reloading for 45-70

[JEBar]

Even a 300 gr bullet is a lot of lead to use on paper but it is less than the 405s...

agree .... I'm sure that there have to be bullets under 300 grains that can be used in a 45-70 but not from the suppliers I use .... I admire folks who are able to make their own lead bullets

[Warrendavinci]

Is everyone using standard length brass, or shortened brass, like in the hornady ftx ammo?

[JEBar]

the only case in which I'd use Hornady LeverRevolution brass would be if I was going to load their bullets .... having tried them, I will not be using their bullets so I use Starline 45-70 Gov't Brass https://www.starlinebrass.com/brass-cas ... ovt-Brass/ .... I will also reload regulation length fired brass

[BigAl52]

You just cant look at the cost with 45-70 its the fun factor that just gets over looked.

[JEBar]

a while back I did find Barnes Buster Bullets 45-70 Government (458 Diameter) 400 Gr Flat Nose Flat Base bullets .... http://www.midwayusa.com/product/550668 ... -box-of-50.... they are produced on a limited basis and according to one of their company reps, they are due to produce a run of them within the next few weeks ....

earlier today I was notified by Barns that they started shipping their Barnes Buster Flat Nose Flat Base Bullets 45-70 Government .458" 400Gr bullets on May 18th .... I just checked, Midway and several other sellers still do not have them in stock .... the best source (price, no sales tax, and shipping) I've found is Bullets and Brass --- http://www.bullets-brass.com/proddetail.asp?prod=72472 --- just ordered 2 boxes .... we are currently traveling and will not see them until we get back home at the end of next month .... looking forward to getting back home and working up a load for them

[JEBar]

additional note :

per Barnes they say with a 24" barrel X-Terminator powder gives the most accurate loads .... minimum charge 49.5 grains yields 1847 fps .... a maximum charge of 53.5 grains yields 1968 fps (that's a 98% charge) .... per Barnes :

"The bullet features a thick copper jacket and a heavy lead core, resulting in deep penetration and maximum weight retention.

This premium hunting bullet combines bone-crushing power with pass-through penetration. Unlike conventional expanding bullets, the Barnes Busters track straight without deflection. These tough bullets are specifically designed to deliver maximum penetration, even in large and dangerous game.

These cannelured, heavy-for-caliber bullets drive deep through dense muscle and bone. Bullets remain intact jackets won’t separate from the core. Great for hunting hogs and tough, heavy game; it’s the ideal bullet for those who carry handguns for protection against bears in Alaska and other wilderness areas. "

in thinking about it, a 400 gr heavily jacketed bullet with a heavy lead core traveling around 2,000 fps ought to really hit hard .... eventually I'd like to run some penetration test comparing these Barnes bullets with good 405 gr lead bullets

[BobGinVA]

Gentlepersons: Speer and Remington make good 400-405 grain .457 dia. bullets. Both shoot nicely out of a 45-70. Now, having said that, you won't 2000fps out of lever gun with 400 gr. jacketed bullets...About the best you will find will be around 1800fps..even then, they are no fun to shoot, they truely kill at both ends...If you are looking for a well put together bullet that you can hunt ANYTHING with, find some Hornady 350gr jacketed round nose bullets. These bullets were meant for 458 Win Mags..but shoot beautifully in the 45-70. As far as powder is concerned, you can't be IMR 3031. It doesn't meter the best but the burn rate is ideal for the caliber. As this is the first post I've made, you're probably saying..."Who the heck is he?"..Just someone that has two No. Rugers in 45-70, two 1874 Sharps rifles in 45-70, two Marlin 1895s (45-70s), one with 22" bbl, the other is a Cowboy with a 26". I've been shootin this cal. for almost 30 years (maybe more, I don't really remember). Regards, Shrps74

[BobGinVA]

5th line down, 2nd word should be "beat" vice "be". 6th line down, should read "two No. 1 Rugers..." sorry for the poor typing.. Shrps74

[CT_Shooter]

...Who the heck is he?"..Just someone that has two No. Rugers in 45-70, two 1874 Sharps rifles in 45-70, two Marlin 1895s (45-70s), one with 22" bbl, the other is a Cowboy with a 26". I've been shootin this cal. for almost 30 years (maybe more, I don't really remember). Regards, Shrps74

Thanks for the background info, Bob. Your experience with this caliber is clearly very valuable. You are going to like this forum. It's a place where we can all share some of what we know and learn a little bit more than we knew before; and when it goes both ways, that's when it works best. Thanks for the comments.

[Warrendavinci]

Am getting ready to reload 45-70 for my HO1O using full length hornady brass, large rifle primers, sierra 300 gr hp fp and IMR 4198. My problem is the charge load is not consistent between reference books/online data. I'm target shooting and am looking for some actual powder numbers for mid range load. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks