I built some patty cake loads for my 45-70 Marlin GG.

43 grains of 3031 under a 405 grain cast bullet. For some reason the powder is not being burned, and there are half charred pellets of it every where after I am done shooting. In addition, the cases are getting smudged up and are difficult to clean. I bumped the charge up to 46 grains, and don't want to go too much more for fear of leading the bore.

Is 3031 a bad choice for cast lead bullet shooting in this caliber? Your comments are appreciated.

3031 tends to burn pretty drity at pressures this lower than 25K...not as dirty as you describe, but it's usual to find some unburned grains. The sooted cases you describe are anther signal that pressure is low (the cases aren't expanding to seal teh chamber, so some gas leaks back along the side of the case).

IF i want to run at Trapdoor speeds, will stick with RX7, 5477, SR4759, or IMR4198. Low pressur 3031 loads re listed as well, but I've had more unbruned powder with that than with the others.

I shoot 45 grs of 3031 behind a Lasercast 405 gr flat point in my 1895 CB and don't have the problem you describre. I wonder if my longer barrel allows more complete burn of the powder? Maybe you should try a faster powder in your shorter barrel.

How is the vertical spread on your targets? I ran into a similar problem with RL7 with a 1,300 fps load. My first loads had a 1/2 turn Lee FC. On the second set I increased the crimp to 3/4 turn. This eliminated the vertical spread and decreased the burnt powder kernels.

Magnum primers help. I use them with 53 gr of IMR3031 behind a 405 gr Remington jacketed bullet. Winchester brass will be short lived with this load, 2 - 3 loadings but my Federal brass shows no sign of excess pressure. The Federal brass is a bit thicker. This is also a crushed load but is OK per the loading manuals. Unfortunately Federal brass is only available in factory ammo. (At least I have not been able to find it as a seperate component.) My rifle is a Marlin 1895 CB with 26 in barrel. This load is not my most accurate but I shoot it some just for the punishment. I have recently gotten some new Starline brass that I am experimenting with. On first pass it seems to be somewhere between the Winchester and Federal. I just wish I could find Federal brass as a seperate component. Have a good time, that's the main thing.

OOOPPPPSSSS, my bad, I see now where you were looking for a low pressure load. I retract my previous post and substitute the following. Try the light loads of 4759 as listed in the Speer manual. I am experimenting with them and polyester wads.

Thanks for the info guys. I have to put together some practice loads for the summer and want to get all my reloading done during the winter. I have a big production run coming up and your advice is appreciated.

:)

Bill, while you are correct that Federal brass isn't available to reloaders anymore as a component, I picked up 300 new 45-70 Federal nickel plated cases on Ebay some time ago. While I haven't seen anymore recently, you might want to check Ebay occasionally.

La Porque,
IMR #3031 is a little slow for the 45/70 cartridge,but WILL shoot good groups,leaving unburned grains in the barrel.
Try crimping the bullet.try mag primers. try using a filler or wax wad.
Then,as Ribbonstone said,try IMR #4198 or Alliant Reloader #7.You will get more velocity with the same accuracy.
Frank

My first loads had a 1/2 turn Lee FC. On the second set I increased the crimp to 3/4 turn.

I've done this to help the results also. Caution with the Lee Factory Crimp Die... Once it is tightened to the point that the splits in the collet meet completely, it is as heavy a crimp as it can apply. Screwing the die in any further into the press will bulge a case. I've done it to several straight wall cases.

http://www.leeprecision.com/graphics/parts/3365.jpg

Any preference guys? Between 4198 or Reloader 7? I am not working up hunting loads here, I am just looking for a good plinker load to stay in shape with. I have a pet hunting load that his mean and hot already, I am just looking for an accurate fun load at this point.

Again, thanks in advance for the advice.

Any preference guys? Between 4198 or Reloader 7? I am not working up hunting loads here, I am just looking for a good plinker load to stay in shape with. I have a pet hunting load that his mean and hot already, I am just looking for an accurate fun load at this point.

Again, thanks in advance for the advice.
What is your pet hunting load? I use 45gr of RL-7 with 405 gr hard cast slugs. Always looking for something better.

What is your pet hunting load? I use 45gr of RL-7 with 405 gr hard cast slugs. Always looking for something better.I'm a big Re-7 fan for cast lead in 45-70 but anxious to try H322.

I'm a big Re-7 fan for cast lead in 45-70 but anxious to try H322.
I use both and like the RL-7 better. It seems to deliver equal or better velocity at lower pressures with very good accuracy. What is your favorite RL-7 charge with 405 gr cast?

I loaded about 50 rounds with 56 grains of 3031 under a Hornady 350 conical for deer if I remember correctly, I loaded them some time ago and I do remember them blazing over the chrono at the book listed speeds with no pressure or accuracy problems. They will do for deer at 100 yards or so. Getting a hunting load is no problem with the Marlin Guide Gun. Finding a clean easy shooter is giving me some problems.

I do not enjoy load development, I prefer informal turkey shoots with the foolish firearm folk rather than pulling my hair out by the roots trying to get the last bit of velocity and accuracy out of a gun.

Not to knock the serious handloaders, those guys are good fellas and always have good advice.

I have been using Unique and 300 gr cast bullets for quite a while as practice loads in my 1895G. I believe the load is somewhere around 10 grs. What a mild load and it really lets you work on sight picture, trigger squeeze, follow through, and working the action for a follow-up shot.

I use Rem 9 1/2 primers, Rem or Win cases (I've found no reason to seperate the cases as both give equal accuracy and velocity with all loads) and a local cast 300 gr bullet. Sean

La Porque,
I've been reloading for the 45/70 for a long time.For years, my favorite powder was Hercules Sharpshooter;all my most accurate loads used it.
Reloader #7 is just as good.Now,most of my accurate loads use it.
Frank

I built some patty cake loads for my 45-70 Marlin GG.

43 grains of 3031 under a 405 grain cast bullet. For some reason the powder is not being burned, and there are half charred pellets of it every where after I am done shooting. In addition, the cases are getting smudged up and are difficult to clean. I bumped the charge up to 46 grains, and don't want to go too much more for fear of leading the bore.

Is 3031 a bad choice for cast lead bullet shooting in this caliber? Your comments are appreciated.



IMR 3031 is a great powder for this cartridge, however it comes into it's own with about 48 grains to 53 grains. For the lower velocity loadings I really like either accurate arms 2495 or 5744. I use mFederal 215 magnum primers with the 5744 or you still get unburned powder. 28.5 grains of 5744 is a sweet and accurate load. Also be sure to apply a good crimp into the crimp groove of the bullet. It is really better to seat the bullet, then apply the crimp in a different stage. This helps keep lead scaping to a minimum, and affords a better overall crimp. Good shooting, D Wright

Any preference guys? Between 4198 or Reloader 7? I am not working up hunting loads here, I am just looking for a good plinker load to stay in shape with. I have a pet hunting load that his mean and hot already, I am just looking for an accurate fun load at this point.

Again, thanks in advance for the advice.
LaPorque,
Reloader #7 is th better powder.
With the 403 grain Lyman#457124 bullet,40 grains,without filler,gives 1500 FPS velocity.
36 grains,with Dacrron filler, gives 1470 FPS;and is more accurate.
Frank

Retire09,
Try 48grns of Rel #7, WLR Primer and 3/4 turn on the LFC die. This is under the BTB 405grn LFNGC. The most accurate load I've used. Mild recoil and still better than 1800fps.
That is my "pet load".
Have fun :D