Loading full length 45-70 with 325 FTX bullets

[Griffen]

Just found this forum and hope someone can help. I own a Winchester 1886 Deluxe in 45-70 and I am looking to handload the Hornady 325 FTX bullets, but intend to use the full length brass. All the reloading manuals call for the brass to be trimmed to 2.040” from the standard 2.095”. The Winchester 1886 will easily cycle the cartridges full length without trimming. The manual data is set up for the Marlin 1895 which has a shorter action that will not cycle the longer rounds. I am looking for anyone that has loaded the cases full length and has been able to match the factory loaded performance of the Hornady rounds with available powders. Any help is appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

If your rifle will chamber and cycle the longer case then there is no reason to trim the cases.

As for duplicating the factory Leverevolution ammo, sorry it seems it can't be done, even with Leverevolution powder from Hodgdon. (LVR) I contacted Hodgdon and I was told every LVR cartridge loaded with the FTX bullet uses a different formulation of the LVR powder. They can't market every one of the powders so the one on the shelf is the 30-30 formulation.

That said, do we really need to match the velocities exactly? The pointed tipped bullet will increase performance down range so find an accurate load and go hunting. You will get better performance just not exactly the same as the factory LVR ammo.

Welcome to the forum...

 

[Axis II]

nevermind

 

[FROGO207]

RE # 2 This is spot on. When loading the longer brass there will be a bit more internal volume so the pressure will lower using the same charge. With a bit of experimentation you can use a bit higher charge and still be safe. Work it up and tread lightly as those rifles are not like a bolt action with how they handle pressure though. As long as a dummy round will feed without problems then the longer brass should pose no problems. Welcome to the forum as well.

 

[Ireload2]

If your rifle is an original forget jacketed bullets to preserve your barrel. Use properly sized cast bullets from 20 to one or 16 to one lead tin alloy.

 

[Griffen]

Thanks for the replies. An update on the loads from the range today. I have determined the velocity match is 45.1 gr of IMR-4198 and the 325gr FTX bullet in a full length case. The velocity average was 2001 FPS in a 24” barrel. The FTX using a full length case works with ease in the Miroku Winchester 1886 and has room to spare. The load I liked best was 47.9 gr of IMR-4198 for an average velocity of 2171 FPS with a high to low difference of only 30 fps. I used CCI-200 primers. With a 200 yard zero the trajectory in inches is 50yds: +2.58; 100yds: +4.47; 150yds: +3.78; 200yds: +0.02; 250yds: -7.40; 300yds: -19.16. This looks like a winner and the recoil is manageable and fun to shoot.

I loaded some rounds with N130, but the battery on my chronograph died before I could get to them to record data. I’ll go at those later. Both powders were very accurate in this configuration. I couldn’t recommend one over the other.