New 45/70 Lyman 1878 Sharps BP

[wmgeorge]

My dies finally came in today and I had purchased some Trail Boss and Large Rifle primers, CCI not what I normally use but primers are getting hard to find.

New Starline brass and I have some factory loads with the same brass and 405 gn Lead FN. I have 405 gr same as, but Tec coated.

Question: Instead of the Trail Boss I have some 3Fg powder and did a little bench trial. Measured by volume the same as I would with my BP rifles, 60 gr. It nearly filled the case, well close enough my 405 would have compressed it a Lot, Nope. So 50 gr by volume and I can fit a felt wad left over from one of my ROA. It will have some compression IF I seat to the same as my factory loads which is to the top single groove.

Am I on the right track, NOT looking for hot loads or hunting loads just making plastic milk jugs go away.


BTW I want to give a shout out to Titan Reloading in Wisconsin. They had what I needed and took PayPal and I had it in two days with a fair rate for shipping.

 

[.455_Hunter]

I would try to duplicate the .45-70 Carbine load, essentially a .45-55-405. The earlier loadings used a cardboard spacer between the bullet and powder, making it hard to tell from the full powered rifle version with the same bullet. Later loadings seated the bullet deeper in the case, making it very distinctive.

 

[wmgeorge]

Hmm If I used 55 It would be compressed more or perhaps I would not need the spacer. I thought 50 because I was using 3Fg.

 

[792mauser]

As long as there's contact with the powder, be it by felt cushion, cream o wheat, coffee rinds or what have you. And you are getting accurate shots off you're doing it right.

 

[wmgeorge]

I have a metal rod the ID of the case, and set it on top of the powder, then mark that rod and make sure my 405 gr is on top of it, plus a bit. Sure its slow... but I am retired and like having all my fingers.

 

[BullRunBear]

Your load of 50 or so grs. 3F, a lubed felt wad (same I use for 45 Colt BP cartridges) and a 405 bullet has become my preferred 45-70 load. I don't shoot beyond 200 yards and only at paper and steel but it works in a Rolling Block and an old H&R Buffalo Classic. It's consistent, accurate, comfortable and provides that nice black powder smoke aroma. I'm the biggest limiting factor.

Jeff

 

[wmgeorge]

Thanks Jeff, I was hoping someone would confirm my 3Fg load. Been shooting BP off and on since 1992 and sure not an expert. Thanks all for the Replies!!