45-70 powder options...

[Kissmybrass]

I really want to find 4198 or maybe Varget for my first reloads but are there any good 2nd or 3rd options? I'm trying to make a list so when I'm at the store I'm not scratching my head (like I was yesterday) I have 300g gas check and 300g Missouri Bullet Co. coated bullets. My online searches just got me more confused and wayyyyyy too many opinions. I'd rather hear it from the Herny Forum...

[BigAl52]

3031, reloader 7 and xmp5744. Had good luck with reloader 7 for hunting loads.

[Kissmybrass]

Hoping you would chime in Al Thanks!

[JEBar]

we use 4198 for full power loads using Nosler 300 gr Ballistic Silvertips .... for low recoil range loads, I'd suggest you take a look at light 45-70 TRAPDOOR loads and pick one from the powders listed

[Greyhawk]

I really want to find 4198 or maybe Varget for my first reloads but are there any good 2nd or 3rd options? I'm trying to make a list so when I'm at the store I'm not scratching my head (like I was yesterday) I have 300g gas check and 300g Missouri Bullet Co. coated bullets. My online searches just got me more confused and wayyyyyy too many opinions. I'd rather hear it from the Herny Forum...

I use H4895, IMR 4198, H4198 and 3031. Have you ever read the book '40 Years with the 45-70' by Paul Mathews? If not, it is a great read. I would encourage you to pick it up.
48 grains of 3031 is a pretty great load with 300 grain bullets.

[Kissmybrass]

Definitely gonna check that book out! TY Greyhawk

[Greyhawk]

Definitely gonna check that book out! TY Greyhawk

I think you'll enjoy the book.
I was just out at the range today shooting off of a sandbag. These are targets that I shot with my Marlin 1895 with 300 grain hollow points in front of 48 grains of 3031.
The first target was at 50 yards, the first two shots were in the upper left corner to see where my scope was at. The third shot was after my first scope adjustment. And the three shots with the ragged hole was after my scope was squared away. The second target was three shots at 100 yards. I think that the spread has more to do with my 53 year old wobble than the rifle or the load, still pretty good though. It is a good deer load and pleasant to shoot. I get similar results with 44 grains of H4198. Both loads shoot about the same out of my Henry too.

[Rifletom]

Greyhawk, that's some pretty shooting. Have you tried the 3031 load at 100 yards yet? It looks good.

[Greyhawk]

Greyhawk, that's some pretty shooting. Have you tried the 3031 load at 100 yards yet? It looks good.

Yep... The target in the second picture is the 100 yard target with 48 grains of 3031

[Steve51]

I can't be much help. I have only used H4198. It has done me well and haven't tried anything else. I did buy a pound of IMR4198 recently from Midsouth Shooters.
I just checked their website and they still have some in stock.

[Kissmybrass]

OK fingers are crossed for tomorrow morning. Wednesday morning the ammo and powder truck comes to my local Sportsmans Warehouse
I have my list! Thanks all -

[Kissmybrass]

Thanks for all the info.
I found powder!

IMR 4895

Game on woooooohoooooooo!

[Oldguy44]

I've been using IMR 4064 with outstanding results. I've used it on 405 Grn hard cast lead loaded fairly soft at around 1400 FPS as well as gas checked lead at 1560 FPS. Cranked it up a bit for 350 Grn JRN up to 1820 FPS. This is pretty stout though. Problem is finding it. I was also using it to reload .308 for my M1A and don't have but smidge left. Just by chance I found some IMR 4166 and bought that for my .308 loads. It's just a hair faster burning than 4064 but not as fast as 3031, 4895, or 4198 so I may try it in my 45-70 if I can find primers.

[Kissmybrass]

we use 4198 for full power loads using Nosler 300 gr Ballistic Silvertips .... for low recoil range loads, I'd suggest you take a look at light 45-70 TRAPDOOR loads and pick one from the powders listed

Just got back from the local shop in Renton WA and they had a ton of powder!
Got Varget and IMR 4198 which are the two I really wanted to try!!!!!
Gonna get crazy fun testing all the loads out

Bought 200 small pistol primers as well for when that time comes -

[JEBar]

congrats on finding supplies .... I haven't seen anywhere around where we are camped in east central South Dakota that has much (if anything) in stock

[BigAl52]

Did you find any 2400 for the pistol loading when that takes place

[Kissmybrass]

Did you find any 2400 for the pistol loading when that takes place

No 2400 but had others but I told him I'd hang on till 2400 was available.
Stoked about the 4198 though!
I have three different bullets loaded with 4895 to test tomorrow at the range.

[Kissmybrass]

congrats on finding supplies .... I haven't seen anywhere around where we are camped in east central South Dakota that has much (if anything) in stock

I was shocked to get any of that stuff! Was just meeting a friend for lunch and thought I'd stop in.