45-70 Reduced Loads

[JOHN B]

Does Anyone Have Any Info/data On Reduced Loads For The 45-70 Govt. In Particular With Unique,red-dot, Etc. - I Would Be Using 350 Gr. Jacketed (could Go To 405 Cast)

Thanks

[Placitas Slim]

I shoot 12 grains of Unique behind a 405gr Lasercast for a velocity of 1100fps. It is an accurate load in my Buffalo Classic.

[versifier]

Welcome to the forum, Slim. I'm glad you posted on this thread as I don't load the .45-70.

[dave22250]

John B.
Lyman lists unique at starting 13.0 grns, max 16.5 for the 405 grn in the 45-70 no data on the jacketed bullets.

[Placitas Slim]

If you go to the Alliant book, they list 11gr as a starting load under the cowboy section.

[444Hal]

I'm using 12.3 of "Trail Boss" behind 405 Laser Cast (971 fps)

[Ross]

The gun you are using may make a difference. Old trapdoor Springfields have a chamber-bore-groove condition that begs for soft bullets and a quick powder to upset the bullet to fit the groove. Jacketed bullets don't obturate well at low pressures, and that is the major cause for the bore erosion often found in trapdoors.
Unique, Red Dot and heavier bullets will probably group best, but remember to use the softest alloy you can find.
Modern guns do not have this idiosyncrasy; jacketed bullets work fine.
I have not tried the new Trail Boss powder, but it looks promising for reduced loads. Heads up though. A pound of this fluffy powder only has 9 ounces in it.
Cheers from Darkest California,
Ross

[Placitas Slim]

Just go back from the range trying some Trail Boss loads. Accuracy was good and there seemed to be more of a push from recoil than the smack I get from Unique. I will definitely have to do more testing with this to see what my BC likes. So many toys to develop loads for and so little time.

[toys4tom]

I shoot 21.5 gr of 4198 with cotton over the powder and a 425 gr cast bullet. Shoots well in my trapdoor and my guide gun and makes the Contender pistol fun to shoot.