AA2015 45-70 load suggestions

[odette]

I am thinking of trying AA2015 in my 45-70's. My preferred bullet is a 400 gr Speer JFP, but cast 405 gn RCBS FP and 405 gn Semi Spitzer both with gas checks and both weighing around 420 gn. I would like to try the powder in a 1895LTD Marlin and a 14" TC Contender, so will AA2015 work for light loads? Will it need a wad? I am currently using IMR 3031, IMR 4198 and AA5744. I have been told that AA5744 is best with heavy loads in the 45-70 and IMR 4198 is best with lighter bullets.

[Tenbender]

You will like it. Burns clean, measures easy and shoots consistent . I shoot a 370 gr HP. Mold I bought from NOE. Without the pins it through's a 410.

[MostlyLeverGuns]

I have used AA2015 for a very long time in Marlin 1895 45-70. I normally shoot 300 grainers, but my accuracy and velocity are both very high. LONG AGO it was cheaper than 3031 and 4198, it does run through a measure very accurately, and my on target accuracy has been better than other powders I have tried. Also excellent in the 358 Win.

[Kraschenbirn]

Works just fine in both my Pedersoli RB and Uberti Highwall using either a 400 gr. RN or 450 gr. RNFP at (roughly) BP velocities. On a calm day, without a lot of mirage, I can hold 10-shot groups right around 2 MOA @ 300M off the bench.

Bill

[odette]

I finally found 2 lbs of AA2015, does anyone have a recommended starting load for 400 gn Speer FNSP. I plan on loading for an 1895 Marlin and a 1874 C Sharps No 1 Business rifle. Speer lists 48 gn stating load for an 1895, and that seems awfully high. Can I use the Barnes 400 gn FN-O data from Accurate Arms?

[Kraschenbirn]

"...seems awfully high" to me, too but that's for a jacketed bullet in a lever action built from modern steels. 29.5 gr AA2015 under a 450 gr. RNFP from an old Ohaus mold clocks 1250-1275 fps from my Pedersoli Roller. Same charge under a Lyman 457124 (402 gr. from same alloy) will go close to 1400. Never fired a jacketed round in any of my 45-70s and don't see much need for GCs, either.

Bill

[John Boy]

so will AA2015 work for light loads?
300gr bullet and AA-2015 from 47.4 grains to 53.0 grains

[odette]

I have been using cast RCBS 45-405 FN that weigh around 422 gn my lead mix, also a Saeco 405 SPGC that also weighs around 422 gn with my lead mix. But I have been using AA5744 or IMR3031. I heard that the AA2015 was recommended, but does it work well with bullets heavier than 350 gn?

[murf205]

I have been using cast RCBS 45-405 FN that weigh around 422 gn my lead mix, also a Saeco 405 SPGC that also weighs around 422 gn with my lead mix. But I have been using AA5744 or IMR3031. I heard that the AA2015 was recommended, but does it work well with bullets heavier than 350 gn?

It does for me. 42.5 grs of 2015 with a 405 GC cast of wheel weight goes 1670 fps out of my Marlin 1895 CB with 26" barrel. It burns clean and very consistant.