I'm a experienced reloader considering coming to the dark side with my 45-70. No experience with BP. Data lists FFg, sometimes 1.5F. Fg is available to me. Should I try that or wait it out and get the finer granulation.? The bullet used is the 535 Postel. Hoping to shoot distances to 800 yards.
Fg will work. 1.5 or 2 will give a bit more velocity.
With the supply situation in it's current state, it's going to be a matter of getting ahold of what you can, and go to work on loads, let the target tell the story.
Long range rules, the rest drool.
Hell yes, it works great. I have some 1F OE and it works well in a CPA with 535,540 grain bullets. Am planning on shooting to 700 yards in the Ozarks in a couple of months.
I use 1.1/2. and rely like it. it is great for a cartridge,
Fg to Fffg, run whatcha brung. Compared to smokeless, BP is very forgiving.
Hiwall, headin' to Summersville?
"In general, the art of government is to take as much money as possible from one class of citizens and give it to another class of citizens" Voltaire'
The common virtue of capitalism is the sharing of equal opportunity. The common vice of socialism is the equal sharing of misery
NRA Benefactor 2008
Start at no compression no air space with the 1 F powder and work up from there adding compression to the load. Bet you find a good one quick
Just curious what rifle are you going to be loading for ?
We have 3 Ballards which are weak actions compared to a 1885 repro jap that will easily withstand 95 grains of 4F.
But F is just about as reloader proof of a powder ever made.
"Come unto Me, all you who labor and are heavy burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28
Male Guanaco out in dry lakebed at 10,800 feet south of Arequipa.
I too am traversing to the dark side with 45/70. Any advice welcomed. Jim Miller
Swiss 1.5F is scary accurate in my 1886 Winchester 45-70 with 405gr bullets.
Out to what distance? How much powder?
Go for it! It’s a lot of fun. I like using a grease cookie, but it’s hard to get 70 grains to fit in, unless you have a long chamber that will accept boolits seated way out.Originally Posted by Jim Miller
It looks like I am about to learn another language. Grease cookie?
Made out of something like beeswax and lard or Crisco.
Doesn't taste anywhere near as good as a chocolate chip cookie.
Grease cookie with a grease groove bullet is WAY over doing it. I worked a load up for a 45/70, RP brass,Federal primers,64 grains of Old Ensford 1F.,030 Walter's wad and a 540 grain bullet. Shoots real well in a CPA .
I've used 1.5 Swiss and oe in 1.5 and have good success in 40-65 to 45-90 all greaser bullets.
Never used a cookie
Yeah, grease cookies are only for paper patched hunting loads that don't otherwise have any lube. OK, military ammo used to have them as well. Same deal, got to shoot a lot without time to wipe the bore.
Currently casting with Lyman #2. Is there a better alloy for BP?
Lyman no 2 is plenty hard ---softer might work better (or not) - try some and see?
my current mix is about equivalent to no 2 cut 50/50 with pure lead - according to the pencil test is about 12BHN
Yes. Something with no antimony in it. Lead/tin mixes are better from an accuracy and non leading standpoint. 20:1 is kind of a standard, but everything from 16:1 to 40:1 is commonly used depending on the application.
Thanks, I have some 20:1. I will give it a try.
Posting Permissions
| BP | Bronze Point | IMR | Improved Military Rifle | PTD | Pointed |
| BR | Bench Rest | M | Magnum | RN | Round Nose |
| BT | Boat Tail | PL | Power-Lokt | SP | Soft Point |
| C | Compressed Charge | PR | Primer | SPCL | Soft Point "Core-Lokt" |
| HP | Hollow Point | PSPCL | Pointed Soft Point "Core Lokt" | C.O.L. | Cartridge Overall Length |
| PSP | Pointed Soft Point | Spz | Spitzer Point | SBT | Spitzer Boat Tail |
| LRN | Lead Round Nose | LWC | Lead Wad Cutter | LSWC | Lead Semi Wad Cutter |
| GC | Gas Check |
Reply With Quote