700x loads for 45/70 or 30/40?

[Lawnjockey]

I was rooting around the garage last night and I found a keg of 700x that I forgot I had. I use it for 12 gauge, 357 mag and 45 acp but I have never seen any 45/70 or 30/40 Krag loads. Anyone know of any published loads?

I shoot a Marlin 1895 ss and a Pedersoli RB in 45/70 and an original 1895 Win in 30/40.

Jocko

[Le Loup Solitaire]

700X has been a great powder for me especially in the 38 special. Its toward the faster end of the burning rate chart and as such you probably won't find it listed for 45/70 or 30/40. I've never tried to use it for either, but I'm sure that it would work with very light charges. I have heard of experiments with light charges of Green Dot (slightly slower, but very close to 700x) in the 30-06 and they have worked ok accuracy-wise at short(er) ranges, so 700X can probably be similarly developed in 45/70 and 30/40 with good success at 50 yards. I would start low though, watch firstly for pressure signs and secondly the accuracy/grouping. The problem with 45/70 is that the bullets are usually heavy, comparatively speaking, and one can get into trouble with pressure relatively quick/easy. Again I would suggest starting very low with something like 5 grains and work up. That charge would ensure that that the bullet would certainly clear the barrel and go down range without a lot of pressure. I have a couple of old Lyman manuals and they both show the use of Unique with both calibers. On my burning rate chart 700X is listed at #14 and Unique at #23. Modern manuals would probably carry charges for Unique for the 2 calibers but they would depend on the bullet weights being used. So that would serve at least as a starting point for loading the 700X at a lower loading. Best of luck and good shooting. LLS