Reloading the 45-70

[SFCRangerDoc]

Greetings.

Looking to start reloading for my 45-70 IAB Sharps Replica and I have been finding all sorts of discussion on loads, etc on ye olde interwebs. I have yet to pick a powder but plan to shoot 405gr jacketed soft points like this:

http://media.midwayusa.com/productimages/880x660/Primary/214/214242.jpg

I'm aware of the "trapdoor" loads and generally they're the lightest loads of the 45-70 as the action was not as strong.

My question is this, obviously the trapdoor loads should work fine for the falling block action of the sharps, but is there a generally accepted max fps for the reproduction rifles with falling block? I have shot 300gr Winchester white box through it w/out issue. A lot of the trapdoor loads are for hard cast lead not jacketed rounds so I wanted to see if anybody had any pet loads using those projectiles and/or suggestions on how to get a good solid load that wont destroy my shoulder.

Of note, I'm not a stranger to reloading so I know all information is provided at my own risk...

[6mmintl]

I shoot 21-22 grains of IMR4759 or 22-23 grains of AA5744 under a 360-405 grain bullet in my IAB Gemmer sharps.

The IAB action is probably the weakest reproduction sharps 1874 rifle (thin receiver walls) but barrels shoot very good for a low priced gun.

Action parts can be soft but there are still replacement parts out there.

[Magilla26]

Before the lead ban, All I shot was 405 grain Rem. flat nose bullets out of my Marlin 1895SS. My favorite powder is H322. You can start at Trapdoor levels (37gr. H322) and work up to Lever action pressures (45 to 49 gr.) Get a few reloading manuals, have fun and be safe.

[6mmintl]

Correction on my post IMR4759, not 4756

[SFCRangerDoc]

Thanks for the info guys! i appreciate it. I figured I could safely go to the lever action loads w/out too much issue. For the time being I'll probably go for a more blackpowder style load and work up from there.

Any issue with case volume and powder? Obviously it was designed for 70gr BP. Any filler required for the lesser volume powder or just trust the modern primers will get it ignited?

[Tom-ADC]

My Pedersoli Sharps says not to exceed 28,000 CUP I stay under that and get all the power I want or need.
I do shoot a lot of BP in mine especially with the heavier bullets.
But I do shoot smokeless Varget among others.
Be Safe.

[mark501w]

I use 4198 for smokeless 405gr loads 37 gr @ about 1600 Fps in my 1886 . To be honest it's starting to beat me up. Start out at the 1300 fps GI load & work up. For bp type loads I use pyrodex p the 4cc spoon in the Lee improved powder measure kit. Fill the spoon swipe a piece of cardboard across the top to level. A wonder wad on top with a finger full of wonder lube on top of thAt. SeAt the 405-500gr lead bullet wipe off & crimp. You don't want any air space in your cAse. The gooier the load the easier to push the fouling out of the barrel for repeated shots. I could shoot 5 shots in row before pushing a patch down the bore. Oh ya mag primer.

[gunboat]

SFCR ----- Perhaps I misread your last post but,
YES, a filler is required with BP -- There can be NO airspace --

[Epaphroditus]

If the case is less than 85% full I would use a filler or wadding. I don't have any solid facts to support my statement but paranoia about irregular ignition with so much powder forces me to err on the side of caution.

[rm1911]

It's not going to give you higher velocity but...trail boss. It'll work with jacketed or lead. There's a rifle section on imr's website with data and even if there's none, they provide a simple formula. Basically, do not compress it, and anything 2/3 full and up, is good to go.

Nice, softer shooting loads. I've used TB in my '06's and it's a blast.

Be careful with 45-70 data because some of it is specifically for te ruger no. 1 or other modern bolt rifles that can handle the much higher pressures. However, I think you'll really like TB. Give it a shot. Makes for some really fun shooting.

With the lead ban BS, kinda limited as for hunting with it.

[SFCRangerDoc]

SFCR ----- Perhaps I misread your last post but,
YES, a filler is required with BP -- There can be NO airspace --

Sorry for the confusion.

No im not planning to use BP. I'm planning to load up BP-esque loads with modern powder. My question was do i need to soak up the space in the case with filler when using modern powder. I plan to shoot only Jacketed ammo through the rifle for ease of cleaning. I don't plan to hunt with it in CA so the lead ban is meh to me.

[rm1911]

Sorry for the confusion.



No im not planning to use BP. I'm planning to load up BP-esque loads with modern powder. My question was do i need to soak up the space in the case with filler when using modern powder. I plan to shoot only Jacketed ammo through the rifle for ease of cleaning. I don't plan to hunt with it in CA so the lead ban is meh to me.

Then trail boss will be the best option by far.

http://www.imrpowder.com/data/rifle/trailboss-oct2005.php

http://www.imrpowder.com/PDF/Trail-Boss-data.pdf

You can shoot hard cast lead without leading worry. Velocities won't be high enough. And you can shoot jacketed.

[mark501w]

With rifle powders,no,with pistol powders I don't know.

[Tom-ADC]

I've shot Trail Boss using 405 gr cast bullets only real problem has been finding Trail Boss. Nice thing about Trail Boss its bulky and fills the case nicely compared to other powders, I tried Unique years ago but I don't feel comfortable with it in a 45-70 case lots of air space but it was fun to shoot no recoil.

http://www.imrpowder.com/data/rifle/trailboss-oct2005.php