250 grain SWC Speer bullets in the .45/70......

[alan in ga]

I've got UNIQUE, and SR 4759 powder, and the 'intent' to buy a can of TRAIL BOSS. Anyone loading PP'd 'super light' bullets in their .45/70 for the Contender pistol [14" barrel]?
Also, I read about a Contender in an old Handloader magazine. It showed a 'blown up' .45/70 Contender barrel and action, and supposedly it was a light load of Unique. The discussion included the 'question' of whether a double load was loaded or a 'secondary explosion' had occured. Anyone hear the end result?

[Nobade]

It should work fine. I'd place bets that the 4759 shoots better than the Unique. I've never seen any useful accuracy with paper patch bullets and really fast powders.  Make sure they're patched up big enough, and seated to snugly engage the rifling. As for the blowup, I doubt a safe charge of Unique could cause a SEE, but a double charge could certainly take one apart.

[Nobade]

Today I shot some Ranch Dog 255 gr. pistol bullets in my Marlin 1895CB to see how it works. Air cooled wheelweight metal, patched up to .459" with 9# onionskin. Load was 100% fill IMR 3031. Cases were not sized, just taper crimped to hold the bullet in.  It works great! Recoil was stout but not unbearable, and velocity was just under 2400 fps. Basically turns the 45-70 into a 444. It was grouping into 3 inches at 200M, so plenty accurate. If you want a flat shooting high velocity 45-70 load, this would fill the bill.