45-70 reduced loads

eleyxring · Rookie Member Joined: Jul 20, 2017 Posts: 2

As I have grown older I have come to realize that

"it doesn't tale a magnum to kill a piece of paper"

I have a CVA 45-70 single shot rifle with the stock filled with a quantity
of lead weights. I enjoy the ease of reloading and use GC lead bullets
from Montana Bullet Works. Most bullets used are less than the standard 405 gr. Starline makes good brass and it is available from
them or Grafs.

With that said I can find all of the information I want on how to load
it up to .458 magnum levels (not really) to hunt an elephant (again not really).

I enjoy shooting the rifle with most distances under or at 100 yards.

What powders and loads do you use keeping velocities in the 1200 fps or less range. Any and all powder choices and charges will be considered. I have found some using fast powders, Unique and Bullseye. 60% Max of 4895 is under consideration.

NOW I am not interested in what you THINK. I am interested in what you are DOING.

I am looking for a fellow who enjoys shooting reduced loads.

I shoot reduced loads in an 8 x 57, .308 and 30-06 using the same GC lead bullets.

For thosel of you that spent time reading this post THANK YOU. I know I am shouting. That is just to let you know I appreciate it.

eleyxring

Aloysius · Posted: Thu Jul 20, 2017 1:51 pm Post subject: Re: 45-70 reduced loads

Eleyxring, welcome to the place where many nuts from all over the world gather Smile

And for info on reduced loads I always recommend to have a peep on the site of H&N. They produce copperplated bullets which can be compared with lead bullets.
I recently got my hands on a Marlin lever action in 45-70 and I'm still develloping loads for it. I already have a decent load using Vihtavuori's N120 behind a 410 grs not-that-hard FN coming from a Lyman mould without GC. Pumpkinslinger's load got me inspired for this.
I did some first tests on very reduced loads using a lead as cast .45 SWC from the Lee mould which looked very promishing. I used N110 but I think a faster powder would do better.
I'm not using GC's and I coat the (unsized) bullets with Lee's Alox.
At this moment I don't have the Lee Factory crimp in 45-70, but I know that 's on my list for real soon.
When you want you find more on my thread on this old but so nice caliber.

And I'm also using some reduced loads in many calibers from .222 Rem till .375 H&H. I'm very interested in these "pussy-loads", so I think we'll meet again.

PaulS · Posted: Thu Jul 20, 2017 2:04 pm Post subject: Re: 45-70 reduced loads

eleyxring,
I have loaded the 45-70 using 325 grain cast bullets with 35.1 grains of H4895 for a very light load. You can also use 25 grains of IMR 4227 with the same bullet.

My old Hodgdon manual shows a 385 grain bullet with 34 grains of H4198 and a 482 grain with 31 grains of H4198. Both of these are gas checked bullets.
I have never used the 405 grain bullet but 31 grains of H4895 would be a decent starting load.

Good luck!

Vince · Posted: Thu Jul 20, 2017 3:43 pm Post subject: Re: 45-70 reduced loads

I can't help you with reduced loads for this wonderful old calibre mate, but what I can do is welcome you to the best kept secret on the net...Hunting Nut, where we are all considered Nuts, but friendly lovable nuts where everyone is happy to share their knowledge and experience.

Grab a beer, pull up a stump to the fire and feel free to jump in with your experience mate...it's how we learn. Oh yeah, and watch out for Suz if she has a switch in her hand. We head for the ladder when that happens. Hiding

It's surprising how many of us can fit on it. Laughing

Elvis · Posted: Thu Jul 20, 2017 5:46 pm Post subject: Re: 45-70 reduced loads

personally dont own a .45/70 YET (when we win the lottery a SxS bakail in that calibre is first on my wish list) however I do shoot cast through my 7.62x39mm using trail boss powder which is really simple to use and work up??? or should that be down??? a load with.
using a set of lee spoons makes it even more simple to find start load.
find spoon that fits your usual load of brand X powder and simply use that amount of TB and go from there....
welcome aboard.

Elvis · Posted: Thu Jul 20, 2017 6:11 pm Post subject: Re: 45-70 reduced loads

thought this thread might be of interest/help ya
www.nzhuntingandshooti...nic-35616/

Aloysius · Posted: Fri Jul 21, 2017 2:29 am Post subject: Re: 45-70 reduced loads

you're right Elvis, it seems very interesting. Thanks.

And about your wishes: I would like to see someone compare the trigger and the natural handling of a Marlin lever action with that Baikal. I too like that Baikal, but I've never got the chance to test it and I sure don't like heavy triggers (and I'm afraid to have someone rework a Baikal trigger as I've already seen a .222 Rem single shot that often did "bang" while closing the action)

Elvis · Posted: Fri Jul 21, 2017 3:55 pm Post subject: Re: 45-70 reduced loads

well Aloys.......3 double barrel shotguns we have all have nice triggers
the single rifle bro in law has trigger is ok
mates single rifle is ok too
my single shotguns...have 2 ...one is ok and the other is really nice trigger.

so from my limited experience all are ok and usable,shotguns normally have heavy triggers but none Ive seen are excessive.

gelandangan · Posted: Fri Jul 21, 2017 4:17 pm Post subject: Re: 45-70 reduced loads

I love shooting reduced load 45-70, been doing this for a while now, very good for anything up to deer size.
I load 500 grains soft lead hollow point to about 1300 fps in my H&R Buff classic.
Very accurate load, I can headshot rabbits with it.

Pumpkinslinger · Posted: Fri Jul 21, 2017 10:22 pm Post subject: Re: 45-70 reduced loads

Take a look at the Trail Boss loads on Hodgdon's website.

eleyxring · Rookie Member Joined: Jul 20, 2017 Posts: 2

To all of you that took time to read and respond THANK YOU.
I know I know I am shouting again. here is a little
thank you.. The problem at the moment is not gun related. It is projected to be 101 degrees (Central Oklahoma) today. A bit warm even for (NUTS) dyed in the wool shooters.

For Single Shot folks I have two places I suggest you go.

CVA best known for muzzle loaders has` several models and calibers of single shot rifles. They do not come with open sights. They have factory installed scope rings. BEST NEWS they sell factory direct to FFLholders. Your local dealer does not have to go through a distributor. Find one and have a local dealer order it for you.

Henry maker of USA made lever guns has 2 models of single shot rifles. They come with iron sights and bases for scopes. THEY DO NOT sell direct to FFL's. The cost a bit more but have wood stocks.

Again thanks eleyxring