Just recently began loading .45-70 again.
I was given a Marlin 1895GS Guide Gun for my birthday and am enjoying working up loads for it.
Please note: There are at least three separate and distinct loading levels for .45-70. They are listed in this string:
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=26167&highlight=Guide+Gun
Herewith parts of that thread:
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A friend loaned me his copy of Ken Waters'
Pet Loads, along with his .45-70 dies. Waters classifies his loads as light (Trapdoor Springfields, both original and replicas,) medium (1886 Winchesters, Remington Rolling Blocks and that sort,) and heavy (Siamese Mauser conversions, Ruger Single Shots, and the Marlin 1895.)
One of the all-around BEST powders for 400 to 405 gr. .45-70 bullets is
IMR 3031. I've been working up from 50 gr. 3031 with the Speer 400 JSP and results thus far are quite promising.
In fairness, this excellent book is a compendium of magazine articles written over the past thirty years or so. For the old ones, he's usually written an update or afterword. As to the .45-70, he does show a brief section for "Superheavy" loads, which specifically cautions against use in the Marlin. Otherwise, he considers the Marlin right on up there in strength. I s'pose this might be considered Waters using
FOUR levels of loads. BTW - - the load I gave is at starting level for type 3 rifles - - - It goes on up a few grains
in the Waters book.
This is probably a good time to insert a customized, standard, disclaimer about - - - -
CAUTION: Certain loads discussed in this thread are or may be well above published loads for the .45-70 Government cartridge. It has become popular in recent years to list multiple loading levels for this fine old cartridge. If loads intended for modern, strong rifles are used in Trapdoor Springfields, or possibly any antique rifle, the rifle will almost certainly be damaged or destroyed, with possible serious injury or worse to the shooter. Those contemplating use of ANY load discussed in this forum are strongly encouraged to check second and third sources for verification. Loading data posted here are used AT YOUR OWN RISK, and neither ownership, administration, nor staff of The High Road assume any responsibility for damage or injuries to any person or equipment.
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I had earlier posed a similar question at - - -
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&postid=289800#post289800
I've shot the rifle some since the above and have a few observations. I mounted my Leupold M8 Scout Scope on my Guide Gun, just 'cause a friend gave me the Ashley Outdoors (Now XO brand, I believe) mount for it. I can't recommend it highly enough. Easy to mount, sturdy, handy as pockets on a shirt. I have the AO ghost ring sights, and I believe this is the proper setup for a .45-70 of this type. I wanted a scope sight to remove most of the error built into my rapidly aging eyes, so I could do some meaningful load development. Now, though, I fear I'm becoming addicted to that durn glass!
I've been amazed at the accuracy shown by the Speer 400 JSP. I started at 50 gr, and it was good. Went up to 52, and it just got better. I'd have been pretty satisfied with two inch groups at 100, but I've gotten a couple of one to 1-1/4 inch groups. Results are very nearly as good with a few Remington 405 JSP I was given. I have not chronographed ANY of these loads. Time enough for that when I settle on a good, accurate load. Then I'll simply adjust my sights accordingly.
I've also tried some cast lead--Nominal 405, but really at under 400, with 38.5 gr. of 3031 were in the two to 2-1/2 inch range. My rifle just doesn't like the nominal 350 LFP, actually at about 335 gr. Maybe with a different powder - - Still working on it.
geo57 - - Please don't use these loads in anything weaker than the type 3 (Heavy) rifles. You don't name your rifle, but I hope it is a Marlin or a Ruger. You can have LOTS of fun with the others, but use lighter loads, please.
Have lots of fun, and keep us informed of your progress, huh?
Best,
Johnny