Fdh#2 45-70

[Johnw...ski]

After a lot of load development with my 45-70 I am smiling. I started loading in one grain increments with IMR 3031 powder starting at 33.0 gr. and working up to 41.0 gr. As the charges increased the groups decreased untill 39.0 gr. and at 40 gr. and 41.0 gr. started to grow bigger. I also tried some H 4895 which has been my go to powder for this caliber in the past. To my surprise although this is not conclusive, 36.0 gr. of H 4895, and 41.0 gr. of H 4895 were close but not as good. 42.0 gr. H 4895 started to lead. I realize that there may be something waiting for me in that 5 gr. gap, that will be found out in future testing.

Load #50 is certainly a keeper. A 535 gr. Steve Brooks Origional Postell that I cast at 530 gr. over a .06 vegetable fiber wad and 39.0 gr. IMR 3031 lit by a CCI BR2 primer. Very close to 3/4" at 100 yds.

John

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk166/JohnWski/45-70Load50B001.jpg

[45Bullet]

Glad to see it's working for ya'. Were all five shots called fliers? You didn't put'em all on that blue paster. HEEEE-HEEEE!

[NickSS]

I have found that a Lyman 400 gr RN (I think it is the 457125) works well in several of my 45-70s with 42 gr of 3031. I got many three shot clover leaves with it at 100 yards over the years from a ruger No 1 and a No3 as well.