Marlin 1895 XLR in 45-70

laurent · Member Joined: Sep 07, 2006 Posts: 65 Location: Quebec

Looking to buy a 1895XLR in 45-70.I already have a Ruger #1 in the same caliber but like the lever action.
My question is the Marlin strong enough to handle the +40k pressure handloads that I use in my #1.

Thank you

slimjim · Posted: Sat Mar 05, 2011 8:19 pm Post subject: Re: Marlin 1895 XLR in 45-70

I've searched some and it does not look like it does. Hodgdon powders list three load levels for 45-70. I use "trap door" for my rolling block. The "modern" rifle is for Ruger #1. The "lever-action" is for the Marlin 1895. Per Hodgdon

"These data are intended for the 1895 lever action Marlin ONLY. Max pressure, 40,000 CUP. Do not use these data in any of the firearms listed in the Trapdoor section. Do not use pointed bullets in any rifle with a tubular magazine."

The Marlin's owners manual states "WARNING: Marlin firearms are designed and manufactured to handle standard factory-loaded ammunition which conforms to SAAMI (Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute Inc.) standards with dependability and safety. Due to the many bullet and load options available, the element of judgement involved, the skill required, and the fact that serious injuries have resulted from dangerous handloads, Marlin does not make any recommendations with regard to handloaded ammunition."

I think standard factory ammo is loaded to the lower pressure standard.

Pumpkinslinger · Posted: Sat Mar 05, 2011 9:15 pm Post subject: Re: Marlin 1895 XLR in 45-70

I've got a Marlin 1895 and I would NEVER try the loads for the Ruger #1 in it. Remember that even the original loads would shoot through buffalo. Recently I found that a 400 grain Speer over 50.0 grains of 3031 was very accurate in my rifle and is hotter than factory loads.

SingleShotLover · Posted: Sun Mar 06, 2011 10:24 am Post subject: Re: Marlin 1895 XLR in 45-70

Everyone's advice is sound. The design of each rifle limits or allows pressure thresholds. The #1's falling-block action allows higher pressures because of the solid block of steel firmly closing off the action like a bank vault. This is why the 45/70 can be loaded to within a hair of .458 Winchester standards in the Ruger. As excellent a rifle as as the Marlin is, it is limited by the mechanical linkage and lesser amount of steel supporting the chamber and action. In all honesty, the upper allowable limits of the Marlin far surpass the actual needs of the average hunter or shooter. Anything above that is both probably unnecessary and uncomfortable, to say the least!

As noted, IMR 3031 is a very good powder to start with. I have had the best luck with H322 for its high velocity and filling of the case (which also has the added benefit of supporting the bullet base), but rifles do have their own favorites. Only experimentation will find that right load.

laurent · Member Joined: Sep 07, 2006 Posts: 65 Location: Quebec

Thank you guys for your info.
I guess I will use my Hornady data for the 1895 and work up loads.

slimjim · Posted: Sun Mar 06, 2011 5:29 pm Post subject: Re: Marlin 1895 XLR in 45-70

Don't forget to check the Hodgdon data also. It's available on-line.

www.hodgdon.com/

laurent · Member Joined: Sep 07, 2006 Posts: 65 Location: Quebec

slimjim wrote:

Don't forget to check the Hodgdon data also. It's available on-line.

www.hodgdon.com/

Yes I did, and I also checked my Barnes data and they have some hot loads for the 1895 Marlin

Thanks

slimjim · Posted: Sun Mar 06, 2011 9:46 pm Post subject: Re: Marlin 1895 XLR in 45-70

Barnes banded all-copper bullets have lower internal friction/pressure which often allows them to be shot with a few grains more powder and a higher muzzle velocity. The Barnes bullets have worked will for me allong with Hornady's GMX.

SingleShotLover · Posted: Fri Mar 25, 2011 4:48 am Post subject: Re: Marlin 1895 XLR in 45-70

Laurent...see if you can find a copy of the August, 2007 issue of Handloader magazine (No. 248). Brian Pearce did an outstanding job of breaking down pressure limits and suggesting loads for the 45-70 in the Marlin '95 and other lever guns. Worth the effort to find.