45-70 Plinker loads for hunting

[grsjax]

I use a 9gr of Unique with a 300gr lead bullet for plinking with my 45-70. This gives about 1000fps at the muzzle. Although there is essentially no recoil it is actually a pretty potent load out to about 75 or 100 yards. I was thinking this might be a good load for hunting varmits like coyotes at short ranges. Anyone tried something like this?

 

[jmorris]

Back in the day there were loads made up using round balls. Yep ballS, duplex, triplex and quadraplex loads for the 45-70. Here is a bit more info http://www.thegunzone.com/salvo.html

 

[Asherdan]

I use 12 grains of Unique with a 350g cast for 1125fps and it's accurate as the dickens for my 1895G. I've used it on two coyotes so far, it works just fine. I also carry it for deer when I'm in the thick scrub and things are close and quick. Falls like a rock by the time it hits 150 (-8"), but for 100 and in it works great.

Great practice and young shooter loads, too.

 

[grsjax]

Thanks. This is my practice load and thought I would try it out in the bush.

 

[Harve Curry]

Asherdan and grsjax ,
How well does your Unique loads group at 100 yards?

 

[Asherdan]

50 yards off a knee:



100 yards, 10 shots, kneeling. 6" bull. Never could put the third one on the first two that day.



Marlin 1895G w/ Weaver V3. 350g Laser Cast w/ Unique, Rem Brass, CCI200, OAL 2.55". See the GMDR.com sight for where I got my ideas from.

I call it a very practical training load, also useful for the type of hunting we're talking about. I also use 2400 with the same bullet to move 'em at 1400 fps and similar accuracy.

I have some Nosler and Speer 300g on the shelf, but I might never see a reason to load 'em up unless I get after Elk next year and need a tough bullet I can push around 2000 fps for less trajectory thinking.