using powder not in book?

[Walkalong]

It costs money to do the testing, or pay for the testing. If it didn't, heck, they would test a lot more of the 27 Kajillion powder/bullet combinations.

 

[FROGO207]

You will get the hang of it eventually OP. Some general advice.

If you have a bullet of the same weight and composition (say jacketed, similar shape, as in boat tail, etc.) the data is pretty much interchangeable between brands if you can't find the exact data. Always use starting loads and work up watching for problems with each type/brand of bullet. Be aware Lead data is different than jacketed data for the same weight bullet. Also a hollow point bullet will be longer than the same weight using a FMJ or soft point though so its charge weight will be less, because using the same OAL would produce a higher pressure if used with the FMJ load. For example I use XTP data for any JHP bullet I load for a handgun NOT the FMJ data for that weight. Also be aware specialized bullets such as solid brass or copper bullets have their own special loads and need to be used with those loads only.

Hope this helps you.

 

[Iron Sight]

You cannot own enough reloading manuals.

 

[JohnnyFlake]

The 45-70 with anything less than 405gr is a pipsqweek (). Hence Hodgdon's lack of 322/335 data.

Non sequitur to be sure... but the fastest could come up with on short notice.

Lyman 49th Edition shows 45-70 load data with H322 for 400gn, 405gn, 475gn, 500gn & 535gn bullets. Just because Hodgdon does show any, doesn't mean it's not happening.

 

[Ironicaintit]

It will not make a difference with respect to which brand bullets you use. Weight is the only factor that matters.

It pays to be mindful of OAL, as it affects seating depth and net case capacity as well, between brands.

 

[W.E.G.]

I've loaded lots of powders that were not "listed" for the caliber I was loading.
Never got hurt, and never hurt a gun.

But, I do believe there has to be a "seems-like-should-be-OK" combo out there that will give you a big surpise. There are enough dead test pilots to be wary when you go where no man has gone before.

 

[blue32]

You might want to look at a comparable cartridge that uses the powder you have. I wanted to use Unique with 260 rem cast loads. No data existed so I worked up a load using available data with 7mm-08 with a slightly different bullet weight.

I wouldn't try this unless you've been reloading for at least five years. And I definitely wouldn't try it if you're not comfortable with it.

 

[Axis II]

I shot about 25 rounds last night with h335 and didn't like the groups so I think ill just use benchmark for that and buy a dedicated 45-70 powder.

I was just trying to not have multiple powders on hand and also save some $ by doing so.

 

[FROGO207]

Good luck with not having multiple propellants on hand. I have at least 1 LB of most "common" ones---like 40 LBS. Then I have kegs of the stuff I regularly use. Often when I want to try a new propellant with a new firearm I just look in my magazine rather than go to the LGS. After reloading for a while I bet you acquire a "couple" extra pounds.

FWIW most firearms will endup with dedicated propellants if you seek accuracy.

 

[RRS1623]

Using Quick Load Program

When moving into unpublished powder loads I like to use the Quick Load software. It gives you an indication of case fill, powder burn, pressure and velocity. Don't take the data at face value. I usually use a very light load compared to the data and then adjust the published burn rate. It gives you a good indication of what powders may match up with your requirements. I was looking for a good powder for my Rossi M92 45LC with 300 grain cast bullets. The program directed me towards LilGun, which does not show up anywhere in a manual for this load. It worked out very well.

 

[35 Whelen]

www.loaddata.com lists 142 loads combinations for the 45-70 and H322.

35W

 

[hpops]

Hey WIN243XB thanks for the link to SAAMI. I'm ashamed I didn't have it bookmarked .....but I do now. Hope everyone else on this forum has it for reference.