45-70 Smokeless Loads.

Austin Edwards said:

Thank you everyone for the help.
I have loaded and shot 4 3 shot test loads.
Consisting of:
Starline Brass
26 grains of 5744
Winchester large rifle primer
col @ 2.550
405 Grain .459 Flat Point Hunters Supply non gas checked.
No leading, the best group so far measures at 1.5 inches.
Shots have been made at 100 yards
Going to load a few more and keep trying.

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I'm loading a similar load. The only difference is my charge of AA5744 is 28.0gr. That load is shot in both my Trapdoor and Marlin levergun.

Austin Edwards said:

From the book I have 27 grains is the the max load, have you noticed any swelling in your cases? I always scared to go over on max loads.
But with so many books out there how do we know what the max load is without trying them.

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I don't know which data you are using but in the Lyman 50th Edition manual the Trapdoor max is 29.0gr, the Levergun max is 35.0gr and the "Modern Rifle" max is 39.0gr AA5744. I can't see a 28.0gr load swelling a case that can be loaded to 39.0gr of the same powder.

ArchAngel, I have been reading many recent threads regarding handloading a 405 grain lead slug... and this is the only thread so far that has thrown out a BHN limit of 8 to 9 (meharvy, Post #6) for these milder velocities.

I'm seeking +/- 1250 fps from an 18.5" Marlin 1895 using AA5744, but have no cast bo0lits yet. What cast bullet do you use?

I'm also seeking a Trapdoor-level load for a jacketed 405 grain. I realize I must thoroughly clean my bore of any fouling when switching from gilding metal (copper jacket) to cast (and vice versa).

Thanks! in advance.

200Apples said:

ArchAngel, I have been reading many recent threads regarding handloading a 405 grain lead slug... and this is the only thread so far that has thrown out a BHN limit of 8 to 9 (meharvy, Post #6) for these milder velocities.

I'm seeking +/- 1250 fps from an 18.5" Marlin 1895 using AA5744, but have no cast bo0lits yet. What cast bullet do you use?

I'm also seeking a Trapdoor-level load for a jacketed 405 grain. I realize I must thoroughly clean my bore of any fouling when switching from gilding metal (copper jacket) to cast (and vice versa).

Thanks! in advance.

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The reason for such a relatively soft lead bullet is the low velocity, the softer lead base will obturate at the lower velocities, harder cast won't... leading, possibly, to more leading. Personally, I only use commercially cast bullets... I don't cast, nor do I desire to. As long as the bullet is properly sized for your bore, you shouldn't have too many problems. In my experience, Marlins do OK with .459" bullets, but if you are seeing leading at lower velocities, you may have to go bigger or softer.

Question for you: Why do you need to load jacketed? A 405grn bullet, even traveling at a moderate velocity, is pretty potent if you get it on target.

Because I have 100 of 'em.

The rifle is previously-owned, but new to me. I have yet to slug the bore. It's a stainless JM-stamped 1895 GS, with 6 lands (Ballard). Once I determine bore dimensions, I'll know what size cast to order. Meanwhile, I do want a BHN appropriate for, as I mentioned, +/- 1250 fps.

Thanks for your reply.

I'm currently using a 405gr bullet from Missouri Bullets which is 18 BHN. Softer bullets can be used with a correct fit @ 1250 fps. I'm currently using AA5744 with cast bullets and either LVR or IMR 3031 if I load a jacketed bullet.

I'm currently using a 405gr bullet from Missouri Bullets which is 18 BHN.

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Are those powdercoated with their Hi-Tek coating?

Thanks for your reply!

200Apples said:

Are those powdercoated with their Hi-Tek coating?

Thanks for your reply!

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No they are not, they are the plain lead bullets lubed.

https://missouribullet.com/details.php?prodId=81&category=6

The coated bullets are also good but wouldn't bother unless I was shooting at much higher pressures in a levergun or bolt action rifle.