45/70 Reduced loads

nodak7mm · Jan 15, 2010

Anybody play around with reduced loads in large calibers such as 45-70? I have always wanted a Ruger #1, but I am resigned to the fact they'll never make one in a caliber/model combo I want.

So I have toyed with the idea of a a #1-S in a 45-70 and I was researching shooting 4-500 gr lead boolits around 1000 fps. Works out to be very low felt recoil. This just sounds like fun shooting. Shooting milk jugs full of water with big boolits can be entertaining. And reduced loads with cast boolits can be really easy on the pocket book.

Thoughts, comments?

Rod

HeathSexton · Jan 15, 2010

A friend shoots 405gr cast over 10.0grs of Unique, right around 1000fps from a contender.

Guy Miner · Jan 16, 2010

What cartridge do you want in a Number One? They've been made in a staggering variety of chamberings.

BTW - the Remington factory 405's don't do a lot more than 1100 fps or so... They're rated at 1300+ fps, but don't generally achieve that. Very, very mellow to shoot...

With "trapdoor" data, it's easy to come up with some very easy shooting .45/70 loads.

big rifle man · Jan 16, 2010

If your looking for reduced loads try IMR 4198 or SR 4756. They will give you the velocity your looking for. Make sure you use pillow ticking or other suitable material over the powder. I used 28 grains of 4198 and got roughly 1100ft. That was with a 430 grain bullet.