Under minimum load safe?

[coreyr]

Hello, I have a 45-70 Marlin 1895 G. I've been reloading Hornady 45 CAL .458 300 gr #4500 with 44 grains of H4198. I just picked up a box of Sierra Pro-Hunter 45 Cal .458 300 FN HP #8900 and the Hodgdon site calls for a minimum if 55 grains to a maximum of 60 grains. Since I've only been reloading for a few weeks I figured I better ask.

When using the minimum load of 55 grains the powder level is fairy high and does not leave much room for the bullet to seat. (negative space of about 1/8 inch.)

Question # 1. Is it safe to press the bullet causing the powder to be pressured?

Question # 2. Is it safe to drop to 50 grains and leave some room for the bullet to seat?

Hodgdon data for 1895 G
300 GR. SIE HP Hodgdon H4198 .458" 2.525" 55.0 2221 27,600 CUP 60.0 2424 40,000 CUP

Thanks

Corey

[XDRoX]

IMO, yes, both of those options are safe.

It has always intrigued me how some manuals manage to get so much powder in a case. Even compressed I have had a hard time a couple of different times trying to get in enough powder.

[coreyr]

Thanks for the advise. I feel better now.

[Bill Steele]

IMO, yes, both of those options are safe.

It has always intrigued me how some manuals manage to get so much powder in a case. Even compressed I have had a hard time a couple of different times trying to get in enough powder.

I agree on both as well.

Compressing the powder is not a problem. On the "minimum", start loads are not minimum loads. Take a look at what "Trap Door" loads are on the Hodgdon site for 45/70. Look at their start levels and you will get a feel for how low you can go safely (i.e. not sticking a bullet in the barrel). When downloading way below start levels, you may want to consider paper wads to keep the powder down closer to the primer, and when going way down, check the bore or make sure you see an impact when testing a particularily light load.

Good luck, have fun.

[coreyr]

Thanks Bill!