Reloading for BFR in 45-70

[Mr Pistole]

Anybody reloading for a BFR in 45-70?
Have tried IMR 4198 with some success with a 405gr plain base bullet but not sure how far to go or what pressure signs to look for. There are so many varying max and starting loads through all the manuals I have read!!

[44man]

Anybody reloading for a BFR in 45-70?
Have tried IMR 4198 with some success with a 405gr plain base bullet but not sure how far to go or what pressure signs to look for. There are so many varying max and starting loads through all the manuals I have read!!

Yes, but powder choice is hard. I tried all and 4759 is the only one. 4198 gave me pressure excursions. The case is large for a revolver and will test your loading. I knew it would be tough. Bad thing is 4759 is no longer made so I stocked up. Been down to 3/16" at 50 yards and to 1" at 100. You might try Varget to see. I have not yet. 3031 will not all burn.
Your boolit must be .459". .457" will not work. I have no info for a 405 gr.
My 317 gr takes 31 gr of 4759, the Hornady 300 needs 32.5 gr, a 420 gr needs 28.5 gr. A 350 to 360 gr needs 30 gr.
So sad they stopped 4759.

[Mr Pistole]

Yes, but powder choice is hard. I tried all and 4759 is the only one. 4198 gave me pressure excursions. The case is large for a revolver and will test your loading. I knew it would be tough. Bad thing is 4759 is no longer made so I stocked up. Been down to 3/16" at 50 yards and to 1" at 100. You might try Varget to see. I have not yet. 3031 will not all burn.
Your boolit must be .459". .457" will not work. I have no info for a 405 gr.
My 317 gr takes 31 gr of 4759, the Hornady 300 needs 32.5 gr, a 420 gr needs 28.5 gr. A 350 to 360 gr needs 30 gr.
So sad they stopped 4759.

Thanks for your reply.
I have a small quantity of 4759 but am saving it for use in my 7mmTCU and 7BR. IMR4198 seems to work OK for me though.
I had no luck with 3031.

[44man]

Thanks for your reply.
I have a small quantity of 4759 but am saving it for use in my 7mmTCU and 7BR. IMR4198 seems to work OK for me though.
I had no luck with 3031.

I have the MOA in 7BR and the Wichita 7R. I used for IHMSA with 4759. I also had the XP100 until I was talked out of it, made a custom stock for it. The 154 Hornady shot super and I even got the 175 gr working in the 7BR. That needed H322.
Because I don't shoot IHMSA any more I wanted to deer hunt with them and even the 139 gr did not work right. I wanted to shoot the 120 gr SSP bullet but nothing worked with the twist. I tried all powders but had Varget and there are no loads for the small guns. I called Hodgdon and they laughed, even heard it in the back ground. They said it won't work. Being anti social, I went ahead anyway.
In the 7BR with a 10" barrel I found 32.5 gr of Varget with the 120 gr would do 1/2" at 50 yards and I get 2175 fps.
In the 7R that is almost the 7 Waters, 34.5 gr also gave me 1/2" at 50 from 10" but I did not chrono it.
Now I have not worked the heavier bullets with Varget but one day I will. Hodgdon does not know what they have in Varget, darn stuff works where it should not. It burns clean too.
The 7TCU I don't know but my friend has one and it is so accurate at 200 it is scary but I don't know his load. I will get it for you, he is coming over soon.
Can you replace with Varget? There is zero info for the smaller guns.
I don't remember trying it in the BFR. It just might work.

[historicfirearms]

If you have 2400 give that a try. Its been a long time since I had the bfr 45-70 but I seem to remember 2400 working well.

[Mr Pistole]

If you have 2400 give that a try. Its been a long time since I had the bfr 45-70 but I seem to remember 2400 working well.

I have not been able to get any 2400 for ages up here and I desperately need some for my 44Mag IHMSA loads so no hope of trying it in the BFR.

[RedlegEd]

Hi. Did you ever get any 2400 or work up another load for your BFR? I have a .45-70 with 7-1/2" barrel, and have worked up a few different loads, so i might have something for you depending on the powders you have available. Ed