Lead cast 300 gr 45-70

[Dozermonkey]

Hey it's me again ! Hope every one had a great Christmas ! As y'all know I'm still alittle green to reloading so I have more questions. I have a new Henry 45-70 modern lever action. I acquired some 300 gr lead cast bullets and some Accurate 5744 powder. Is this powder combo a viable option ? I have the Hornady and Lyman books and not real satisfied with the choices or info I'm seeing. As a noob I'm still cautious about some loads. Any info and real world experience would be great ! Thanks for your patience!
Happy new year !

Ps , I've already loaded some Hornady ftx 325 grn with H4198 ,just haven't shot it yet. Was thinking about Varget next.

 

[Blitzfike]

Here are some links to what you are looking for. I personally don't have any experience with AA5744 but it seems like it will do what you want. I load everything from 300 grain cast to 405 grain cast and most of the jacketed bullets available as well. I have a Marlin 45-70 lever, a couple of single shots as well. Hope this helps.. Links follow

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?185210-Accurate-5744-and-the-45-70-anybody-using-it
http://www.reloadammo.com/4570load.htm
http://www.go2gbo.com/forums/hand-l...-k-brass/need-some-loads-using-5744-for-4570/
http://www.marlinowners.com/forum/45-70-govt/43383-45-70-accurate-5744-a.html

 

[Dozermonkey]

Thanks for the info !

 

[Old Fart]

You'll like those little bitty bullets.


Sent from Missile Silo 341A

 

[RustyW]

Both targets were shot at 50yds w/a Ruger #1. I cast both bullets, the RCBS is a gas check design, the Lyman a flat base. I have tried 5744 but didn't have much luck w/it. If you get a chance get some IMR 3031. Start about 43grains & work up. W/the Marlin you may have to find a .459 or .460dia cast bullet for it to shoot w/o leading & get the accuracy you want. I also shoot a jacketed 300gr hollow point w/3031 & it's the most accurate I've found w/my #1. You may find the Hornady FTX brass is a little shorter than other 45/70 brass. The FTX bullet is a little longer so they had to compensate and trim the brass shorter so it will cycle through the lever actions. It bothered me at first when I tried loading cast bullets in the short brass but now I just load & shoot since I only have a single shot there's no need to crimp.

The bottom pic is a target I was shooting at trying to sight in a revolver. I couldn't hit the circle & was getting disgusted, I grabbed the #1 so I could feel better. They're the bigger holes touching each other.

 

[Okie4570]

I'll second and highly recommend the IMR3031. I finally quit messing with other powders, it's accurate and consistent with bullets from 300-535g, out of a Sharps 1874, and side by side 45/70, Marlin and a T/C Encore pistol.

 

[Oklahomabassin]

I'll second and highly recommend the IMR3031. I finally quit messing with other powders, it's accurate and consistent with bullets from 300-535g, out of a Sharps 1874, and side by side 45/70, Marlin and a T/C Encore pistol.

Do you have any of that powder?

 

[Dozermonkey]

Thanks guys ! To me this is the fun part , just seeing what other people use.
The lead, I got from HH in a bag of 500! I'm excited , I've never loaded lead yet so it's a new thing for me to learn. Any tips ? My future plan is to also get the gear to cast bullets. I should have done this years ago. We have a ton of used and new wheel weights in our shop.
Time to go freeze my butt off and move the dozer. Y'all have a good day !

 

[Okie4570]

Do you have any of that powder?

Only in about 300 loaded rounds of 4570, in the bottle, no.....unless you found me some

 

[swampratt]

Nice big holes in that plate.. but what tiny feet in the picture!

I was at Gene Sears last month and he had some 3031 in an 8LB jug, I like BL-C(2) better for my 30-30 but could not pass this up
so I got an 8lb jug of the 3031
Recently I have been using Varget in the 30-30