Two Range Outings with the .45-70

[Steve51]

I normally shoot MBC (Missouri Bullet Company) 405 grain coated cast bullets in my .45-70 over 30.0 grains of H4198. Rifle is sighted in at 50yds. with iron sights (Skinner barrel mount rear sight with 1/16" gold bead front sight - 6 o'clock hold).

I recently bought some Hornady 350 grain jacketed interlock flat nose bullets. My desire was to find a load that would have same POI at 50yds. as my current load using the 405 grain MBC I started out using 32.0 grains of H4198 but the POI was a little lower than I wanted. It was a nice day for January but very windy.

45-70_2018_01_22.JPG (805.71 KiB) Viewed 1446 times

For the next outing, I used 31.0 grains of H4198 with the 350 grain JFN bullet. POI still seems to be a slightly lower. Just thought there might be a time when I might want a bullet that expands. I have recovered several of the 405 gr hard cast bullets and they retain their shape almost without distortion. Not a windy day but temps at 28F.

45-70_2018_01_24.JPG (766.36 KiB) Viewed 1446 times

[Henry88]

Seems strange to me that a lighter bullet with more powder would hit low?

Is it the flat nose that causes that ?

[DAVIDF]

Henry88,

It is caused by muzzle rise. The 405gr is probably moving slower, so before the 405gr bullet exits the barrel, the muzzle is a fraction higher. Now at longer distance, velocity and ballistic coefficient will have more effect, then POI could be reversed.

Steve,

Looks like you are getting close. Moving the 405gr charge (if it is not at max) up .5gr or the 350gr charge down another .5gr or 1gr then you might be there. Have you got a chronograph? That could help with getting them closer.

[Steve51]

I do not own a chronograph. I remember reading some articles about lighter bullets striking lower but did not remember why. That may have been when I was trying to get bullets to hit POI on handguns with fixed sights.

I tried using information on velocities from loading manuals to estimate the load. My calculations were around 30.5 grains but I also knew that lead bullets seem to have higher velocities that jacketed bullets with equal powder charges. Reloading is a constant learning experience for me. That is not all bad, though.

[North Country Gal]

Good work, Steve. I'd say you're on the right track. How do you like that Skinner barrel peep?

[RanchRoper]

Nicely done.....I hear ya on the wind. It has its' way with me on a regular basis.

[BigAl52]

Steve
if you can get some RE7 I think you will like what you load with it. It has worked well for me. Al

[Steve51]

Good work, Steve. I'd say you're on the right track. How do you like that Skinner barrel peep?

I like the Skinner barrel mount rear sights. I have them on 3 Henry rifles and plan to get two more (for the golden boy and the .22 magnum). I think the receiver mounts would be even better but they cost twice as much.

My Henry .45-70 had the XS Ghost Ring Receiver Sight when I bought it. I really liked that rear sight. It went by the wayside when Henry upgraded my rifle due to the loading tube issue. I could kick myself for not removing the rear sight before I sent the rifle in for upgrade.