Fixin to start reloading for the 45-70. I'm not new to reloading but the 45-70 is a new caliber for me. Anyone have any pet loads for this? Any tips or suggestions specific to the 45-70. I'm casting using Lee 405 gr. mold and pan lubing. I have a little IMR 4198 I'm going to try. Any suggestions or tips greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Andy

Also, not really looking for plinking loads. I'm looking for something to blow big holes through big critters.

And the rifle is a Marlin 1895G.

Ok, I think that's everything.

Thanks, Andy

I haven't tried your combination of bullets and powder before, should be able to find somethign that works with them though.

I will caution that I have found more difference in case capacity between brass manufactures with the 45-70 than any other cartridge.

The thumper load I have been using is a Hornady 350gr hacketed bullet and 58tgr of Varget in Winchester cases. My 1895 with 22 inch barrel likes that load.

Hodgdon lists 3 pressure catagores for the 45-70 in the trapdoor section there are loads for the 405 casr boolits that are still impressive at over 1700 fps
http://hodgdon.com/basic-manual-inquiry.html

Just make sure that you don't use to many cast in the micro-groove barrels! They are kind of like Glocks when it comes to cast bullets, you can use them but you need to clean them more often when using cast bullets.

It has the Ballard rifling so cast should be fine.

My brother won't use anything but pure lead with paper patch is 45-70's. Super accuracy and devastation on impact.

Bump

Used Lee .457- 405 gr. mold. Dropped bullets at .458 and 409 gr. Decided on 39.5 gr of IMR 4198. Havent got a chance to chrono them yet, but they seem like they have some oomph to them. No signs of over pressure or leading and everything looks good. I think im going to stick with this load for a while. They seem very accurate as well. Gonna try and shoot for groups and FPS later.

put that load through Quickloads, it actually had your bullet in it. Be interesting to know how close to actual velocity that produces if you get around to measuring it.
1653 fps
28593 PSI

Thanks for that info. When I get it chrono-ed I'll be sure and let you know.

These loads are safe in my rifle and may not be in yours. Start with a 10% reduction and work up. I consider these loads MAX.
IMR 4198 is all I use in my Marlin 45-70. 300 grain Remington HP bullet make clover leafs at 100 yards and will drop a deer in it's tracks. I load this at 44 grains.
For larger game I use Hornady's 350 grain bullets and 42 grains of IMR 4198.
I also have a 47-70 Buffalo Classic rifle I load with 405 grain bullets and 41 grains of IMR 4198. Kicks harder than a mule.
Hope this helps.

I just purchased some Hornady 300 grain HP's. I've read they will retain more weight.