45/70 light loads

[Squatch]

Ok a couple of days ago Hack and myself went to the range to test some of my Handloads. As usual the load data came from this site. http://www.gmdr.com/lever/lowveldata.htm Use any info at your own risk. So far I'm still playing with Unique powder. These are a grain or 2 hotter than my initial tests of 10 grs. This is a very low volume powder so great care needs to be taken to not double or triple load a case.

I had already shot about 50 rounds of 44 mag in the BB over the chrono before I got to the 45/70. So I was getting a little tired. Not an excuse just stating that. The sun was also in and out of the clouds which affected my point of aim. 1st target was 2 groups of 5. 1st 4 in the center were shot under cloud cover. Last 6 the sun came out bright on the target and the difference shows. I was little surprised myself at the POI change.

Henry 45/70 brass, Skinner rear sight with .040 aperture and Lyman MJT 20 front globe sight.

All cases neck sized to .459".

10 rounds
300 gr Missouri Bullet Co. Coated FP. .459"
12 grs of Unique. WLR primer.
My rounds averaged 1,163 fps.
Pretty much 1 3" group and 1 at 2.5" @ 50 yds.


5 rounds
405 gr Missouri Bullet Co. Coated FP. .459"
11 grs of Unique. WLR primer.
My rounds averaged 1,023 fps
2.75" group. I think this bullet might shoot tighter at a higher speed with a different powder.


5 rounds
350 gr Berry's plated FP .458"
11 grs of Unique. WLR primer.
My rounds averaged 921 fps
3.25" group @ 50 yds. I'm thinking these might do better neck sized to .458


All rounds were very pleasant to shoot recoil wise. No fouling in the barrel.

[JEBar]

interesting .... based on what you know at this point, where do you plan to go from here ?

[Squatch]

interesting .... based on what you know at this point, where do you plan to go from here ?

Shootin'!



For just range shooting I'm fine with these. If you actually look at the load data I'm using my loads closely mimic theirs. Conventional load data actually uses a higher load with this powder. BUT as mentioned mine mimics the data I'm using including group size mostly. There is a point of increase where the groups blow up. I think I can take the 405's one more grain before that happens. These loads are meant to be economical, light, and fun to shoot. If I currently had the access to a place to shoot steel targets like I had a while back these could keep me happy. Easy on the shoulder and 4" or 6" steel wouldn't have a chance at 50 yds.

I also have 2 other powders I haven't used yet to load similar power levels. So those need to be tried. I also have some 5744 for some slightly hotter loads. Highly recommended in the Lyman cast book. I will try a few of those just to see if I can tighten up my groups some. But I have no need for dangerous game loads. Or the punishment they can put on my shoulder. Any of these 3 should work well for deer hunting. Even these light loads hit the target hard!

I do have some jacketed bullets as well to try. I'll build a few with some ooomph to them. For special occasions when I just want to hear the BIG Boom!

I think group size is more me than the loads. If you look close a lot of holes are touching. The ones that aren't I think are the shooter mostly.

The brown truck stopped by a while ago with a 4th of July present from Starline! I've got plenty more of these rounds still in the boxes and lot's of ideas for other stuff.

[Steve51]

I like the 405 grain bullet from MBC but mine are not coated (I will order coated next time). I am no reloading expert by any means. I use 30.0 grains of H4198 with this bullet. It is not a hot load and I don't have a crony to know the fps of this load. I have Unique powder on hand but figured it was a faster powder than I should use. My Lyman #49 does not list Unique with this bullet weight but it does not list H4198 either (it does list IMR4198).

I do enjoy reading your range reports. You put a lot of time and effort into it.

[Squatch]

All of my loading has been done out of that data posted above. It's all about flying slow. The related article that's linked on the main page about powders is a very interesting read. I try to back up most of what I load with some homework on the web and the Cast Boolits forum before loading. The main page of the link I posted explains why you won't find the data in most reloading manuals.

[Hack]

Squatch let me try his handloads and I have 2 comments:

1. It is amazing how light the loads felt! Subjectively, I thought the recoil was less than that of a .44 special out of my Big Boy.

2. It was nice to see his efforts rewarded in arriving at 3 different bullet/powder combinations that yielded similar accuracy; no sight adjustments were needed between loads.