I've been trying to develop some accurate low velocity 45/70 loads for shooting at targets at 100m.

The idea is to have it very comfortable for the missus to shoot at the range, then I would swap with a whooper (nah - just kidding - well just a little heavier ) load in the bush when we are going for pigs.

I reckon having nice mild target load would built her confidence with the big cartridges, also, with the adrenalin injection when target is in sight, she would not (hopefully) notice the difference. I could figure out the sight adjustments required for the different load later on.

Gelan

The following is a low recoil load in my 45-70 Siamese Mausers it shoots about 3/4 in one rifle ans about 1/2 inch in the other:

300 gr Remington HP over 59 gr AA 2015 BR for 2,262 fps

While the load produces a push recoil that is very plesant in the Mausers, this load might be a bit stout in your H&R gun depending on the weight of your gun's setup. If the load is too stout, you might check the reloading data base and go with a trapdoor load as a starter. But I would stick with the lightest bullets.

Do not try to use the 500 gr bullet in any load for the wife. Almost any 500 gr load is going to be rough for her.

Good luck.
Ed

Take a look at Accurate 5744. Using recomended loads for <18,000 PSI with a 400 grain cast bullet from Valliant Bullets I've gotten 1.5" groups at 100 yards in two Marlins and the recoil wasn't too bad. It duplicates the factory level loads and I've taken a deer with it. I'd suggest trying 300 grain bullets to reduce recoil even more but can't say I've tried that yet.

Thanks for the suggestions. I will try them.

Now, another question.

I made many subsonic loads for my 300 Whisper before, they use low amount of PISTOL powder on rifle cartridges and they are great to shoot, but these load/cartridges are designed to shoot with that type of load.

I heard that using low amount (9 grains) of RED DOT powder (which should be pistol powder) on 400gn bullets would give something that feels like a 22 magnum shot. The trouble is, there are a helluva empty spaces in the 45/70 cartridge left over after the 9 grains and I am worried of the secondary detonation.

Should I try to push the bullet right into the cartridge to reduce the empty spaces? How far in?

Gelan.

I'm not sure how mild a load you're looking for. If the low pressure loads using 300 grain bullets are too much maybe you should pick a smaller cartridge. I've heard of folks using charges of pistol powders in the .45-70 but I've never tried it so I can't help there.

Nope, do not seat the bullet deeper. 5744 or similar powders will just about fill the case as is there intended purpose. You can also use various materials for an over powder wad if the charge is light, like the Red Dot load listed. I use a thrown powdered shot shell filler, some use dacron pillow stuffing and others use a small wad of toilet paper. The idea is to put something over the powder to keep it in place on the primer to prevent a hangfire or an explosive detonation.

3031 should give you an accurate load with the 300 at 38 gr and about 1440 fps. This load comes from the Lyman 45th edition. That load should be like a pop gun in your rifle.
Ed

SwampFox wrote:

3031 should give you an accurate load with the 300 at 38 gr and about 1440 fps. This load comes from the Lyman 45th edition. That load should be like a pop gun in your rifle. Ed

YES!! Thats the type of load I was looking for.

Been trying to get the missus to shoot the 45/70 for a while now, I have no problem using full load but she is a bit scared, so, I would have to sort of built up her confidence. And the best way is to make up really really mild load for her to start with.

Here is another you might like to think on. From the Aug 07 issue of HANDLOADER for a 1895 Marlin.

300gr Hornady JHP with N120 at 32gr with 1358 FPS, loaded to an overall length of 2.538" Does not exceed 21K on pressure, according to the article.

USE this at your own risk of course, Just a blanket disclaimer, I know that most of us know it is our own problem if we get stupid.

Edit: found one more slightly slower. Same bullet and length but with 36gr of N130 @ 1321 FPS.

Thanks Arron..
Those loads sounds ok, may give it a try..

Maybe I should fork out some $$ to get one of those internal ballistic software just to find out the estimated pressure. trouble is, those software do not calculate for light loads they are designed more for higher velocity in mind

Take a look at the data here:
www.gmdr.com/lever/lowveldata.htm

WOO HOO>.. another GREAT!!!! site for my kind of shotting :) :D


T H A N K S ! ! !

gelandangan wrote:

WOO HOO>.. another GREAT!!!! site for my kind of shotting :) :D T H A N K S ! ! !

Hi

I have a Browning 1885 Hi-Wall in 45-70 and I use the folowing reload .
A lyman cast bullet # 457191 approx. 300 grs. weight loaded with 22 grs.
of Bluedot powder , this is my favorite load , and it is super accurate .
I use it at 200 yrds and it will shoot within an inch.

Happy shooting

Welcome to the worst kept secret on the net mate. Grab a beer, pull up a stump, sit a while and feel free to join in at any time mate.

Oh yeah, and watch that Gelan guy.....he'll have you out hunting and led astray in a flash mate.


Cheers, Vince

Vince wrote:

Oh yeah, and watch that Gelan guy.....he'll have you out hunting and led astray in a flash mate.

Oi!! this is yer fellow Aussie yer talking about mate!! Strewth!!

Then again, it takes one to know one ain't it Vince

gelandangan wrote:

Then again, it takes one to know one ain't it Vince

Yep....I'm as bad as they come in that respect mate.... But then again us aussies have to stick together, so maybe we both should lead him astray...whadaya reckon mate.

Cheers, Vince