BC 45-120 powders

[knight0334]

What are you guys using for 45-120 loads?  I've been using IMR 4198 for awhile, but supply is low in the area.  Wondering what other options there.  I've heard of folks using H4895, but I have no experience with it.

I tend to use lighter weight slugs in the 255-350gr range, going for velocity within safe pressures.

[quickdtoo]

I've tried H4895 using Hodgdon's 500gr data, even their 60gr max is only about half a case full which is prone to hangfires if the powder isn't carefully positioned to the rear of the case, they specifically state not to use fillers, but if I were going to use it, I'd use Puflon which is made for this scenario, others have used dacron and toilet paper as fillers. 5744 works well even with AA's start loads, I suspect SR4759 would be a good one to try as it's not supposed to be position sensitive either. A case full of T7 works great, but isn't very cost effective at 95gr per load!! 

Tim

[Graybeard]

I'm kind of the opinion that it's a wee bit foolish to rechamber to the full length .45-120 unless you plan to use real black powder. The case capacity is really just way more than appropriate for smokeless powders. Besides recoil even if you could max it out in the handi would be such darn few would be willing to shoot it long.

The .45-70 really has plenty of case capacity for the handi rifle and if ya just really got to punch it out faster the .45-90 makes more sense. Still some of ya got them and now are stuck with trying to make them work. Ya really should use real black or at least a BP substitute rather than smokeless in them however. At least that's the view from here.

[Smokin Joe]

IMR TrailBoss

[GGaskill]

I have used 4759 but it is way less than a case full and must be positioned at the rear of the case or you will get a misfire.  You may be able to use .410 fiber wads or nitro cads as fillers.

[AtlLaw]

I've only used 5744 and 405 gr bullets so far, but I'm gonna give the 350's I have a try for my "Express" load     Can't remember for sure but I think the powder I decided on, based on other people's trials, was IMR 4320.

P.S.  Bill's right in his opinion of course,    but then he always been the practical type... you know, never dated an ugly girl just for the heck of it... that sort of thing.   

And I've had doubts about the utilitarian value of the 45-120 my own self.  I once decided that if I was to push the practical limits of the Handi for hunting use I would probably do a BC with the barrel cut to 24 - 26 inches and chambered in 45-100...   We don't need no stinkin Lott!      ...       Now darn it!    Y'all got me thinkin again!     Curse that level of Handi-holic-ism chart anyway!!!    I do NOT need 20 more Handi's!!!   

[GrampaMike]

If you realy want to use smokeless, then the loads I have are:

325gr cast   using IMR4198   45 lbs of recoil
405gr cast   using IMR3031   58 lbs of recoil
425gr cast   using IMR3031   60 lbs of recoil
450gr cast   using IMR3031   61 lbs of recoil
525gr cast   using IMR3031   63 lbs of recoil

My dad has the 45-120 Sharps (not a H&R/NEF) I brought back his load recipes and put them thru my software to see what the recoil computed to be.
His load info also gave between 80% to 90% Load Density.  Bottom line was it WAS NOT a pleasant shooting experience.

[LONGTOM]

When ever the time comes that I get my other BC opened up to 120 I intend to use a BP substitute behind a 300gr HP with the hopes of comming close or matching factory smokeless loads useing the same bullet.
Provided the gun likes this weight bullet.
Don't really need any more power just want the smoke and sound!


LONGTOM

[GrampaMike]

Curse that level of Handi-holic-ism chart anyway!!!    I do NOT need 20 more Handi's!!!   

Yes you do, we all do.


I think you are just in the denial phase of Handi-holic-ism.

[petemi]

I've got to agree with Bill, were I nuts enough to do a 120, I'd use Goex or Triple 7.  It seems being pushed might be nicer than slammed.

Pete

[tykempster]

HERE I AM!  I'm not much for practicality, but I absolutely do load the 45-120 to it's potential in the Handi action.  I use IMR 4320 and get 458 Lott speeds at much less pressure.  Unfortunately my loads are forbidden material on this forum, but you're welcome to PM me.

The recoil is no doubt stiff but I enjoy shooting it and have put several hundred rounds through my 45-120 since I reamer it out.  It pushes hard but doesn't hurt.

I disagree with only using black powder or substitutes in the big case...you're only handicapping yourself, and adding expense.  You could always load the 45-70 to that level.

[knight0334]

I have my 45-70 Handi and Buff for practicality.. lol   My 45-120 Buff is for mutant groundhogs, which 2800fps .458" rounds are sometimes needed.. ...to get them after they've gone down the hole. lol

Since we're out of dinosaurs from about 61million years ago, mammoths about 15000 years ago, and bison in Pennsylvania from the 1790's - these evil critters have become the menace of the farm fields. 

I do shoot some black powder from time to time in it for kicks, but smokeless provides the velocity needed to frag a thick jacketed slug on light bodied critters.