Does anyone use a 340 gr bullet in their 45/70?

[Jagguy]

Digging around in my box of extra reloading gear I discovered a Lee 340 gr bullet mold I forgot I had. My reloading books don't have much for the 340 gr slug so I was wondering if anyone here have used it and what loads worked in the Handi.
I use 4064, 4198, and 2400 and am looking for an easy on the shoulder load.
Thanks for any help.
-greg

[quickdtoo]

The Lee 2nd lists the 340gr cast bullet data, but I'd just use 350gr jacketed data which there is a ton of available. One of the popular loads for the 350gr Hornady RN is 28gr of 2400, it shoots excellent in mine and just about everyone's Handi that's tried it. 

Tim

[Jagguy]

Thats super, I like using 2400. Thanks
-greg

[quickdtoo]

Here's a site with low velocity data. http://www.gmdr.com/lever/lowveldata.htm

And a target I shot with the 28gr 2400 and 350gr Hornady RN, I made a sight correction after #2 which was too much, adjusted again before #4, this was done at 100yds using a WGRS and Firesight.

Tim

[Jagguy]

Very good site for lite loads, thanks. I have been looking for plinker loads for my 30-30 also.
-greg

[peternap]

You can also use 10-15 grains of Trail Boss. It's a clean, pleasant and accurate powder.

[BrianB]

I've been playing with the 340.  Like has been said already, just use data for the 350 grain bullets.  I shot it recently and went with 41 grains of Reloder-7.  Any heavier charge than that and the recoil was not fun anymore.  Maybe I'm just getting older, but I have no interest in shooting the extremely heavy powder charges in a 45-70 like I used to shoot in my High Wall.  A mild 45-70 load in a Handi kills deer just as dead and just as fast.  Accuracy is quite good, little over 1 inch at 80 yards off a questionable rest.

[Jagguy]

  I know what you mean about recoil. 30 years ago I thought nothing about hot loads in my Marlin 45/70. I had a few left that I capped off in my H&R and wow, thats why I'm asking about the 340 gr bullet!
  I have been wanting to get some Trail Boss to play with.
Thanks! -greg

[maglvr44]

I use a 340 hardcast, plain base over 18 grains of Unique, more than enough power for anything in the 50 states.

[linwin3000]

  I have used the Lyman 330 Gr. H.P. Normal shooting I used IMR 4198 at 31 gr for about 1400 fps with outstanding uniformity and accuracy! When needing more oomph I shot same bullet at about 1560 fps in front of 35 grains with even better accuracy. Both loads were easy shooters and easy recoil. The 35 grain load would be good for elk and the lighter one better for everyday shooting or for deer. Both will shoot clean through either a deer or elk.The 35 grain load shot a 5 shot group at 100 yards that measured 1" outside to outside!
  Have fun.

 

[Lefty Dude]

We use a Laser-cast 350 gr. & H4350 powder. You will not find this powder & load any where. It is very accurate we use it out to 300 yards. My Brother got the load from Mike Ventrino.

Your mold may drop the raw bullet close to 350 gr.

[Cottonwood]

No never used them, but still got some Bison Busters left from my days using the ol 45-70 BC that I had.

[Catshooter45]

I would try the 2400 for lighter loads.  It is a good powder for reduced load, not position sensitive.

I'm working up an easy load for my 365 grain cast bullets with Universal Clays.  Fourteen grains has given me 1240 fps, I'm going to try 15 tomorrow.  Shoots very nicely.


Cat

[Three Bears]

I shoot it in my Optima Elite 45-70.  hard cast 41gr, IMR 4895.  Gave my friend some rounds -he has exact same rifle, his is very accurate and he killed a doe last week at 85yds.  Jumped once and piled up.... Good luck