45/70 reload

wagonhammer

October 03, 2011 17:11

I found a load for my 45/70 using 15 grains of Unique behind a cast 340 grain bullet. Very accurate and mild to shoot. However, I have two friends who say I am courting disaster with that small amount of powder in the 45/70 case. Really? Then why is it in a reloading manual? Any advice would be appreciated.

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  MIKE WISKEY

  October 03, 2011 19:14

  you are ok with the fast burning unique, you just don't want to use a 'slow' powder for this.

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  jonk

  October 04, 2011 04:45

  To comment on Mike's response- you don't want a reduced load with a lot of air space in a big case with a slow powder. Fast powders are ok. Medium fast like 4198 are also ok but prefer a filler to get consistent ignition. Slower than 4895 make sure you have at least 75% load density.
  
  If it's a published book load for unique, then go with it. I personally shoot trail boss and 5744 out of mine for light loads, as they are a lot bulkier, but nothing wrong with unique.

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  Hawk Carse

  October 04, 2011 05:42

  The only problem I know of for sure is that while 15 grains of Unique is a serviceable load, 30 grains will fit with bad results.
  There is some theory about "pressure spikes" and "excursions" with fast powder like that but nothing proven.

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  reload999

  October 04, 2011 07:43

  I'm using 18 grains of Blue Dot with a 300 grain cast bullet in my Marlin lever action. Very mild, pleasant-shooting load and very accurate. Last time out I put 4 of 5 shots in one ragged hole at 100 yards with open sights.

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  bpost

  October 04, 2011 12:41

  Unique is your friend in reduced Lead loads. Your same charge is good for just about any 30-45 caliber rifle case with lead bullets.
  
  It turned out that 16.2 grains in my 30-06 was the recipe it liked for best accuracy.

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  WinMike

  October 05, 2011 09:56

  I agree with all of the above....I've also used your load in my 45-70.
  
  I did notice that accuracy improved if, as many firearms writers suggest, I raised the muzzle before each shot. That allows the powder to settle in the back of the case, i.e., adjacent to the primer.
  
  Obviously, it's not mandatory, but I understand it provides for consistent pressures, thus an improvement in accuracy.

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  tomon

  October 05, 2011 18:11

  21 grains of 2400 behind a 378 grain rngc bullet. X-ring at 100 yards.

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