Ruger #1 - 45-70 - consolidation

[P95Carry]

The 45-70 has been discussed at quite some length (great!) ....... but wondered if I could presume on the appropriate folks to get specific in this one thread - a ''data collection'' if you will.

I have just fitted some concentric rings sent by Ruger - which (if bore sighting a guide) will get my Leupold back in the central zone - previously with std rings it was way off.

I digress!

I am tho wanting to try quite a few loads. Currently I have just tried the one - 52 grains 3031 shoving my Lasercast 405. Wonderful round in essence but I know that a (probably) 49 grain RL7 will up my speed.

I have some Varget - and 2400 (no good I think for hot loads) in stock - and a good few other powders too. So - 45-70 afficionados ... let's hear your fave recipes! Hot stuff that is - no whimpy loads

 

[Gewehr98]

IMR3031 and cast bullets in my Ruger #1S didn't get along at all.

If I was a more frugal handloader, I could've spread a sheet of tabloid-sized paper under the muzzle, and recovered a LOT of the 3031 that didn't burn. Tipping the muzzle down after the shot would've allowed the trail of unburned 3031 to also be collected.

Aliant 2400 has been much better to me with cast bullets and mild loads, as has Accurate XMP-5744. For something with more oomph, when I run the Beartooth super hard cast gas-checked 405 grainers, then it's a full boiler room of Reloder 7.

Yee-haa, 2100fps of .45-70 goodness! (Cue the dueling banjos and Deliverance themes...)

 

[P95Carry]

Didn't really look for unburned 3031 Gewehr but it is not a powder that has impressed me. Unfortunately I bought 2lbs and so must use it! Woe is me!

Indeed, RL7 WILL be the way for me to go I think - and bought a fresh extra 1 lb to be ready for that day!

I also have a near obscene quantity of SR 4759 - which is great for cast rifle loads and - I see - good for reduced 45-70 loads - could just be I'll have to run both ends of the spectrum - and enjoy some non-shoulder crunching softies as well ---- well, sometime!