First of all, I've been asking alot of simple stupid questions on here and I sure to appreciate all the kind, patient replies I've received. I've looked around on alot of forums and there are some out there that god forbid anyone ask a question or express an opinion, it's obviously not like that here.
My project with my new #1 .45-70 has been my greatest handloading challenge to date, and though load development has just begun, I thought I'd let everyone who's pitched in a kind word or an opinion know where it's at.
First off, I chose the Ranch Dog 350 Grain Mold. I really like the profile. Being designed around a Marlin chamber, when crimped in the crimp groove, it's too long. Not realizing that the Lee set came with a taper crimp instead of a roll crimp, I went to trimming cases, which worked, but as you may have seen in another post, presented its own set of challenges. I may try just seating deeper later, but for now, the trimmed cases appear to be working well.
After dealing with a really compressed load of 3031 and crimping this morning, it was off to the range (pouring rain in TN, and I'm not after anything big enough to justify huntin' today).
The good news was at 25 yards, the two rounds nearly touched, and thats with me shooting the factory iron sights. The bad news was the group was about 7 inches low and the rear sight was already adjusted all the way up. Probably going to order a new front insert from New England Custom Gun.
Over the chrony, the first round went 1995 fps, the second ran 1988. Not a big cross section, but it gave me an idea and I didn't like setting my chrony out in the rain. Yes, it does kick enough for me to start shopping for a new recoil pad, but it didn't drive my thumb knuckle into my nose or make me feel like I was getting kicked in the jaw; two feelings I can't stand.
One thing I really noticed is that I forgot my earmuffs for the first 2 shots, I noticed it because it didn't bother me; and I was shooting under a shed!!!!
I'm really gonna enjoy that!
I know four rounds is just the beginning of load development with a new rifle, but when I get a new front blade, I'll continue with it. I really feel like I'm on the right track.
Again, thanks for all the help.