Bit more 45-70 info - thru BFR

[P95Carry]

I am always thirsty for load experience with this round and today tried out another new load thru BFR. So - sharing figures etc in case of interest to others.

My fave load has been (so far) 40 grains of Reloader 7 behind the Lasercast 405 FP - only 5 shot sample I know - but this stuff takes a while to load up!! ... this has given figures of .......

Ammo type ........ Homeload, Alliant Reloader 7, Lasercast 405 FP..

Shot # 1 - 1300.03 fps
Shot # 2 - 1333.84 fps
Shot # 3 - 1316.29 fps
Shot # 4 - 1343.47 fps
Shot # 5 - 1351.12 fps

Low vel = 1300.03
Hi vel = 1351.12
Average vel = 1328.95
Hi-Lo extreme spread = 51.09
Standard Deviation = 20.63
Muzzle energy (based on average vel) = 1588 ft lbs

This load is pretty fair - very safe pressures but - not grouping as tight as I'd like - I'll probably try 41 grain and 41.5 ... cos I am about close to comfort zone, as against goin flat out for max loads and hand punishment!



I see 3031 quoted a lot in load data and wanted to try it .... I loaded up 10 rounds with 45 grains 3031 as a kick-off load ... again 405 Lasercast FP. This powder goes up to around 59 grains in hotter loads so - expected this load to be fairly mild. It was ...........




Ammo type ........ Homeload, IMR 3031, Lasercast 405 grain FP

Shot # 1 - 1202.62 fps
Shot # 2 - 1190.43 fps
Shot # 3 - 2263.32 fps (!!!!! - see note below!!!) **
Shot # 4 - 1205.25 fps
Shot # 5 - 2465.26 fps (!!!!! - see note below!!!) **

Low vel = 1190.43
Hi vel = 1205.25
Average vel = 1199.43 (only based on three sample)
Hi-Lo extreme spread = 14.82 (only based on three sample)
Standard Deviation = not useable result!
Muzzle energy (based on average vel) = 1293 ft lbs (only based on three sample)

** - OK so *** with these figures?!!. OK well .... only one explanation. This powder is stick/rod powder ... doesn't flow that well IMO plus - seems to leave some unburned granules (even a rifle guy who uses it thru a real long barrel - said same thing!) .......... so - those stoopid high figures were produced by unburned power particles preceeding bullet! Only explanation. Chrono approx 9 feet in front.

I doubt I'll bother with this powder much more, (although gotta say - it grouped tighter than RL7 load), unless a hotter load shows a better burn .. not very pleased. Reloader 7 loads will I think be direction I'll follow for now. May try some 2400 loads too later.

 

[Harve Curry]

I think 2400 might be your best bet in that modern revolver. The rifle powders won't burn up in a short barrel. Must be alot of muzzle blast and fire.
Check the load posted on the 45-70 near this post about using 28gr of 2400 @ 1500fps. Maybe 10fps variation.

 

[P95Carry]

Harve - yeah thx ... definitely will give 2400 a try sometime. Must say tho - not only does that RL7 load give a better case fill but - have not found any real excess of flame so - seems to give a reasonable burn.

 

[Paul "Fitz" Jones]

Favorite 45-70 load

For the couple hundred 4 cavity Saeco molds I sold I advised my customers that my initial research and feedback from customers was up to 53 gr of 3031 would take any North American Animal including Moose and Bear but if they wanted to win any paper punching matches the most accurate load was 48 grains.

I appreciate your photography help.

Paul Jones

 

[P95Carry]

Hi Paul .... well, the 45 grain load was ''gettin there'' re grouping so maybe I'll try upping to 48 but - still a bit bothered by the poor powder burn .. daresay a hotter load and fuller case would imptove matters. Mind you - as I said earlier - have been quite impressed with the ''power factor'' with the RL7 loading.

Photography help? Was that re the mini site? Anyways whatever - you are of course most welcome Sir. BTW - I still relish every occasion when I get to use the Seico hardness tester!! Love it!