.45-70 Loads and Twist Rate

[dreadi]

I'm going to dabble into .45-70 in the future with 300gr bullets and having been looking at a few manuals. Loads will be shot from a modern action so modern loads aren't a concern but, I am interested in lower pressure loads. One thing I've seen in a few places is that IMR 3031 offers lower pressure loads with midrange velocities. I'm not looking for a super kick in the pants so the Trapdoor loads look interesting too.

Surprisingly though, I have not seen any subsonic 500gr loads with modern bullets for any powder.

It seems like most of the modern firearms are 1-20 twist. Rossi's guns are 1-12. Anyone have any practical experience with loading either?


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[huntingfool7]

I've done subsonics with Trail Boss and SR4759 using 405gr lead and 350gr Maker Rex.  Trail Boss is the easy button for subs. 

If you look through the Maker bullet catalog there are some loads hidden behind some of the tabs. 
https://makerbullets.com/proddetail.php?prod=4570350S

I have not killed anything with the subs.  1400-1600 fps with any 405gr bullet is easy on the shooter and a killer out front.  I would describe those as mild thumpers.  Shooting a Marlin with the slow twist. 

[jrebel]

This is where I would start if I was loading for the 45/70.  It is a project I will be working on as soon as I get other iron's out of the reloading fire.  Folks are having great accuracy and great results with all these stone hammers.  The 250 should be easy on the shoulder as well.

https://hammerbullets.com/product-tag/458/


Here is some user load data that will show what folks are using and velocities they are getting. 

[birddogdad]

i run 45gr of 3031 in my 1895s... bullets of choice up to 500gr *max length to coal. they poke holes~!

[dreadi]

I've been looking at ballistic coefficients lately and wondering how get a decent 200yd load. For example, I have been loading 458 SOCOM for a few years with various bullets. My current endeavor is to get a decent 200yd load but, Sierra 8900 bullets become transonic while Nosler 300 Ballistic Tip have a enough BC to continue being super sonic past 200 yds. Nosler told me that bullet doesn't work in 45-70 lever guns and a friend suggest not using spitzer bullets in the magazine unless I want a two shot gun.

Anyone shooting a decent group at 200yds with 45-70? When I say decent, I'm thinking all rounds in a 4" circle.

[jrebel]

Most 250-350 grain bullets are still supersonic to 200 yards.  2 MOA groups are very achievable. 

If you want a ballistic tip go with the hornady ftx bullet specifically designed for tubular magazines.  As for BC…..for a 200 yard gun….BC doesn’t matter.