45-70, 45-90, or 450 Marlin?

[Tac-O]

Hello Dean2 ,

I am NOT Tac-O , but you had given advice to me about .45-70 , 405gr. Hardcast bullets , loading for my Marlin 1895 Guide Gun , so I thought that I would send a few photos of target , rifle , load data and cartridge , and bullets .

3 shots at 100 yards from bench and bags .
Using Varget powder , 50 grains , WW Brass , Fed. 215 primer , Missouri Bullet Co. 405gr Hardcast - HiTek coated .
Shots #1 and #2 were both 1637 FPS , and #3 showed error .

I tried loading H4198 powder , but at same velocity range , 1622 FPS and 1667 FPS - then chronograph error , but 3+ inch group .

I quit testing when my MagnetoSpeed quit recording the velocities .

I hope to get to range to do further testing with H4198 and IMR4166 powders , hoping to get a loading from either of these 2 powders at the 1600-1650 FPS velocity level that are as accurate as my Varget load has shown to be .

I would prefer to save my Varget powder for my .308 Winchester and .223 Rem- AR15 .

I wish to THANK ALL of you for sharing your knowledge and experience with those of us who have questions .

DMP25-06

Nice shooting!! That is impressive. I'm surprised you got that accurate with those bullets at that velocity. Even though they're coated, the pressure required for that velocity can obliterate the bullet base and cause leading.


For my 45-90 and old eynesford FF duplex 4227
MBC buffalo #1 uncoated lubed with modified emmerts
7gr 4227
68gr 2f BP
Cereal box wad
1450fps
~1.5" at 75yds

Smokeless jacketed load
Hornady 300gr hollow point
imr4198 (can't remember charge)
Velocity 2100-2300fps (load testing)
Best group was about 1.5" at 75yd
Fill ratio wasn't great and had ignition issues. Using imr3031 would be better or use a magnum primer with the imr4198.