I read through a few threads here yesterday and discovered that my once loved (and published) 13.7gr Unique load is unsuitable for .45-70 due to overwhelming reports of gradually rung chambers. In all large straight wall cases in fact, fast burning pistol powders are no good for chamber longevity due to hammering pressure waves at the bullet base due high compressibility in the air space.
Long story short, it looks like my options are limited to bulky smokeless powders (3031, Trail Boss, Varget), duplexing ball powder, and Black Powder/Muzzleloader Propellants. The third however seems to have the best accuracy potential and lowest SD so I have a few questions:
I am looking strongly at BH209, I happen to have some. What kind of loading practices will differ from regular Black Powder? What wads or compression have any of you used? Do I just fill the case and compress or follow the load data? The powder is unbelievably expensive but I fear ruining my new barrel with just the slightest bit of residue left over from Black Powder or Pyrodex. I'm open to using them but I need a fail safe cleaning method since I'm in a fairly humid environment in storage.
I think that's it. Rant was from some initial frustration learning about reloading my favorite cartridge.
shoe