I have a ton of Unique powder for my pistols. I am going to start reloading 45-70 and I was wondering if anyone had a load using Unique. I will be using Cast Performance bullets (lead, flat nose) in 405 grain and 300 grain. I will be shooting these out of my Marlin 1895. I am looking for a good hunting load for hogs and other large game and a fun-to-shoot load.
If Unique is a poor choice, I'm open to other suggestions.
Thanks in advance.
yes 12g is magic with 300-405g bullets. Its my #1 45-70 powder for plinking.
Your mother was a hamster, and your father smelt of elderberries
Same here. For plinking I used 10grs under a 385 cast. For hunting I would bump it up a little. No filler required.
Some more info here http://castboolits.gunloads.com/show...5-70-Load-Data
Link to Lyman #44 free download http://www.castpics.net/LoadData/OM/Lyman44.pdf
Pics form Lyman #45
Last edited by M-Tecs; 02-09-2015 at 12:04 PM.
The original Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook had a max load of 19.0/Unique under the hollow point 457122. When I got my early Marlin 95, I dropped that to 16.0/Unique and cast the bullets of linotype. The brittle slug acts like a varmint bullet. Man, you should see what it does to a jackrabbit.
Actually has some recoil in the light rifle, but no pressure signs. Cases were WW.
12.5 is the "sweet "spot for my Ruger #1 350g Range Dog. Seems like a good universal load
Thanks to everyone for the quick responses. They have been very helpful.
M-Tecs, Thanks for the Lyman #44 download.
Now all I need is for my brass and bullets to show up and I'll be spending time at the bench.
12g + 405 20-1 lead = BANG / Ding!
(I use a 3/4" X 3/4" of single ply toilet paper pushed down over the powder with a pencil to keep powder against primer.....To save money, use used TP......it will also clear the benches to both sides...
That's a pretty crappy idea.Originally Posted by rbertalotto
12g + 405 20-1 lead = BANG / Ding!
(I use a 3/4" X 3/4" of single ply toilet paper pushed down over the powder with a pencil to keep powder against primer.....To save money, use used TP......it will also clear the benches to both sides...
Sounds like a #2 idea to me.
Mark 5:34 And He said to her (Jesus speaking), "Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace and be healed of your affliction."
You guys are wiping up.
I worked up 405 gr cast with Unique in my 45/70 handi rifle until the case head expanded and brass flowed into the extractor misfit.
Quickload thinks that is 87,000 psi 1900 fps.
I started the work up with 15 gr 25 kpsi 1300 fps
I think Unique is a very good powder for 45/70 low velocities.
I would go toward 4895 for higher velocities.
I used to use 10.0-12.0 grs of Unique under a Lee 450gr RNFP in a H&R BC. I am still working on a load for the Lyman 457122HP, but so far, everything shows promise, and I am starting to think Unique may get the nod for hunting deer and hogs around here with this rifle/bullet/powder combo.
I passed my last psych eval, how bout you?
Just for the heck of it, tried using a 255-grain semi-wadcutter for .45 Colt, two wraps paper-patched, over ten grains; at fifty yards was reasonably accurate(for me with iron sights), and very little recoil.
10.5 with 345 and 366 grainer ought to put you in the 1100 fps range.
FUN, ACCURATE and little recoil
10. and 362 grainer holds "minute of Oak Leaf" at 106 yards off of cross sticks for me.
Last edited by TCLouis; 03-08-2020 at 04:09 PM. Reason: Additional information
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I used to load 10 to 12 grains of Unique under a 385 grn. boolit for plinking in the trapdoor Springfield. Rainbow trajectory, but would ring the bell out to 200 yds. and a third of the time out to 300. That was when my eyes were young.
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"While the people have property, arms in their hands, and only a spark of noble spirit, the most corrupt Congress must be mad to form any project of tyranny."
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I picked up a big carton of 300 gr factory cast one time for cheap. 15gr of Unique behind them was rabbit accurate and a ball to shoot from a 22 inch handi rifle! Once took a running cottontail at about 20 yards, ate right up to the hole, and the look on my shootin buddy was priceless! Have no idea how fast they were going, really didn't matter, they shot good and probably cost less than 22LR does now. Reminds me. I need to cast some 45s.....
“You don’t practice until you get it right. You practice until you can’t get it wrong.” Jason Elam, All-Pro kicker, Denver Broncos
I killed 3 deer with the Lee 405gr. RNFP over 15gr. Unique. In and out. Devastating.
You can miss fast & you can miss a lot, but only hits count.
Geez, I used too but Unique has dried up out here.
je suis charlie
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Thomas Jefferson Quotations:
"The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government."
Unique is my all time favorite. Try it, you will love it.
First reload: .22 Hornet. 1956.
More at: http://reloadingtips.com/
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It's all I use anymore.
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