Loads for Heavier bullets in a 45/70 conversion

[michiganmuzzy]

Does anyone shoot 350-400 gr bullets in their conversion gun? I see plenty of loads for up to 325gr but not much heavier, except for cartridge loads. Im going to shoot 350 and 400 aluminum pointed bullets from Northern Custom. Looks like a Pittman, Parker or Fury bullets. I have been trying to find 10x and Reloder7. I have imr4198, n120, n110, 5744, sr4759, and several different shotgun powders. Any loads that are working well for you?

 

[BuckDoeHunter]

I think I would stay away from the fast powders with that heavy of a bullet. Pushing those bullets at any type of ’fast’ speed sounds like a punishing load. Just curious, why such a heavy bullet with a 45-70 conversion?

 

[michiganmuzzy]

Mainly because i have them. Im also going to shoot them in a couple of bh209 guns but thought i would give them a try in sml.

 

[ElDiablo]

@Mnt monkey should have some ideas for you. I know he’s got some SML experience with the heavies.

 

[xdmalder]

I'm not sure what pressures you can run yours up to but in my Marlin 1895 I'm using Varget or 3031 with my 435 grain cast bullets

 

[snapbang]

Muzzy, I have a can of Herters 103. Should be close to reloader7. Price is right if you want it.

 

[michiganmuzzy]

Muzzy, I have a can of Herters 103. Should be close to reloader7. Price is right if you want it.

Ive never heard of that one but would like to try it out if its close to RL7.

I'm not sure what pressures you can run yours up to but in my Marlin 1895 I'm using Varget or 3031 with my 435 grain cast bullets

Cool thx. I will def give those two a look in QL. Ive seen them both in stock locally, too.

 

[xdmalder]

H322 is probably going to give you best velocity with the most efficiency at pressures around 40k

 

[michiganmuzzy]

H322 is probably going to give you best velocity with the most efficiency at pressures around 40k

Thx. I have seen that in stock locally, too…Im pretty sure.

 

[michiganmuzzy]

I think I would stay away from the fast powders with that heavy of a bullet. Pushing those bullets at any type of ’fast’ speed sounds like a punishing load. Just curious, why such a heavy bullet with a 45-70 conversion?

I dont really care about high speed. Just something that gives me good accuracy and a 200+(300max) range. Without having to shoot bh209.

 

[GM54-120]

VV sells a couple slower powders than 4198 too. A single base like N120 (N130?) and a double base (N530?).

Gives you an idea how much slower it is.
https://www.vihtavuori.com/reloading-data/rifle-reloading/?cartridge=57

 

[michiganmuzzy]

VV sells a couple slower powders than 4198 too. A single base like N120 (N130?) and a double base (N530?).

Gives you an idea how much slower it is.
https://www.vihtavuori.com/reloading-data/rifle-reloading/?cartridge=57

Thx. That looks like it keeps pressure well below 40k.

 

[Leigh Clambakes]

Did you have your barrel converted, or did you buy it set up? I've got an Encore 45-70 barrel I'd like to get set up with an Arrowhead breech plug set up.

 

[GM54-120]

Thx. That looks like it keeps pressure well below 40k.

If im reading this right....210 MPa is about 30kpsi. N130 is the next slowest and then N530 but the dbl base probably needs less peak to burn well too.

 

[michiganmuzzy]

Did you have your barrel converted, or did you buy it set up? I've got an Encore 45-70 barrel I'd like to get set up with an Arrowhead breech plug set up.

I bought a CVA Scout 45/70 already converted.

 

[Bull1]

Okay, I don't have a dog in this hunt but I've got to ask what is the goal of shooting screaming death loads out of a muzzleloader? I have touched off such things in cartridge form from both a Marlin 45/70 and Handi rifle and the bruises didn't go away for 6 weeks. Besides a full grown buffalo or Northern brown bear, not much can hold up to the venerable 405 grain factory, Trap door safe round. You even get to keep your shoulder shooting those.

 

[michiganmuzzy]

Okay, I don't have a dog in this hunt but I've got to ask what is the goal of shooting screaming death loads out of a muzzleloader? I have touched off such things in cartridge form from both a Marlin 45/70 and Handi rifle and the bruises didn't go away for 6 weeks. Besides a full grown buffalo or Northern brown bear, not much can hold up to the venerable 405 grain factory, Trap door safe round. You even get to keep your shoulder shooting those.

I dont know about any screaming death loads. I simply want to shoot heavier bullets. As i stated, “i dont care about high speeds”, i just want to do the same with smokeless that i do with Blackhorn. There have to be plenty of other powders that will give similar performance, with the bullets that i want to shoot, with out the insane price tag… not that i owe anyone an explanation if i did want to shoot screaming death loads, btw.

 

[ENCORE50A]

"Screaming death loads", that's new. I'll have to remember that line.

Would my 350gr XLD's traveling at 2,960fps be "screaming death loads"?

 

[michiganmuzzy]

"Screaming death loads", that's new. I'll have to remember that line.

Would my 350gr XLD's traveling at 2,960fps be "screaming death loads"?

Yeah, i think you and Dunamis may be in or near them “Screaming Death Loads”.

 

[GM54-120]

Getting 450 Marlin+ type speeds should not be too hard. I would start by looking at any full case loads you see. Gives you a much better idea what powders and loads are close to your target fps.

Barnes for example lists load density and a couple powders including N130.
https://www.barnesbullets.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/450Marlin.pdf