need 3031 load for 405gr LFNGC

[Howie38]

Started working on a load for my Marlin 1895 45/70 using IMR3031, Beartooth 405gr LFNGC (.460) & WLR primers. Tried 48, 48.5 & 49. So far the 48.5 is best but I'm sure I can get a better "group" out of it. Not looking for a grizzly killer. More deer to moose at 150yd or less.

Anybody find a sweet load for the 405's ?

[NickSS]

The best load I tried with 3031 with a 405 gr bullet was 42 gr of powder. Not a powerhouse but they shot into nice cloverleaf one hole groups at 100 yards with both my Ruger #3 and my Marlin 95. As for deer they work quite well and elk too. You really do not need to hot rod the 45-70 I shot clean through a buffalo at 88 paces with a load consisting of 62 gr FFG black and a 405 flat point Lymen PB bullet.

[jh45gun]

42 grains is what I have used also and it is just into Marlin/Win strength loadings of the Lyman load books. 49 grains is a max load. You may find that the lesser loadings may give you better accuracy. 39 grains is the tops for the trapdoor loadings and as I said the 42 grains is at the lower end of the Win/Marlin strengh loadings. A trap door strength loading will go clean through a deer length wise so one that has a bit more to it like the 42 grains I use now has more then enough penitration.

[Howie38]

48.5 groups well enough in 100yds or less for plenty of up close stoping power. But I'm willing to trade off some of that extreme knock down power for tighter flying bullets for that farther shot.

[ammohead]

I am using 34 gr of 3031 in my 1895CB with 405 gr RCBS for about 1450 fps and one ragged hole at 50 yds. Plan on killing me a nice fat cow elk with it next Sat or later.

ammohead

[Howie38]

ammohead, have you used that load with non-GC's. Sounds like it'll be a good load for them and I got plenty non-GC's for plinking. Looks like it may be a good medium load that I wont have to compensate on the elevation much.

[Buckshot]

...............Ammohead beat me to it. I was going to say that for deer 1450 fps is plenty and for Moose I'd suggest 1800 fps. I shot a good sized boar at ~60 yds through the shoulders with the Lee 405gr paper patched (pure lead), and the slug still may be going for all I know. MV was 1650 fps.

................Buckshot