I revieved my first box of BTB 425g pile drivers. I decide to weigh them and I found that they are all around 435g??? is the 425g the weight before the lube and the gas check is applied? I am wandering about this for loading purposes. Is the lube and the gas check calculated in when loading up the bullets? The load that was given to me that I plan on using is .460 425g Pile driver Jr 50g of H322 remington or starline brass and Winchester Lg rifle primers. I am rather confused about this could somebody please direct me in the right direction? Note I am shooting .45-70 in a Marlin 1895

My Marlin 1895 loves the 425gr Pile Driver Jrs sized .460, as recommended by Marshall. My rifle has the micro-groove rifling not the Ballard rifling, but I don't think that matters.

I have not weighed the bullets. I have no intention to. I shoot honest 1.5" groups at 100yds with every load I have built, and the load I settled on is well under 1" (more like .75). That is with both a 2.5x "scout" scope and with peep sights. I see no reason to develop the load any further as it will do what I want quite nicely.

I don't use H322, so I can't comment on it. I have tried H4198, H4895 and IMR4895. All of them work well, all of them have produced groups well under 1".

The load I have settled on is 50gr of IMR4895 (I have a bunch of it), OAL is 2.585 (just kissing the lands in my rifle), lightly crimped with a Lee Factory Crimp Die after seating.

This is what works for me and my rifle. All standard disclaimers apply.

I revieved my first box of BTB 425g pile drivers. I decide to weigh them and I found that they are all around 435g??? is the 425g the weight before the lube and the gas check is applied? I am wandering about this for loading purposes. Is the lube and the gas check calculated in when loading up the bullets? The load that was given to me that I plan on using is .460 425g Pile driver Jr 50g of H322 remington or starline brass and Winchester Lg rifle primers. I am rather confused about this could somebody please direct me in the right direction? Note I am shooting .45-70 in a Marlin 1895

Ten grains is less than 3 percent difference in weight from your data, and cast bullets can vary a LOT depending on the alloy used.

Just start with the data you have, go from there and work up. It should not be a problem.

Good luck.

I agree that percentage-wise it's not a big deal, but I would also check your scale. I've never seen any of Marshall's bullets be that overweight.

If you haven't done any load development, may I suggest you start your loads down 10 to 15% and work up? This way you will discover what your own gun likes best, and assure yourself that you aren't starting with too hot a load. 45/70s are forgiving to load, but they don't give off much warning of overloads either.

Best,

Grizz

Yes, the weight of the cast bullet is sans lube and GC. Those added will increase the weight about as you found. Not much loading difference in that weight range when considering 10 grains. Use the data provided and enjoy.

As stated, might want to make sure of the scale calibration, too.

zappyzoo,

my targeting mirrors S73's, .7" @ 100yds with Scout scope system. Using 52grns. of H322---work up your loads. Outstanding bullet and accuracies!

good shooting