Marlin 45/70 load help

[sfcairborne]

Ok I’ve got a NOE 350 grain mold that throws 360-362 with my 50/50 mix. I have the cast bullet reloaders book, and want to stay in the 1873 load range. My book goes from 330 grain to the next of 385. Is it safe to use the 385 grain load data as a work up, or should I use the 330 to start? Yes the marlin page lists a 350 starting out at 1600 plus or minus but id like to keep it at 1500 and some change. Thanks.

[FergusonTO35]

Yes, you can use the 385 load data no problem.

[sfcairborne]

Thank you.

[ReloaderFred]

Any time you're trying to find data for a bullet that isn't listed in the manuals, and there are many, the best course of action is to take the data from the next heaviest bullet you can find data for and use that as a start. Then just work up your loads and keep an eye out for pressure indications, etc. A chronograph really helps when working up loads in this manner.

Hope this helps.

Fred

[RickinTN]

I have three Marlins. I usually shoot 12 to 14 grains of Unique with a bullet such as yours. Very low recoil and the accuracy is excellent.
Rick

[Sgt H]

You did not mention what powders you have to work with but 24-26 gr of 2400 or 29-30 gr of 5744 should get you in the range you are looking for. Besides real BP, 2400 and 5744 are my go to powders for trapdoor level loads in the 45/70.

[TjB101]

I have a ton of Bullseye and worked up a load for a 340gr projectile. 11.3gr - all day shooter. Also use Trailboss for some really soft rounds.

[Duckiller]

I use minimal Trail Boss loads for Lee 330 and 405 gr boolits. Fun to shoot with light recoil.
this is out of a 26" barrel Cowboy 45/70.

[FergusonTO35]

With powder price and supply being what it is these days, your best bet is to try Unique, magnum shotshell, or fast rifle powder first. 50+ grains of medium rifle powder per shot is going to eat up your supply really fast, and isn't needed for trapdoor level loads anyway.

[T-Bird]

I use IMR 4198 for that level loads with the 330 Gould boolit, 29-30 gr if I recall. I also use a pinch of dacron.

[sfcairborne]

Thank you for powders I have, 3031,4198,unique, trailboss and 5744. Right now I’ve got done loads with 13 grains of trailboss that are fun to shoot. But not sure if they would work as a deer load. My hunting spot has a max distance of 65 yards. Do it not like I’m shooting 100 too two hundred yards. So trying to keep the recoil down but still have pretty good accuracy for 65 yards and under.

[Midohhntr]

Thank you for powders I have, 3031,4198,unique, trailboss and 5744. Right now I’ve got done loads with 13 grains of trailboss that are fun to shoot. But not sure if they would work as a deer load. My hunting spot has a max distance of 65 yards. Do it not like I’m shooting 100 too two hundred yards. So trying to keep the recoil down but still have pretty good accuracy for 65 yards and under.

You will do well with a Unique load in the 13-14g range. I tested some last month with the Noe 460-315-rf in my 1895 and got average velocity's in 1310 fps range with 14g . More than enough to kill a deer at ranges your talking about, I suspect with your 350g boolit the fps's would be in the 1200's These are trapdoor level loads and very easy on the shoulder.

[sfcairborne]

Thank you, I will load up some and see how they group.

[Midohhntr]

I must warn you I forgot to mention I use the shorter Hornaday brass and crimp slightly above the crimp groove with the Lee factory crimp die. The boolit still touches the rifleing. With standard size brass you may not be able to close the lever.

[sfcairborne]

My mold is the NOE 460-350 grain mold. Have loaded it befor with trailboss and it loads fun in my Marlin. But thank you for the advice on the 315 grn mold

[robg]

i use 22gn of 2400 with the lee 340gn boolit with a quarter sheet of toilet paper to hold powder against the primer,accurate and easy on your shoulder.

[FergusonTO35]

Thank you for powders I have, 3031,4198,unique, trailboss and 5744. Right now I’ve got done loads with 13 grains of trailboss that are fun to shoot. But not sure if they would work as a deer load. My hunting spot has a max distance of 65 yards. Do it not like I’m shooting 100 too two hundred yards. So trying to keep the recoil down but still have pretty good accuracy for 65 yards and under.

Your Trail Boss load probably surpasses .44 Magnum power level and should kill anything in North America at 65 yards. Pick the load that you like the most and stick with it, no need to overthink this!