Smitty,

Looks like we're headed into .45-70 country, so figured a new thread would be in order.

You ask about bullet selection for your Ruger No.3 in .45-70 Govt.  The sky's the limit with this one, provided you don't mind recoil!

First off let me say that you will be best served using cast bullets of .460" diameter in your No.3, as they have HUGE throats in them, even thought the groove diameter is typically a true .458".

Next question is which bullet?  How hard are you wanting to drive them?

Both the .45-405g LFNGC and .45-450g LFNGC are superb performers in the .45-70!  The 450g LFN has a nose to crimp length too long for the Marlin 1895 series rifles, but works great in all single shots and the Winchester '86's.

For a top end load (for Ruger and Marlin ONLY, DO NOT USE IN WEAKER ACTION GUNS), try these.

.45-70 Govt.

BTB 460"-405g LFNGC/56.0g H335/WLRP/Win Brass/2025 fps

BTB .460"-405g LFNGC/50.0g H322/WLRP/Win Brass/2010 fps

BTB .460"-450g LFNGC/53.5g H335/WLRP/Win Brass/1880 fps

Although these are not using RL-7, they are our top performing loads and the very best in the accuracy department across a broad spectrum of guns, giving MOA or better results in most guns!

Have found that the heavier bullets thrive on H335 and H322, giving velocities exceeding RL-7 with equal pressures!

Hope this helps!

God Bless,

Marshall

Marshall, Thanks for your reply. But I will be loading for a marlin 1895ss. Would that change your suggestion for bullet diameter?

Smitty,

Bullet diameter should still be .460" for the Marlin, but the bullet selection will be more limited.   Stick with the .460"-405g LFNGC and you'll be in great shape.   The 450g LFNGC has a nose too long to cycle through the actions of the Marlin... may design a new one with the shorter nose of the .405g , but for now it doesn't work in the Marlin, so stay with the .405 grain pills.

The loads are all fine in the Marlin, and in fact worked up in a Marlin 1895SS.

Have a great New Year!

Marshall