Where to start for marlin 1895

[sfcairborne]

Ok getting ready to load up some 360 grn cast 50/50 for my marlin, micro grove. ? Is where should I start for load data, my Lyman cast book has a 330 grn then jumps to 385, going to be trying RL7 and IMR 4198.

Thanks

[knifemaker]

Go to the free Hodgdon reloading data site and search the data for IMR-4198 and use the data for a 350 gr. bullet. IMR-4198 is my favorite powder for my three 45/70 rifles.

[fordwannabe]

I also use 4198 for my hypersonic loads. My subsonic loads not so much.

[longbow]

And just to be clear... in case you aren't aware there are three classes of loads for .45-70:

- trapdoor/BP equivalent loads which is where factory loads run
- lever action rifle loads which are for modern reproduction guns like Winchester 1886 and Marlin 1894
- Ruger #1/Siamese Mauser loads ("Modern Rifle" in the Hodgdon site)

You will want to be using either the Trapdoor loads or the Marlin loads. Do not use the "Modern Rifle" loads in your Marlin!

My favourite boolit for my Marlin was the Lyman 457124 385 gr. RN though today I'd likely get a boolit with a meplat. I and my gun seemed to like the 385 gr. better than the "standard" 405 gr. boolits. So just a bit heavier than yours. I shot those over both BP and all the way up to top end Marlin loads with good success.

You may also find that IMR4198 is a bit fast for higher end loads. I started out with a Hornady load using IMR4227 (don't see it published anymore) that was rather hot and with heavy boolits recoil was punishing to say the least. I went to slower powders and felt recoil was much more tolerable. IMR4198 isn't quite as fast but if you are loading top end loads a slower powder may be more pleasant to shoot. Just saying.

Longbow

[sfcairborne]

Thank you, trying to stay in the Trapdoor range. Shoulders aren’t what they used to be.

[Michael J. Spangler]

Even the high end trapdoor loads are pretty snappy.

I like 31 grains of H4198 under a 405.
Hodgkin lists load for Varget to get to the same velocity but I swear the Varget kicks more.

[onelight]

The Hornady 3rd edition for 1895 marlin jacketed 350 gr round nose
RL-7 starting 35.1 gr =1400
Maximum 50.gr=1900

RL-7 and 3031 both gave accurate results in my no.3 with the 300 gr sierra and a 326 Gr GC cast.

[bikerbeans]

First thing would be to determine the groove diameter so you use the proper size bullet.

BB

[Jeff Michel]

40 grains IMR 4198
42 grains RL7
What I use in an 1895 Marlin CB

[Gray Fox]

I think you will find that a moderate charge of 2400 with a puff of Dacron between it and the boolit will give you an accurate and comfortable load with that boolit. GF

[dangitgriff]

Isn’t dacron a polyester cushion filler? Will it melt and foul the bore? Would cotton be better?

[GregLaROCHE]

Good luck reloading for your .45-70 Marlin. I’ve been reloading for mine for over thirty years. Definitely my favorite round to reload. I’ve used cast boolits from 300 to 500 grains. I even shoot it with black powder.

Try what others have mentioned for powder or from a good reloading manual that specifies cast boolits, if that is what you plan on using. Keeping within government loads is a good idea. You don’t need more unless, maybe you’re hunting brown bears. Check your barrel to make sure all your power has has completely burned. I once had had a problem with a recommend powder, that wouldn’t all burn. Crimping to the max and magnum primers, couldn’t get all the powder to burn.

Powder coating works great with it too.

[Gray Fox]

Strangely enough, the Dacron poly fill that I use from an old pillow just floats to the ground undamaged about 15 feet in front of the muzzle. Some folks have found more consistent accuracy with the puff, and I'm one of them. Others have not. GF

[sfcairborne]

Thanks Gents, I've got my 405grn load, rifle prefers .460 so this is what I size to. Just got a new HP mold that casts 350 ish.
Gonna stay on the lighter load FPS. Just for ringing steel and deer, and where I hunt in OK, my shots are very s3ldom over 45yds to 60.

[edp2k]

Try Accurate XMP5744.
For banging steel for plinking, shooting bowling balls, and deer under 100 yds, 1300 FPS is plenty, and won't knock your shoulder into next week.
Kicks less than a shotgun with slugs.
a 400 gr. bullet @ 1300 FPS will go thru a good sized deer lengthwise and keep going.