varget in a marlin 45/70

[jack44]

thinking about getting one but I dont want to buy alot of different powders.

the powders I have are

varget
2400
power pistol

 

[rcmodel]

Varget would work with most bullet weights, although it is marginally slow.
You will see a lot of Compressed Charge max load data with it.

2400 would work with reduced velocity cast bullet loads.

Power Pistol is out of the question.

You might want to consider buying a Lyman #49 Reloading Manual and look up the data yourself though.

Theres a lot of untested & bogus data posted on the Internet from anonymous folks like me!

I would say though, if you can afford a new Marlin, you can probably afford a can of powder for it.
Once you select a bullet weight, look at your new manual and see which powder would be most suitable for it.

rc

 

[jack44]

thanks for the info there

 

[Rick R]

I use Varget in a lot of different calibers and the .45-70 is one of them. It may not be the optimal powder for that caliber but I can get sub 2" groups with a 2x scope and have used it to make venison.

 

[Asherdan]

RC is exactly on point on this one. If you want to stick with Varget because it matches some other calibers in your reloading room, it isn't exactly perfect but it can certainly be good enough. Pushing 350 Hornady's 2000 fps or 400g Speer's 1800 fps will flat work. 2400 is excellent for black powder velocity cast in 45-70.

Good Luck!

 

[jack44]

I try not to buy to much powder - I bought a 8lb can of varget because I use it for my 308 win and my 223 I also have 2400 for my 44 mag. I here the IMR 4198 is good in the 45/70

 

[grubbylabs]

I used the 4198 in the .444 that I had and it worked really well. I too am planning a 45-70 gun to replace the 444 and was planning on trying the 4198 in it as well.

 

[flashhole]

I've tried a bunch of powder/bullet/primer combinations in my Guide Gun. Varget is a good accurate powder but H 4895 is a superior powder in this cartridge, especially with 350 grain RN or FN Hornady bullets. Hard-cast lead bullets in the same weight range work with both powders as well but soft-cast bullets will give excessive leading. My Guide Gun averages 1960 fps with the Hornady bullet and H 4895 powder. Pretty respectable for an 18.5" ported barrel. If you get a Marlin with a longer barrel you will get higher velocity.

 

[squarles67]

I've had very good results with IMR4198 in 45/70 with 350 and 405 grn bullets. Consistent and accurate in my Marlin.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I here the IMR 4198 is good in the 45/70

IMO 4198 is a great powder for loading 45-70 ammo. I have used a lot of 4198 in the 45-70 I recently tried AA5744 and I like it even better.

Of the powders you mentioned 4198 is a great choice, much better than Varget IMO.

 

[Rob96]

When I had my Guide Gun it shot phenomenal with H322.

 

[CSA 357]

go on and get you some 3031 best powder i have found for the 45-70 i load for a browning b-78 and a marlin guide gun

 

[jack44]

thanks....I guess when I buy it I'l order some IMR4198 and see how the 400gr.+ bullets do with it.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

thanks....I guess when I buy it I'll order some IMR4198 and see how the 400gr.+ bullets do with it.

I think that's a good choice and you will like the results.

 

[GooseGestapo]

The above recommendations are good. I've used 4198 (both) and others. My favorite load is 30.0gr of #2400 under the RCBS .458" 300gr FNGC sized to .459" and gaschecked with a Hornady GasCheck . This gets about 1,600fps from my rifle. Accurate, flat shooting, and comfortable to shoot. 43.0gr of H4198 gets 1,900fps and is nearly as accurate but not nearly as comfortable to shoot.

I really liked Varget (about the only thing I really liked it in) my .45/70 under a Lee .459" 405gr Hollow Base cast bullet with a compressed load of ~55.0gr of Varget. But, I can't say it was remarkably different than IMR4064.

Lubed with SPG and sized to .459", I got 1,950fps from my 18.5" GuideGun. However, recoil is fierce. Accuracy was ~2moa @ 100yd 3-shots.

Ever shot a MkX Mauser Whitworth in .458magnum? Recoil was a tad more than a full case of H4895 under a 510gr Hornady Soft Point @ 2,050fps from the Whitworth. A sweet shooting gun,actually. Owner took an elephant and cape buffalo with it in 1999......(local physician-aquaintance who knew I had a chronograph...).
I did mean FIERCE recoil......from the "little" BIG Marlin.........

 

[Maj Dad]

In my 1974-vintage Marlin, with Sierra or Hornady 300 gr JHP or JSPs I get the highest velocity and 3-4" groups at 100 yds with 4198, but with 3031 I get consistent 1" groups. I have opted to go with accuracy vs velocity (1900-2000 fps vs 2100-2200 fps). Try both in yours & see which does better, if at all.

 

[jack44]

thanks alot Major!