405 gr. 45-70 load for Contender

[determined451]

I recently purchased a 45-70 ,14" contender barrel...don't know why...just did...In the deal, I got about 185   405 gr. soft points...yep, I know most people want to stay 350 gr. or less...does anyone have a good , shootable load for this bullet...thanks, D-451

[chazgin]

Well I don't know if you have a brake or not. These loads are stout and straight from JD's load data that came with it when I bought the barrel from SSK. The best load I found for 405's was with RL-7 and IMR 4198. Here goes:

Moderate             fps            Maximum            fps

RL-7 = 43.0         1.428         46.0                 1,506

IMR4198 = 40.0   1,414         42.0                 1,532

Even the starting load WILL get your attention. Broke the factory pot metal grip screw and had to get a hardened screw from SSK.
For lighter loads try Springfield trapdoor level. Have fun !

[jhalcott]

3031 is another powder to try you will WANT to stay around 13/1400 fps with that heavy bullet as recoil goes up quick.
  imr 3031 34 to 38.5  =~1350 fps
  SR 4759 18 to 23 =  ~1207  (this powder requires a dacron filler)
  Unique 11 to 13.5=~1163 (another dacron load)
 There are several other powders that CAN work well for you. A good idea is to get a book on the 45-70 and cast bullets. These loads ARE FOR CAST BULLETS! Jacketed ones will increase pressures.
  I have had several 45-70 barrels and can tell you that the recoil is NOT fun. I do not consider them for plinking, but for hunting,they are hard to beat!. Those BIG slow bullets don't want to stop. Accuracy is fantastic,but range IS limited to about 150 yards. Once you get used to the trajectory, you MIGHT be able to add another 50 yards. That much practice with the recoil of the 45-70 will probably give you flinch OR tendon problems though!