Blackpowder72
Well-Known Member
I'm going to start reloading for my 45-70. Just need a good deer load . What are your guys favorite loads. Bullets, powder how much and what kind , primers ? Also I shoot a single shot not a lever action. Thanks .
How much 3031 did you use ? I've got a bunch of 4198 to bad I can't use that lolWe used to load 300gr hp and IMR 3031. Tried heavier and different powders, but settled there. Velocity was about 2200 in that old Marlin if memory serves. It kicked like a mule and would literally flatten a whitetail under any condition. Heavier bullets only kicked more, and did little else.
How much h4895 did you use ? Just run of the mill primers or was there a certain one you liked ?h4895 . has good case fill
+1 for 300gr
would not recommend either h4198 or imr4198 .
can't remember but it was max in the old Sierra manual for an 1895 Marlin. Primers would have been CCI. All we used to could get. Memory says it was a compressed load. Unless you have a Ruger #1 you can't load nearly so hot. We loaded that thing like it was a short cased .458. It kicked and killed like it too. Good luck.How much 3031 did you use ? I've got a bunch of 4198 to bad I can't use that lol
45 to 50 grains of 4895 is nice and accurateHow much h4895 did you use ? Just run of the mill primers or was there a certain one you liked ?
Those 400 grain slugs are always on target and any animal I shoot drops fast , I did have a deer make it 40 yards once . those 400s always make two holes . I like mine running about 1800 to 2000 fps they are the most accurate in my Marlin and it shoots 300 yards in very tight groupsI've shot just about every bullet made from my 45-70 and have used all the usual powders. At the end of the day it's hard to beat 4198 (H or IMR) regardless of bullet weight. An all around effective bullet that shoots well, expands adequately, penetrates more than enough and is reasonably priced would be the Speer 400gr JFN.
You could load them up to any reasonable velocity and expect good results on game. I normally shoot them at 1,700 ft/sec and have take many black bears with that bullet, including the bear in my avatar which was taken in Newfoundland.