For a while I was looking for a Marlin 1895 XLR, but instead I end up with a brand new Stainless Steel Ruger #1 in 45-70. Than I started looking for loads for the powder I had on hand. I have tried IMR-3031, Varget, and H335. I have work up some loads, and the winner was H335. My best load is 63 grs. of H335 with a 350 grs Speer, it kick like a mule, but is very accurate. 1-1/2 grouping at 100 yards, for a big canon like that I find that very good. My only concern is that the average velocity I get is 2265 fps, verify with 2 differents chrono. This is way over what most data book have as maximun velocity. I have no sign of pressure at all, easy brass removal, and the brass are in very good condition. I shot 16 rounds and no problem at all, except a hurt shoulder. What do you think.

Check Speer's manual and stick with those loads. I'll look them up when I get off work tonight.

I think you will shoot whatever you like to shoot, and whatever you reckon is safe to shoot.
The question is what are you trying to kill with 4500 foot pound? I believe T-Rex are long extinct..

Data book maximum is printed for "average" rifle that might or might now have defect/unknown material/condition etc.
The publisher got to cover themselves in case there are injuries caused by Bubba Macho Handloader that blows up their overloaded gun and then sue.

If you load beyond the recommended value, you are somewhat in the realm of "wildcat", where all and everything you do is your own responsibility.
Your mates in the forums could tell you to either go higher, stay where you are, or lower, but in the end it is you that is gambling your limbs and life.

Myself, I rather have a slow moving projectile that give almost no recoil.
Hurt shoulder would make me trigger shy, where I would wince and jerk the trigger, and might ruin chance of clean shot.

Just my 5c.

Hodgdon says that's a MAX load for the Ruger #1 so if you're happy with it I'd keep using it. Many elephants in Quebec?

data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load.asp

best indicator I have is primer pocket expansion, the only problem is you need to shoot the same brass several times with that load. and that may not always be a good idea. having said all that I'd say you are alright in a #1 but now that you've entered the realm of masochism you might check those primer pockets if you choose to pursue this past 2 or 3 reloads. You really do have to weigh the benefits with the risks though. And in my world the ultimate responsibility lies with you everytime you decide to squeeze the trigger. Are you starting to flinch yet?

fnuser wrote:

best indicator I have is primer pocket expansion, the only problem is you need to shoot the same brass several times with that load. and that may not always be a good idea. having said all that I'd say you are alright in a #1 but now that you've entered the realm of masochism you might check those primer pockets if you choose to pursue this past 2 or 3 reloads. You really do have to weigh the benefits with the risks though. And in my world the ultimate responsibility lies with you everytime you decide to squeeze the trigger. Are you starting to flinch yet?

Sorry G, I should have read yours first. I was just trying to hurry up and get that out when I read that post.

Oddly enough Speer doesn't list that powder for those types of loads.

Pumpkinslinger neither does Nick Harvey Sierra or Nosler!!!!
or reloading page of M D Smith.

Hope you have a limbsaver with that load!!

Laurent, if you want a nice "plinking" load for the .45-70 try a 400 grain cast bullet over 27.0 grains of Accurate 5744. About 1400 ft/sec and will shoot 1.5" groups in my Marlins. Obviously its plenty powerful enough for hunting too.

Thank to all of you for your comments.First I have to mention that this gun is only for fun shooting, not for hunting as I have many other calibers to choose from. My reason with this post was to know if someone had reload and shoot with that powder and bullets combination and was getting similar velocity. If you look in the 2009 Hodgdon manual, H335 is list with 350grs Hornady with a max of 63.0grs.I started at 60grs and work up to 64grs. with the Speer bullet, the Col: was 2.669''.The best grouping was with 63.0grs.
This morning was the third time that I shoot those reloads,still no pressure sign,no issues with the primer pocket.I know that it kick like hell but this is no concern to me,I have other rifle that kick as much.

My load for my .45-70 is 41.0 gr H4895 with a 405gr laser cast at 1400 fps. I tried a light load with Varget but I had too many unburnt powder grains left in the barrel. H4895 burned clean. The heavy slugs are fun to shoot and I'm getting similar accuracy as you. Save powder and shoot lighter loads. Ruger #1s are beautiful guns. Enjoy!

slimjim wrote:

Ruger #1s are beautiful guns. Enjoy!

ever seen the Lyman Centennial edition?
(that's the Ruger #1 sold in a wooden box, with dies, shiny cases and a remake of the original optics longer than the barrel, with external adjustment knobs, moving with every shot you do and still accurate)
And I looked it up, this Centennial edition is from 1978, so almost antique itself

load 300 gr bullet, 57 1/2 gr H4198, 9 1/2 Rem primer. from Hodgdon data for 1895 lever. whitetail load. H&R Handi rifle. after a few trips to the range, I aquired leadsled and a 25 lb weight. now I can shoot a few groups without a black and blue shoulder.

In my No 1 in 45-70 i use Imr4198 at 52.0 with ww cases and wlr primers with the Speer 350 gr SP very tough bullet excellent in the Ruger.
I also use the lee factory crimp die for the crimp.
Vel is just above 2000 fps which is plenty goooood .