what powder/primer do you guys like for 45-70 300gr JHP hunting rounds? I was going to load FTX bullets but have been hearing they don't perform well on deer. They have a better co efficient but I don't shoot over 100yards and would rather have expansion than anything.
45-70 primers-powder?
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someguy2800
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I have a 444 marlin and Reloader 7 and WLR primers are the best I have tried among 6 different powders. Compared to others I've tried its by far the cleanest burning and gives the best velocity and single digit velocity spreads. Doesn't seam to be temp sensitive either.
Wis-Harpo
Member
I shoot Hornady 350 grain Round Nose bullets with IMR 3031 Powder. I used IMR 4198 for years, but 3031 gives me the best accuracy. You have to find the best load to find the node your rifle likes best. I have shot deer with the 350 grain bullet, and they do not move far ( if they move at all ) if the shot is placed properly.
ArchAngelCD
Member.
With a 300gr, 325gr or 350gr JHP I like IMR 3031 best with a CCI or Win LRP.
I usually only load 300gr or 405gr Cast bullets and I use AA5744.
I usually only load 300gr or 405gr Cast bullets and I use AA5744.
redbullitt
Member
I think that FTX bullet likes a little more velocity than what I usually shoot from my guide gun or 458 socom. They shoot very well, but at lower velocity starting off, plus an even lower impact velocity, I just dont see them doing GREAT ever. They do okay, but not great.
Now if you push them faster and/or keep your shots closer before the speed gets lower then you might be happy.
Beartooth bullets makes some nice stuff if you do not cast your own and want to try plain ole lead.
I prefer a big wide flat nose cast bullet in the 45 70. Not going to get expansion with mine, but it does seem to work well, at least a handful of deer at about 60 yards think so. I have been playing with annealing the nose of the WFN cast bullet; no hunting experience with it yet, but it might offer a bit better terminal performance.
Barnes makes a jacketed bullet for the 458 socom, designed to work at low velocity. I believe it is an all copper "petal cutter" style bullet. I think it might be worth a look for you. 300g ttsx it is called. Have not taken deer with them, but they are supposed to offer expansion at low velocity. Currently messing with them in the SOCOM. I would happily try them at 1600 or 1800 FPS on deer. They are not cheap, but then again I doubt you would need to shoot too many as hunting loads. I just may have to load a few up for the guide gun this fall now lol.
As far as powder, h4198 does very well in my Guide Gun. RL 7 does the trick too. I load the cast bullets to about 1500 FPS and the lighter jacketed bullets to 1750ish. There is plenty more gas in the tank, but I dont like the recoil and the deer here just dont need anymore lol.
Now if you push them faster and/or keep your shots closer before the speed gets lower then you might be happy.
Beartooth bullets makes some nice stuff if you do not cast your own and want to try plain ole lead.
I prefer a big wide flat nose cast bullet in the 45 70. Not going to get expansion with mine, but it does seem to work well, at least a handful of deer at about 60 yards think so. I have been playing with annealing the nose of the WFN cast bullet; no hunting experience with it yet, but it might offer a bit better terminal performance.
Barnes makes a jacketed bullet for the 458 socom, designed to work at low velocity. I believe it is an all copper "petal cutter" style bullet. I think it might be worth a look for you. 300g ttsx it is called. Have not taken deer with them, but they are supposed to offer expansion at low velocity. Currently messing with them in the SOCOM. I would happily try them at 1600 or 1800 FPS on deer. They are not cheap, but then again I doubt you would need to shoot too many as hunting loads. I just may have to load a few up for the guide gun this fall now lol.
As far as powder, h4198 does very well in my Guide Gun. RL 7 does the trick too. I load the cast bullets to about 1500 FPS and the lighter jacketed bullets to 1750ish. There is plenty more gas in the tank, but I dont like the recoil and the deer here just dont need anymore lol.
I didn't know what a 458 win mag was so looked it up and holly cow! what in the world are you shooting with that thing?
I see a lot of replies of guys liking the 350gr jacketed bullet. would this be better suited for whitetail or just the 45-70 in general?
ArchAngelCD
Member.
IMO you don't need a heavy bullet in the 45-70 to take most game, especially White Tail Deer. In reality a 45-70 is way overkill on deer but in some cases it's good to have that rifle with you when Bear share your deer hunting grounds. Most time I hunt deer with a 30-30 levergun but I do sometimes take out the Marlin in 45-70. (loaded with a 300gr Cast Bullet)
we are limited to slug guns and strait walled rifles here in ohio. if 30-30 was on the books it would be all I would use.
350 grains moving at ~2000 fps is plenty for a black bear. I started with the 350 RN jacketed bullet and 300 grain jacketed bullets, 350 shot so well in my Guide Gun I picked up a bulk box of 1500 several years ago when Midway was doing a year-end closeout. I'm still shooting them.
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I picked up 500 "blem" 300 Gr JSPs from Midsouth at a ridiculously low price. Perfect for my .45-70 level .458 loads.
Strictly for fun so far.
ArchAngelCD
Member.
Kinda why I mentioned 300gr to 350gr jacketed bullets above. IMO with the 45-70 the bullet itself isn't as important as with smaller calibers. I buy what's on sale and call it good. (of course I'm not talking about total junk bullets)
Wis-Harpo
Member
A few years ago I could not find Hornady 350 Round Nose bullets. Now with the Guide guns being more popular, the 350 RN are back . The reason I use 350's is that my Mauser 45-70 did not like the 300's at all, and the 405's were a little heavy for deer. I now load 1600 fps with IMR 3031, and NOT 2200 fps with IMR4198. Much easier on the shoulder. When I was in my mid 30's 2200 fps was no problem, but now at 68 years old I backed off to 1600 fps with better accuracy also.
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