Lee PrecisionSnyders JerkyReloading EverythingWideners
Titan ReloadingRepackboxMidSouth Shooters SupplyLoad Data
RotoMetals2 Inline Fabrication
Results 1 to 8 of 8

Thread: 45-70 Load Question

  1. #1
    Boolit Buddy
    Wots's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Location
    So long chicago Ill a noid, Hello Texas!
    Posts
    211

    45-70 Load Question


    Using a Marlin Model 1895GBL
    I am new to this cartridge.
    In Lyman’s 4th Edition there are several different categories for the 45-70 ie 1873 Springfield, 1886 Winchester and the 1895 Marlin.
    For example, using a 405 g boolet with IMR 4198;
    1873 Springfield: starting grains 31.5g thru 35g.
    1895 Marlin: starting grains 36.5g thru 40.5g.
    Is there any reason the 1873 load data would not work for this Marlin?
    Or would my powder charge range from 31.5 thru 40.5?
    Thanks!
    America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves. Abraham Lincoln

  2. #2
    Banned

    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    The Great Land
    Posts
    998
    31.5 to 40.5

    Just takes advantage of a stronger action is all.
    The 45-70 is a very forgiving cartridge.

  3. #3
    Boolit Buddy
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    In the hills south of the Kaw river, Kansas
    Posts
    167
    Wots

    I checked with the new Hodgdon load publication and it has the trap-door loads for a 405 cast alloy starting at 30.5 grains of IMR 4198 for a velocity of 1364 f/s which is about where the old "Government trap door" load originally was. You can stoke them up to 40+ grains but they become tiresome after several shots. You will enjoy the trap door load, millions of American Bison died from that round and it was specified to kill a horse at long distance (I think 500 yards).

    Jim
    ...Praise Him all creatures here below...

  4. #4
    Boolit Master
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Posts
    1,942
    Wots the Springfield Trapdoor is a much weaker action so pressure-wise you're fine. But the Springfield can chamber a much longer cartridge than your levergun so just don't choose any loads that are longer than the max length your rifle will feed. 2.55" is generally a good length.

    Chris.

  5. #5
    Boolit Master
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Posts
    1,942
    Wots, I should add one more thing. I shoot far more "Trapdoor" level loads out of my Marlins than any of the stronger loads. The are a lot more friendly to the shoulder

    Chris.

  6. #6
    Boolit Master at Heaven's Range GARCIA's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Location
    Newnan,GA
    Posts
    498
    Quote Originally Posted by Gunlaker View Post
    Wots, I should add one more thing. I shoot far more "Trapdoor" level loads out of my Marlins than any of the stronger loads. The are a lot more friendly to the shoulder

    Chris.
    +1 on what Gunlaker stated!!!!!
    I load for three 45-70's all in modern lever actions and find the Trapdoor loads more than good for my needs. And yes you can load it from mild to wild. With that said I am happy with the mild to middle of the road loads. I like using VARGET in mine.

    Tom

  7. #7
    Boolit Grand Master
    rintinglen's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2007
    Location
    Orange, VA NOW
    Posts
    6,531
    I love the 45/70 for exactly the reasons afore mentioned. I can load 15 grains of unique for a 45 LC load thats fun to plink with and that I can shoot all after noon, or loadIMR 4198 or 3031 up to the point where I am shaking my fillings out. As long as you stick with flat-nosed boolits loaded to a COAL that'll feed, you'll be just fine. It is a great cast boolit launcher. And, should marauding buffalo start munching up the hygrangeas, you'll be ready for 'em.
    _________________________________________________It's not that I can't spell: it is that I can't type.

  8. #8
    Boolit Master
    Join Date
    Feb 2012
    Location
    Saratoga N.Y.
    Posts
    519
    Great chioce in cal. I love my 45-70 s All load will work in your lever except Ruger #1 data ! My favorite are the old 2400 loads with a tuft of dacron.

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  
Abbreviations used in Reloading

BP Bronze Point IMR Improved Military Rifle PTD Pointed
BR Bench Rest M Magnum RN Round Nose
BT Boat Tail PL Power-Lokt SP Soft Point
C Compressed Charge PR Primer SPCL Soft Point "Core-Lokt"
HP Hollow Point PSPCL Pointed Soft Point "Core Lokt" C.O.L. Cartridge Overall Length
PSP Pointed Soft Point Spz Spitzer Point SBT Spitzer Boat Tail
LRN Lead Round Nose LWC Lead Wad Cutter LSWC Lead Semi Wad Cutter
GC Gas Check