Promising 45-70 Load

[Topper]

Got a chance to do some testing today with bullets cast from the 350 Ranch Dog mold.
I've tried several powders before (IMR4198, IMR3031, Varget; and RL-7) but the groups just were not up to snuff.
So I changed two things after doing some researching on MicroGrove barrels.
I stopped sizing the bullets to .460 and I tried H4895.
The only reason you'll see 4 holes is the fifth round wouldn't chamber do to dinging it up during feed.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v342/Topper_1950/Marlin_360_Cast.jpg

I did test 53, 54, and 55 grains and the groups weren't bad but 52 grains seems to be the ticket.

[rob45]

Have you tried AA2015? That is also a good powder to use with that bullet; I have been able to get more velocity while still maintaining excellent accuracy. 5744 is also good if you're wanting to use less powder.

I do not have any of the microgroove barrels, so I do not know which powders seem to work better in those.

Anyways, great job!:grin:

[Shooter6br]

I have used 4759, Varget, 4064. Universal Clays H322 , tRAIL bOSS. i FIND THE BEST WITH MY rUGER no 1 WITH A rANCH dOG 350 G IS 4759,Followed by Varget I shoot at 1250 fps or so. 4895 is a good powder in 45-70. I find the 45-70 is good with many powders. Your gun seems to like 4895 Great shooting Rick

[405]

Oh! I just looked at the target :roll: :kidding:
Excellent shooting. You said you quit sizing to .460----- So, what diameter did you size to and what is the groove diameter of your bore? And, did you change two things at once- bullet diameter and powder?

[rhead]

My marlin also does better with the boolit fitted to the throat instead of the barrel. Certainly worth checking if your results are not satisfactory. I do not push mine as fast as you are doing. 40 grains of 3031 gives good groups and adequate velocity. My arthritic shoulder prefers the lighter recoil.

[fivegunner]

I also want to know more about how you size your bullets,? I have been useing a .460 die for my 45/70 marlin and my groups are all over the target:cbpour:

[Cannoneer]

I also want to know more about how you size your bullets,? I have been useing a .460 die for my 45/70 marlin and my groups are all over the target:cbpour:

If your marlin has micro groove rifling, try sizing the bullet to .458 inch. This should diminish distortion of the bullet when it hits the rifling.

[jtaylor1960]

I recently tried H-4895 with my favorite 420gr. cast bullet and got similar results.A .672" group at fifty yards with a peep sight.I was using 50 grains with CCI primers.RL-7 also works very well but not quite as well as H-4895.

[Frank]

Topper, are your boolits air cooled or water dropped?

Also, why are you using a pistol primer?

Chambering Problem: I'll bet you get a little bulge on the brass at the boolit base and some of those don't chamber. Correct?

[jgraham1]

Used a load on a brown bear here in Alaska. 350 grain hollow flat nose with 53 grains of 3031, Federal mag primer in a Federal case. Knocked the bear in the dirt, but I felt on the other end!

Jerry