Marlin 1895 .45-70 chronographed data

[Wally]

Shot my 1895 Marlin using the RCBS 325 U and the Lyman 457193. At 200 yards I quickly discovered that the lighter bullet was just as accurate as the RCBS 325...so I compiled some Chronograph statistics using it. My target was a 2 lb coffee can (4.5 x 6.5") on a cable at 200 yards. I hit it more than I missed it after I zeroed it in.

Load Bullet Rifle Velocity Std Dev
13.0 Red Dot 325 RCBS U 1895 1,217 21.70
14.0 Red Dot 325 RCBS U 1895 1,287 12.80
14.0 Red Dot 325 RCBS U 1895 1,283 7.61
15.0 Red Dot 325 RCBS U 1895 1,313 15.90
16.0 Unique 325 RCBS U 1895 1,310 16.00

14.0 Red Dot Lym 457193 1895 1,182 8.71

15.0 Promo 325 RCBS U 1895 1,340 -

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My cast Lyman manual shows....no loads given using Red Dot or Unique.

Lyman Manual 14.5 Unique 457122 1895 1,295 -
13.5 Unique 457193 1895 1,163 -

Was wondering if any others have did this with theirs and would care to comment? All loads were mild in pressures. I did not up the powder charges, as from the chart, there is little velocity gain when increasing them. Going from 14 to 15 grains of Red Dot--yielded a measly 26 FPS.

[sghart3578]

Great info and outstanding work, thank you.

What barrel length? Just curious as I am looking for a guide gun with the 18.5" barrel.

[indian joe]

I woulda thought red dot in a 45/70 was a disaster lookin for a place to happen ........didnt happen - all good - or lucky you? ...whatever, pay attention cuz that stuff can go from "everything hunky dory" to a serious problem in short order perticularly under heavier boolits - be careful!!!

[Wally]

22inch

Great info and outstanding work, thank you.

What barrel length? Just curious as I am looking for a guide gun with the 18.5" barrel.

[Wally]

I check each case after powder charging. I use it in six different bottle neck bolt action rifles with cast bullets for many thousands of shots for the past ten years. One must be wary of double charges when using it.

[FergusonTO35]

Thanks! I like that Unique load, any idea how it does at 100 yards?

[knifemaker]

I have a Marlin 1895 LTD-V that will give consistent 3 shot groups of 1 inch at 100 yards. This is with my hunting load using a 350 gr. Ranch Dog lead boolit or a Hornady 350 gr. Flat nose jacketed bullet. Powder is 43 gr. IMR-4198 for a velocity just over 1850 fps. This load is just under 29,000 PSI and safe in the Marlin 1895 action. I have taken 3 bison and 1 large feral hog with this load and all were 1 shot kills.