45-70 350 gr hard cast imr 3031 load data

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zeek96

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Hi guys,

Does anyone have any information on where I can find load data for 350 gr hard cast load data using IMR 3031? I have 6 reloading books and none of them have 350 gr hard cast loads listed in them. I also at this time do not have a chrono so load testing by speed is a bit difficult and no one that I shoot with has one either. All the books have list jacketed load data for that weight. I ask for info on IMR 3031 since I have that power.

Thanks in advance.

Zeek
 
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Zeek,

Call the good folks at Hodgdon(IMR) 913-362-9455 they have helped me when I couldn't find a load in my books or on line.
Good luck CC
 
What is IMR 3130?

Any road, Lyman has data for 330 and 385 grain cast .45-70s.
You will certainly not get in trouble using a load given for a 385 to shoot a 350 and you will not likely be able to tell a difference on target or game.
An experienced and experimental shooter might do some interpolation between 330 and 385 loads but that is not the same as finding a "recipe."
 
I think we need to clear up a couple things first.

1) Does the op really mean IMR 3031? seems likely.
2) What is the intended weapon? Big difference, trap door, lever action, TC Type breech loaded bolt action single shot....... Which one?

Once the above is dealt with, a look at Lyman's 49th data on 330 grain and 385 grain lead loads should get you there with 3031.

BTW I LOVE IMR 3031 with my Springfield trapdoor replica. I can do cloverleafs with the stock peep sights at 50 yards easily with my IMR 3031 load.
 
Lyman 4th Edition of their Cast bullet handbook has load data for a 330gr cast bullet but the range of IMR3031 is from 43.0gr to 55.0gr depending upon which of the 3 pressure ranges you want to load for.
 
Hi Guys thanks for the comments.

I will be using this in an modern Marlin 1895 guide gun lever action. I do have a Lyman 49th edition which does have weight above and below the 350 grain bullets. As for experimenting to find a load that would probably be more fun and safe if i had a chronograph to use and lots of time and range access, of which i have neither right now. I also have edited the error out of the original post to IMR-3031.

Thanks
 
Well, you don't have to have a chronograph to measure fun and safety.
Does it matter that you are only getting 1300 fps out of your snubby instead of the 1450 in the book? Not to any target or deer I know of.

You can find the time if you give shooting priority.

I can't help with the range access.
 
Jim,
I was looking for a published load since it is repeated continually on the board here that one should trust published loads instead of statements on posts. Owning 6 load manuals and not finding any loads for this bullet made me wonder if there was a speciality lead only loading manual that i could work from. Giving shooting a priority is a great idea but a luxury i do not have at the moment so would like to have several loads worked up and try them all when time and a range allow.Sometimes you just have to work with what you got but a starting point greatly helps.
 
Good comments so far. You certainly can use the load data for a SOMEWHAT HEAVIER bullet as starting loads for your bullet weight.

You repeatedly use that term "hard cast" in your post.

Why?

"Hard cast" is a catch-phrase used mostly by folks who do not understand cast bullets. They believe that harder is better, which is largely untrue. The "desirability" of "hard cast" is a myth, probably started by commercial bullet-casters years ago to sell their products.

In actuality, "hard cast" bullets made it easier for them to cast the bullets, and then to ship them with less damage from wear-and-tear en route to the customer.

Particularly in the example of the .45-70, MUCH better results will be obtained with softer bullets. The lower pressures and velocities of the .45-70 lend it admirably to softer bullets, and better performance on game can also be expected with softer bullets.

Do some research on this matter.
 
Bruce,

Thanks for the info. I only used the term Hard cast for two reasons 1) that is what they were stated as and 2) some of the only loads i found stated hard cast. So the question have with the softer lead bullets do they lead the barrel faster or is that just based on policy or the round? The only reloader that i have discussions with locally (and who got me into reloading years ago) hates lead in general and hasn't been much use. I have never used lead bullets for reloading before so any help or suggestions and or websites to look at are appreciated.
 
Yo, Zeek!

"Leading" is not a foregone conclusion when shooting cast bullets.

A bullet that fits the barrel properly, driven by a suitable charge, lubed with decent bullet lubricant, will shoot WITHOUT leading the bore at all. The .45-70 is among the very best cast-bullet calibers, so you're starting from a good position. None of the above factors are difficult to achieve.

I've even fired PURE LEAD bullets from my .416 Rigby at over 2000 fps with no leading whatever... the bore was still bright and shining. I've also fired consecutive strings as long as 600 rounds in AUTOLOADING rifles, again without leading..... and the rifles were still functioning well after that many rounds.

For a vast amount of information and data about cast bullets in the .45-70, go to


www.castboolits.gunloads.com

and both do a search there (brace yourself!) and ask a few questions. We have over 34,000 casters and they are eager to help.... just like here. You'll be welcomed.
 
It's impossible for any load manual to have every bullet made as I'm sure you already know. It is perfectly safe to use load data for a heavier bullet of the same construction, shape and type. (lead for lead) Slightly harder lead will not effect the load much, that's why there is a load range instead of one charge weight.

If you're loading a 350gr bullet and the data is for a 375gr bullet it's just fine. Start low and work up until you find an accurate load in your rifle and call it good...
 
Thank you very much for the information and link. It is greatly appreciated.
 
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