anyone use 820 in the 45-70?

[shawn45]

looking for cheap loads to shoot in my Marlin. Using Lee 342 plain base.
thanks
shawn

[MtGun44]

YIKES.

820 may work, but given that it is a powder that likes high pressure and doesn't burn
consistently at lower pressures, it doesn't seem like a good fit.
Not saying it is impossible, just not likely to burn consistently. Try 10 gr - 12 gr of
Unique and you will get very accurate and very mild, plus super cheap, loads.

Bill

[beagle]

Would I recommend it....no.

But....I've used a lot of the following load: RCBS 45300FNHP 303.6 grains WC820 25.0 grains 1528 FPS 28.8 SD. That was with a Federal 210.

I've also used the load below:
Lyman 462560HP 532.1 grains WC820 24.0 grains 1263 FPS 20.5 SD Fed 210

As I say, I'm not putting these out as gospel but I wondered the same thing. Between these extremes, you should find what you're looking for. I've got more data but it's too hard to transpose.

These were in a Marlin M1895 .45/70./beagle

[Maven]

The late Frank Marshall, Jr. (of the CBA) recommended 13grs. of Unique with 300gr. -400gr. CB's in the .45-70. I've tried it and it's a tack driver (see attached photo: Marlin .45-70, Microgroove). I've also used 17gr. and 18gr. charges with the Lee 340 and 405 HB bullets (just the other day in fact) and find it almost as accurate. Either powder works quite well, but you have to be ever alert for double charges in so large a case. The target in the photo was placed at 50 yds.; the CB was a 465gr. LBT design (plain base).