45/70 loads

[petebum]

Just pickedup a 45/70 Buffalo Classic and looking for some light loads using a 405 gr. lead bullet.  I have W-231, HS-6, AA #2, and AA#5 on hand, will any of these work?

Thanks, petebum

[Swampman]

All are too hot IMO.

[Davemuzz]

Varget, RL-7, IMR-3031 will all give accurate loads for the 405 grain lead thumpers.

Here are some loads from Real Guns: http://www.realguns.com/loads/4570cast.htm

Then you should go to the Hodgdon reloading page and see what they have listed. http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp


I hope this helps.

[Smokin Joe]

petebum,

Try the data here:

http://www.gmdr.com/lever/lowveldata.htm

There are some loads that should suit your need.

[Whopper]

I like using Hodgdon's H4198 for most of my loads.  I've also used Varget, but it leaves a lot of unburned powder in my 22" barrel.  It may not leave as much powder in yours as your barrel is 10" longer.  Should give it enough time to burn through completly.  Others have reported that Reloader-7 works really well in the BC and is cleaner than Varget.  Of corse you could always just turn to the dark side and use black powder.   

[Chas.]

I have used Unique to push a 300gr plinker.  It's burn rate is about the same as AA5.  But to push a 405gr. you need something a bit slower.  2400 is about as fast as I've used for 405gr.  H4198 or H4895 is better.

Here's a burn rate comparison by Ramshot of different powders. http://www.ramshot.com/powders/

[kevinsmith5]

Have had good luck in that weight range with Varget, H4198, and H4895.  My personally choice is Varget with a 410 gr gas checked bullet. Not too bad a recoil even when you load it hot.  Course that is with 19 ounces of lead in the stock and a lace on recoil pad....

[SlimPigguns]

Trail Boss is ok for light 45/70 loads. Economical to, as you only use 12-14 gns. Pete

[tykempster]

I've used Unique for round balls, 300, 405, 500 grain bullets.  Works well for slow ones.

[EsoxLucius]

petebum,

Try the data here:

http://www.gmdr.com/lever/lowveldata.htm

There are some loads that should suit your need.

http://www.gmdr.com/lever/4570g405_dat.htm

+1  Loads for three of the powders you listed.

[ECV Slick]

I like 40gr of RL-7 under a cast 405gr OT slug.  That said - I don't have a .45-70 handi - but rather an 1886 Winny.  It's still a nice middle-range load.