Azar thanks for that.... .always get them the wrong way around
must be an old age thing catching up with me.

I'm also struggling with a practical question: when you're reloading a 45-70 with blackpowder (or Pyrodex et C°), how do you treath your barrel between sighting in your optics and taking it hunting?
I did some trials with a scoped Hawken frontloader, but after the range I had to remove the scope to clean the gun, but after removing the scope I'm supposed to take it to the range again... I even tried see-true mounts so I could check the optics with my iron aiming device, but it doesn't work well enough to take it out hunting.
That's one of the main reasons why I decided to go for the Marlin in 45-70. But now I'm hesitating a little: how do you clean a lever action after shooting blackpowder or Pyrodex? And what about the first shot after cleaning the barrel? For hunting the first shot should be good...

Aloysius wrote:

And doesn't your local range allow the use of black powder?

Our range doesn't let us use black powder because of the fire danger. One reason a black powder rifle has more kick is 1/2 the powder charge goes out the muzzle which adds more weight to the equal reaction equation.

Also, black powder is getting harder and harder to purchase around here. I found this out when I tried to find some for my ball pistol. The ATF make a store log and keep track of every container they carry plus it has different storage requirements because it is considered an explosive.

When I saw H4895 had less chamber pressure than BP for my .45-70 Rolling Block, it was a blessing plus I didn't have to deal with all the barrel cleaning issues.

SJ, all well, but a few years back we got a caliber restriction on our range. They gave us a list with calibers that are allowed and because the army is the boss on that range, you cannot discuss it. But being an "army-list" I think it's normal that one can put many question that cannot be answered unless with "because the boss wants it!" f.e.: .22 LR is allowed, but .17 HMR is not on that list. .243 Win is allowed, but my 6 mm Rem has to stay at home
On that list there's no 45-70... but on that list is also mentioned that black powder calibers are allowed...
and I've always had lots of love for the old calibers, so I had lots of reasons to jump on the 45-70 (again). But it's not without extra difficulties, so the challenge is there allright.

Also: I'm hoping that in the near future silencers are back allowed in our country and I want to be prepared, meaning having enough energy with something at less velocity than the sound...
and looking for new challenges keeps motivating to go to the range

Sounds like a fun journey, Aloys!

Meantime I take 2 rifles to the high seat, the Marlin in 45-70 and the little Encore in 22 Hornet. Yesterday evening I had more luck than I deserve I think: I shot a "walking" fox with the 22 Hornet and to make it something to remember, I missed him with my first shot... knowing the Encore is a single shot and then hitting a running fox with a second shot is defenitly more luck than skill. 1" higher and I would have missed him. Even now when I found him I had to give a 3rd shot in the head to make sure.
So 3 rounds of a Hornet, a very expensive fox...

must have done something good to be thanked like this...

Aloys, if you use the larger caliber bullet, you would be less likely to miss.

Pumpkinslinger wrote:

400 grain cast bullets (mine came from Valiant) over 27.0 grains of Accurate 5744. Shoots 1.5" groups at 100 yards from both my Marlins.

Pumpkin, thanks! With your data as guidance (and the difficulties to obtain Accurate in Belgium at this moment) I'm satisfied with the results using Winchester cases, WLR primers and 30,0 grs Vitha's N120 behind the 410 grs lead FP from the Lyman mould, unsized and greased with Lee's Alox.

Now working on a "rabbit-load" using an unsized lead +/- 190 grs SWC from a Lee .45 ACP mould (and Alox ofcourse). 15-18 grs Vihta's N110 was not so bad but left much unburned powder. Going for faster powder now.

Have been using beercard's gascheck but groupe is better without them. And why using a GC when you can do without?
Now looking for a roebuck to be chinese volunteer for a performance test, but I think they are a little bit afraid of the cowboy-hat I'm wearing when hunting with a lever action. Lucky I don't meet so many other hunters on a roebuck-hunt as I think I will get some remarks about not wearing cowboy-boots nor using my horse

Lever actions are fun! And a lever action in 45-70 is even more fun!
(and I'm still using it as a single shot...)

Hope you get your roebuck, Aloys! Bet you look good in a cowboy hat. Single shot doesn't necessarily mean slow. I've watched a cowboy action shooter bring an old Winchester pump to a shotgun action match. Using it single shot, he beat most of the guys with semi-autos.

Sounds like you are on the right track Aloys. Good luck with a roebuck hunt mate...I reckon you will have no problems with your loads.

updates please folks...... been and seen first attemp at chambering today and the juices are really starting to flow thinking about using this cartridge.
still cant get idea of the 390grn hollow base fired backwards out of my head.....

Elvis, with a soft lead pill you don't need a holow point IMHO. Have a look at the performance of a soft round ball in a black powder rifle or think about the destruction of a cal 12 brenneke...

I just couldnt resist.... some of them zombies might be big

What weight pill is that, mate?

413grns minus what I drilld out of nose,they tip scales at 390-395 now so will match the 395 hollow base with same nose shape....