I am new to the 45-70, I am looking for some nice light loads using a cast 405 FN and 3031. These will be shot in a NEF Buffalo Classic SS Rifle.

Thanks for your time....

Longtrain

Not my favorite light load powder...can work, but usally is a bit fussy about low velocity (under 17,000Cup) and seldom burns real clean at low pressure.

Most manuals have a litsing for 1873 "Trapdoor" loads that are held to under 18,000CUP...give us an idea of the bullet weight and the vel. level you'd prefer, and will find the data (or at least direct you to the listings).

Thanks for your reply, I'm looking for something that would shoot a 405 gr Cast FN, probably 1500 fps or so. Not really a "reduced load", that's not what I'm after, just a nice target load that won't beat me up too much.

Thanks,

Longtrain

Thanks for your reply, I'm looking for something that would shoot a 405 gr Cast FN, probably 1500 fps or so. Not really a "reduced load", that's not what I'm after, just a nice target load that won't beat me up too much.

Thanks,

Longtrain

Lyman #48: 405gr. #457193 Under "for 1873 Springfield"
Start: 3031 34.0gr. 1161fps (11,100CUP)
Max: 3031 38.5gr. 1352fps (16,000cup)

This is about the lightest data published, and I've not had real good powder burning under 37gr. Is lots of data for hotter loads, and many of them are listed in some manuals as safe for Trapdoors, Lyman at least lists the pressures.

Think you'd be fine iun that NEF going on up in pressure...may want to start at 37gr. and work up until you feel comforatable.

BTW: better results with faster powders in this kind of use, these two have worked out well for me.

(same bullet...same manual)
Start: Rx7 37gr. 1535fps (16,400cup)
Max: Rx7 39gr. 1578fps (17,900cup)

Start: XMP5744 26gr. 1189fps (12,200cup)
Max: XMP5744 29gr. 1313fps (16,100cup)

Thanks for your reply, I'll post some results once I get to the range.

Longtrain

longtrain....give 11.5 grains of unique a try. Low recoil and works very well with 405 gr. cast lead bullet.....bpm