What level are you loading your 45-70 to?

[krod47nw]

I have been shooting factory ammo in my 45-70 handi.  I am about to start reloading for it. I plan to use h4198 and jacketed bullets from 300-400gr.  Most reloading data shows 3 levels for the 45-70.  Which level are you guys loading to, and where are you finding the best accuracy?   Also, to which level is factory ammo loaded?  It doesn't say anything on the box about certain rifles, so I am assuming they are loaded low.

Thanks,
Kevin

[GrampaMike]

I think the factory loads for 45-70 are loaded to the trapdoor model levels 18,000, unless the box is labeled differently.  I load mine to about 32,000 because I just use hard cast bullets and the limits are suppose to be BHN number times 1422 to give MAX pressure.  Example BHN 24 = 24*1422 = 34,128.  Example BHN 22*1422 = 31,284.

[ruppster]

I'm using Lever Action data (also looks safe for trapdoors) - IMR 4064 under 300 HPs just under 2000 fps. Plinking loads are Trapdoor - 350 cast over Trail Boss around 1150 fps. Both loads shoot well. I need to pick up some 4198 and try for around 2500 fps with the 300 HPs.
Silver box Winchester 300s are 1880 fps (muzzle), that looks like a trapdoor load.

[quickdtoo]

The SAAMI MAP for the 45-70 is 28kpsi which is max trapdoor level, I load all the way to the max Ruger data over 50kpsi with no problems, H4198 is one of my favorite 45-70 powders, 2400fps 300gr loads are easily achieved....but the accompanying brutal recoil is also, so beware! 

Tim

http://www.barnesbullets.com/images/45-70RugerNo1Web.pdf

http://www.leverguns.com/articles/saami_pressures.htm

[Swampman]

I say within Trapdoor limits.  I don't enjoy a sore face and loose teeth.

[cwlongshot]

I load mine to three levels, Lite lead plinking loads, heavy trap door levels and 2000fps with a 400gr Speer.

My handi gets the heavy trap door loads because its lite and really smacks you with the stiff loads. My Marlins and Browning SS get the 2000 FPS loads. My Hi-wall and handi also is a joy to shoot with the lite lead bullet loads!!

CW

[blackpowderbill]

Trapdoor level. A 344gr cast WW  at 1360fps. Accurate, pleasant to shoot and if I ever find a place and time to hunt againn it should be potent enough.

[Spanky]

Trapdoor level... deadly on paper



Spanky

[Badnews Bob]

I use trapdoor loads with a 405 grain hardcast mostly. It knocks the snot right outta white tails and I plink with some 300 grain hardcast for fun.

[44 Man]

405 gr cast bullets with 5744 at 1300 fps.  Love that load!  Then 405 gr rem soft nose with H4895 at 1600 fps for serious work.  I much prefer the cast bullet load.  I think either one of them would go endwise through most any grass eating animal in North America.  Probably the hard cast load would penetrate the most though.  44 Man.

[quickdtoo]

Ummm..... grizzlys eat grass too in the spring!! 

Tim

[tykempster]

I loaded some 300's up to 2500 fps and I wasn't even at max in my BC.  But then I reamed it to 45-120...

[quickdtoo]

The 32" BC barrel will push 300gr Hornadys over 2700fps with Ruger data, well beyond their intended terminal velocity range, I suspect the TSX-FB would work fine tho.

Tim

[tykempster]

But if you want a varmint or small deer load that simply pops them...Remington 300 grainers are your choice! 

[krod47nw]

Ummm..... grizzlys eat grass too in the spring!! 

Tim

  No Grizzlys here in Florida.  We have a few black bears, but they are so protected that they have more rights than people.

Kevin

[Smokin Joe]

That's OK. It works on gators and those damn snakes, too!   

[coues2506]

30 gr of H4198 and the Remington 405gr bulk bullet gives me minute of angle accuracy and all the recoil I need from my old handi rifle. Kills everything hit so far - hogs - deer - elk - cans----- that would be tin cans.

[Freightman]

Ummm..... grizzlys eat grass too in the spring!! 

Tim

  No Grizzlys here in Florida.  We have a few black bears, but they are so protected that they have more rights than people.

Kevin

No Grizzles in Texas but a few wondering black bears from NM, a man I met shot one in his pasture and made the mistake of telling someone. He was arrested fined and the last I heard it had cost him above $100,000 (yes that is right) to stay out of jail. He said he wished he had given the bear the choice of his best Angus's instead if shooting him.
My BC can be loaded to extreme "Pain" which doesn't hurt the gun.

[BBF]

 Just a little bit above max trapdoor level but do have some nasty loads with RL-7 pushing Hdy 350 gr RN or 400 gr Speer's.

 I do have some Lee 405 gr bullets but am hesitant to use them for hunting. The moplat seems small IMO.

[krod47nw]

SO I guess the human shoulder is the limiting factor, and not the handi rifle.  thanks for all of the input guys.  I guess I'll start with trapdoor loads.


Kevin

[maglvr44]

If you shoot hardcast, anything over 1300fps. is nothing more than wasted powder!
After 1300fps penetration is reduced with each increase in velocity. Yes, it's true! 

[snuffer#1]

I use 50 gr. of IMR4198 with a 300 gr. HP. Shoots a tad over 2000 fps. very accurate load!

[Swampman]

IMO Marlin level loads should not be exceeded.

[stimpylu32]

Mostly I stick to upper trapdoor loads these days , at one time I went through the whole wild end stuff that got me into the Ruger level ,    don't think I'll be doing that again anytime soon , after a few rounds you get to thinking " What the hell did I do that for "

That paper plate never did anything to me ! 

stimpy

[Manitobahunter]

  Just got my barrel from uncledub this weekend.  After a short fitting session I just had to shoot it.  Started with top trapdoor loads for 300 gr Sierra FNHP and some 405 gr Hardcast over IMR 4198.  Going to work up from there.  Never been too sensitive to recoil so will see where I have to stop.  But I think those 405's will get your attention.

  Cliff

[slimak707]

12 grains of trailboss with a 405 cast for a plinking round that's fun to shoot.

[xhare]

(Mostly I stick to upper trapdoor loads these days , at one time I went through the whole wild end stuff that got me into the Ruger level ,    don't think I'll be doing that again anytime soon , after a few rounds you get to thinking " What the hell did I do that for ")


stimpylu32, I Can't agree with you more.  Been there, done that.  I would add, that after you shoot those few rounds you look over at the other 47 rounds of the same load you have and think "Time to get out the inertia puller"

[Chas.]

I would add, that after you shoot those few rounds you look over at the other 47 rounds of the same load you have and think "Time to get out the inertia puller"

Now that's funny, but I have done the same thing.  "Why, oh why didn't I load just 5.  Why 50."

[Weatherman68]

When I purchased my Buffalo Classic I called Marlin and asked them which loads were appropriate for the rifle.  I was told that loading for lever actions was ok.  Loads designed for the single shot ruger were too hot and could damage the rifle and possibly the shooter.  Since I like to err on the side of caution I have stayed within those limits and have not had any problems. 

[krod47nw]

What kind of performance are you guys getting from jacketed bullets on deer at upper trap door loads?

Kevin