[Johnw...ski]

Does anyone publish load data for the big 500 to 600 gr. boolits and smokeless powder in the 45-70 cartridge.

Thanks,

John

[Freightman]

I use 54gr WC872/860 with a 3gr unique kicker for a 500gr boolit. Volocity 1350 +- accuracy good 1"/2" at 100 yds almost a double for black powder. As far as published loads haven't seen any in my books and I have 14 different books. This is a compressed load, has to be to keep the powder separate. You can use straight wc872/860 60-63 gr but it is kinda dirty that way, with the kicker it cleans up nicely.
As always use caution wit any data, I do not think you can get enough of eather 872-860 in the case to hurt anything. A crimp is useful to get the pressure up to = Black.

[McLintock]

There's a line of reloading books called "One Book/One Caliber", and the one for 45-70 "the Complete Reloading Manual for the 45-70 Government" lists max loads for 500 gr'ers, both cast and jacketed, but nothing above that. Haven't ever heard of anyone using a 600 gr bullet in .45 Caliber, 540-560 in cast but no jacketed. Fastest loads in the above book for 500 gr jacketed are about 1600-1680 fps. The book is usually available at gun shows and maybe Midway or Cabela's; I think I got mine at Sportsman's Warehouse.
McLintock

[Johnw...ski]

I have the book "One Book/One Caliber" in 45-70, I prefur the slower powders and they mostly have faster powders. I have never had much luck with IMR 4198 and never tried anything faster, maybe I am missing the boat here.

I'll refine what I am looking for a bit, the mold I am using casts boolits that are between 530 and 535 gr. My alloy is around 30:1, Pb:Sn so I am not looking for the fastest loads just excellent accuracy.

John



There's a line of reloading books called "One Book/One Caliber", and the one for 45-70 "the Complete Reloading Manual for the 45-70 Government" lists max loads for 500 gr'ers, both cast and jacketed, but nothing above that. Haven't ever heard of anyone using a 600 gr bullet in .45 Caliber, 540-560 in cast but no jacketed. Fastest loads in the above book for 500 gr jacketed are about 1600-1680 fps. The book is usually available at gun shows and maybe Midway or Cabela's; I think I got mine at Sportsman's Warehouse.
McLintock

[Cap'n Morgan]

John,

IMR 4198 is a bit on the slow side - even behind a 530 grain bullet. IMR 4227, on the other hand, is a little too fast. You need to find something in between, maybe Accurate XMR 5744, Winchester 296, or, If you can find it, Vithavuori N120 which is a great powder for pushing large chunks of lead. I use it for shooting 540 grains cast bullets in my Martini Henry. I use turned brass cases, and the internal volume is identical to that of a 45-70. A load of 25 grains N120 gives a respectable 1200 fps at only 15000 psi. You should be able to get well over 1400 fps - and still be within SAAMI's 28000 psi Max.

[John Boy]

Hmmm, I've seen this post before [smilie=1:
So, Lyman's New 49th Reloading Manual ...

[freedom475]

I use a LOT of Varget.... 40-45gr. behind a 500 works great in the 45-70. Not sure if this is a safe load in a trapdoor but it is quite mild and just right out of a Sharps. I use 50-55gr.s behind a 405 in my 86win.:Fire:

[Johnw...ski]

Hmmm, thats pretty close to IMR 4064, I may just try some 4064 first and if that is promising try Varget which I'll bet will meter nicely.

Thanks,

John

I use a LOT of Varget.... 40-45gr. behind a 500 works great in the 45-70. Not sure if this is a safe load in a trapdoor but it is quite mild and just right out of a Sharps. I use 50-55gr.s behind a 405 in my 86win.:Fire: