WC870 load for C. Sharps 45-70

[webradbury]

I hope this is the correct place to ask this particular question.

I am looking for a load for my 1874 C. Sharps 45-70 using WC870. I just want to make sure that I don't push the pressure limits of this particular rifle. I know it would have to be a duplex load due to the nature of the powder. I was just hoping to hear some loads from people that have tried it similar rifles. I'm using a 500 grain Lee roundnose GG bullet.

I just have a hankering to buy a bunch of powder and shoot on the cheap. Thanks, Will

[webradbury]

I've been looking at so many loads today I got my powders mixed up. I meant WC867 for this particular situation.

[Nobade]

I add 4.0gr. IMR4227 under a compressed load of it and that cleans it up nicely. Very accurate and a touch faster than a black powder load.

-Nobade

[webradbury]

I add 4.0gr. IMR4227 under a compressed load of it and that cleans it up nicely. Very accurate and a touch faster than a black powder load.

-Nobade

Thanks! I take it that powder fills the case...how much compression would you say?

[Gunlaker]

I think he means he's using black powder with a duplex charge of 4227. If you fill the case with 4227 you'll probably blow the gun up on the first shot.

Chris.

[Gunlaker]

I should add that if you want to use smokeless SR 4759 is a great choice and seems to still be available despite shortages of some powders these days.

Chris.

[webradbury]

Yes, I noticed the 4.0 gr...I was referring to the WC867 powder.

[25ring]

Webradbury, I'm currently using 4grs of RL7 under a 53gr charge of WC872 and a 466gr minigroove bullet in the 45-70.Velocity runs about 1340fps.Very accurate and clean.This load is slightly compressed which prevents any migration of the duplex charge.WC867 is basically the same powder as WC872.---FWIW,Mike.

[Nobade]

Thanks! I take it that powder fills the case...how much compression would you say?

Yes, the case is filled with the slow ball powder on top of the 4227. Compression is as much as is possible without distorting the boolit, maybe .075". Those balls don't allow much compression, they stack very well by themselves.

-Nobade

[EDG]

The SR4759 recommendation is a good one for shooting cheap.
A normal load for BP velocity is about 20 to 25 grains depending on the bullet weight and the strength of the rifle. One lb of powder will give you 300 rounds at 23 grains.


I hope this is the correct place to ask this particular question.

I am looking for a load for my 1874 C. Sharps 45-70 using WC870. I just want to make sure that I don't push the pressure limits of this particular rifle. I know it would have to be a duplex load due to the nature of the powder. I was just hoping to hear some loads from people that have tried it similar rifles. I'm using a 500 grain Lee roundnose GG bullet.

I just have a hankering to buy a bunch of powder and shoot on the cheap. Thanks, Will