.45-70

[Fixxah]

Just trying to figure out which pill I will cast for my Contender. Any pet load on the light side (recoil wise) would be appreciated.

[63 Shiloh]

A light and accurate load I use for my 45/70 is as follows: WW Brass, Fed LR primer, 12.5 gn Trail Boss, Lyman HP 380gn Boolit.

Vel around 1100 fps, out of a 24" bbl.

Mike

[Bret4207]

Just trying to figure out which pill I will cast for my Contender. Any pet load on the light side (recoil wise) would be appreciated.

I would use something like a suppository. That .458 hole is far larger than any pill I've ever taken. In fact, you might find it easier to just use a boolit.

[BrianB]

In the last 18 years or so shooting 45-70's, it seems Reloder-7 is among the most accurate powders, overall, for the 45-70. 40-41 grains with the Lee 340gr bullet has proved OK in the recoil department and plenty accurate. The recoil grows a lot when you get to 43 grains. (In a Handi-Rifle, not bad in an 1885) If you look at your data books, you'll see there is a HUGE range of acceptable loads.

We also tried IMR3031 with the Lyman 293gr bullet. It shot well, accuracy very good in an 1886, but a good bit of unburned powder. A vegetable overpowder wad cleaned up the burn, but obviously adds another step to the loading process. The 3031 is also harder to deal with than the Reloder-7. The individual sticks of powder are larger than the Reloder-7 which makes it all but impossible to pour from my scale pan into the casing without a funnel.

My cousin tried some of the very lightest published loads of Reloder-7 and the Lyman 293 bullet. He found it to be unacceptable due to the amount of unburned powder, so keep that in mind.

A lot of the recoil will depend on your gun. Handi-Rifles kick way more than 1885's or the 1886 Browning/Winchesters. I have not shot the gun you have, but I sure would like to! I think if you go with Reloder-7 and either the 340 Lee or the 293 Lyman, you'll find a load you enjoy to shoot that is very accurate.

[Fixxah]

I am shooting it out of the big black barrel.

[lostsixgunner]

I'm having good luck with the RCBS 325gr gc bullet over 32 grains of RL7 out of my 23" G2 rifle. Accuracy is as good as I have been able to get, and the recoil isn't bad either. Also have a 12" barrel w/MT, but I haven't shot this load in it yet.

[BrianB]

I am shooting it out of the big black barrel.

Awesome set-up!

[thx997303]

I use the 350 gr RD boolit with 15 gr Unique.

50/50 LLA/JPW lube.

Works real nice at 50 yards. Very low recoil.

[montana_charlie]

We also tried IMR3031 with the Lyman 293gr bullet. It shot well, accuracy very good in an 1886, but a good bit of unburned powder. A vegetable overpowder wad cleaned up the burn, but obviously adds another step to the loading process.
I read this comment yesterday.
My first reaction was to wonder how much empty space exists between the wad and bullet base.
My second reaction was to find and re-read a discussion I had seen earlier...which centered on a related issue.

Perhaps it would be enlightening if I post a link to that discussion...
http://www.shilohrifle.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=15610

CM

[Dframe]

A light and accurate load I use for my 45/70 is as follows: WW Brass, Fed LR primer, 12.5 gn Trail Boss, Lyman HP 380gn Boolit.

Vel around 1100 fps, out of a 24" bbl.

Mike
I would highly recommend this load. I've used one nearly identical for quite a while now.
Recoil is mild and accuracy good.

[Fixxah]

I read this comment yesterday.
My first reaction was to wonder how much empty space exists between the wad and bullet base.
My second reaction was to find and re-read a discussion I had seen earlier...which centered on a related issue.

Perhaps it would be enlightening if I post a link to that discussion...
http://www.shilohrifle.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=15610

CM
Definitely an interesting thread, I might disassemble a round or two to find out what my friend loaded them with.