45-70 govt cast load data for Marlin Lever

[L T C]

I'm gonna start loading for a Marlin 1895, 18.5", in 45-70.

I'd like to stick with cast bullets. Looking at a local supplier, Roger's "Better Bullets". 405gn. or perhaps the 350gn.

Not so much for hunting, more for target work at first, till I find a load that is accurate out to 100yds.

Looking at various sites, it seems the heavier the better in the Marlin.

Anyone on here loading for a Marlin in 45-70 using cast bullets?

Any input will be appreciated!

[glock3540]

I've had really good luck with Reloader 7 in my Marlin. I cast 360gr and 425gr gas checked bullets and 40gr of Rl7 works excellent with both. I also use Unique for light plinking loads

[cephas]

Don't know if you have the microgroove barrel in your Marlin. If you do there is some good info on microgroove barrels, and on the 45-70 going on in this current thread: http://forum.pafoa.org/rifles-42/205...s-45-70-a.html
EDIT: ignore, was on another site poking around and found this: " All of the big-bore Marlin leverguns (e.g. 444, 1895, etc.) are now fitted with Ballard rifled barrels (both blued and stainless guns), as are the 1894 and 1895 Cowboy models"

[bamboomaster]

I'm gonna start loading for a Marlin 1895, 18.5", in 45-70.

I'd like to stick with cast bullets. Looking at a local supplier, Roger's "Better Bullets". 405gn. or perhaps the 350gn.

Not so much for hunting, more for target work at first, till I find a load that is accurate out to 100yds.

Looking at various sites, it seems the heavier the better in the Marlin.

Anyone on here loading for a Marlin in 45-70 using cast bullets?

Any input will be appreciated!

Great advice from everyone who posted here - thanks for keeping this cartridge alive, for it should have passed on a long time ago. The folks that still use this round apparently prefer sitting on the same three legged stool: a ballistic coefficient you wouldn't take home to your mother, drops what it hits - no ifs, ands, or buts, and more fun to shoot than should be legally allowed.

Who would have thought that these days they're less expensive to load than many/most rifle rounds?

My hunting rifle is an 1895 Marlin w/walnut stock, 22" barrel, and 6x Loopy glass.

The rounds that give you a five shot 3/8" group @ 75 yds (I zero at 120 yds) assuming you do everything you're supposed to get them on target are attached below. The load was taken from "The Complete Reloading Manual for the 45-70 Gov't".

We're gonna need to get you a three-legged stool for this...

Can't say enough about Roger & Pat @ King Shooters...

[cephas]

I also admit to being enamored with this caliber. My loads are a bit milder being high trapdoor, level 1 to low level 2 loads. 405 gr Lee hollow base with a dose of Accurate 5744. Comes out just over 1300 fps and more accurate than I can shoot it. 5744 is one of the craziest powders I've tried. Yes it's a tad dirtier than others, leaves some in the barrel but you'd never know it from the chrono readings. Also +1 with Unique, very light kids love it.

[bamboomaster]

Cephas, Unique is a great powder for Level 1 reloads. Use it all the time for trapdoor, bulldog and other lesser cartridges.

Hey, I don't know if you've seen these links, but they're pretty cool. Scroll down to look for your powder. If you are changing bullet weights, look in the far left column and click on the weight:

http://www.gmdr.com/lever/lowveldata.htm

[bob308]

i use 65 gr.1f with a 500 gr. bullet 1 hard card and greese cookie for my rolling block and trapdoors.

[cephas]

Cephas, Unique is a great powder for Level 1 reloads. Use it all the time for trapdoor, bulldog and other lesser cartridges.

Hey, I don't know if you've seen these links, but they're pretty cool. Scroll down to look for your powder. If you are changing bullet weights, look in the far left column and click on the weight:

http://www.gmdr.com/lever/lowveldata.htm

Would rep u but gotta spread it round. Yep was aware of it. Here's one back at you. http://castpics.net/project2/CastDatalist.php?start=1

[bamboomaster]

Cephas, great link. Much appreciated.

[The Bandit]

I am looking to start loadng for 45-70. I have a Marlin 1895GS that I love to shoot. Good info on here. Any pointers for someone that has never loaded this caliber? (I have done many .38spl, .357mag, 9mm, 45ACP only)