Big Bore

[CharlieNC]

For a change of pace I bought a Marlin 45-70, always wanted a big bore. To be used for close range hunting it is setup with a 1X muzzle loader scope. Now to develop loads with cast bullets. From what I've read the hard cast achieves complete pass through at low velocities, leaving a wound channel over 1" dia. Anybody have any pet loads and hunting experience?

 

[jghoghunter]

Lots pm with your phone and we can talk later.
Jesse

 

[CharlieNC]

Lots pm with your phone and we can talk later.
Jesse

Thanks for your generous offer.. pm sent

 

[SierraCJ5]

For a change of pace I bought a Marlin 45-70, always wanted a big bore. To be used for close range hunting it is setup with a 1X muzzle loader scope. Now to develop loads with cast bullets. From what I've read the hard cast achieves complete pass through at low velocities, leaving a wound channel over 1" dia. Anybody have any pet loads and hunting experience?

I like reloder 7 with a 405g cast bullet in my 45-70. Also had good luck with H4895 using same bullet. I have a micro red dot on mine and it's terrific to shoot. Enjoy!

 

[long40shot]

I have always used AA-5744.

 

[CharlieNC]

After a bit of research, initial loads with 4198. While I wanted to start with Varget, which I have, reports and Quick Load suggest it is very dirty as it burns inefficiently. Will get sighted in this week, but little time since need to practice for state Fclass championship match next weekend!

 

[cmillard]

I had a pretty sweet load of imr 4320 and a laser cast 430 grain bullet

 

[rebel]

If you ever shoot jacketed stuff, don't overlook 3031. Not the most popular powder for 45/70 but works well in mine.
I have shot several deer with great results.

 

[Alex Wheeler]

rcbs has a 405 mold that works great.

 

[2506]

I have used Lymans 405 flat nose mold which comes out 418 grs using wheel weights with both AA 5744 27 grs and also a case full of FFG black powder compressed down ten thousands inch with a milk carton disk as a over powder wad. Out of my Sharps 28" barrel they do around 1400 fps and shoot to the same point of impact. Yes this will drill a hole through a deer from any direction and maybe a tree or to after exit. But the problem with any cast bullet is that unless you hit the central nerve system they will run off a ways and even with the flat nose of the Lyman 405 the hide will close up and limit blood trail and make it had to trail up the deer. At least this was my experience. With your Marlin rifle you can boost the velocity up with jacketed bullets. The suggested hunting load in the Sierra manual with their 300 gr HP is a wicked deer round. IF and I say IF a deer takes a step after taking one Stevie Wonder could track it down the blood trail is so large.

 

[perry42]

Trail Boss is a bulky powder that works with hard cast bullets or a softer lead with a gas check and no wad is required.

perry42

 

[snert]

John Haviland wrote an excellent article in Handloader a few months ago, laoding a Goulds 330 grain wheelweight lead bullet with 3031 at about 1600 FPS in a guide gun. Dispatched several deer. it is worth looking up, if you can cast your own or have someone who will. Article addressed issues of having to pay with recoil for the speed needed to get jacket bullets to open up, by loading this particular bullet designed specifically for whitetails. He was getting pass thru with near 2x expansion with chest shots.