Loads for 45-70 Gov.

[polarbear]

Hey;

I'm in the process of gearing up to reload for a new rifle on the way- a Marlin 1895SBL, .45-70 cal. I notice there's not a ton of reload data available (at least, not from the books I've looked at- Barnes, Hornady, Nosler, etc.). I've pulled what I can from various websites, Hodgdon Annual, and the Lee reloading book I've got, and wondering if there are any other places I should be looking. On top of that, I've got 2 boxes of Hornady's new FTX (flex-tip bullet for tube magazines), 325 grain that I want to try.... any tips?

[Cariboo]

With the Flex Tips your brass will have to be trimmed shorter than the normal case length of 2.105" to 2.040". Also note that if you use the Lee Factory Crimp Die it won't work on these shorter cases. I Have a dozen of the shortened cases that I use exclusively for use with the 325 FTX.

Data for the 325 FTX for use in the Marlin 1895 can be found here: http://www.hornady.com/assets/files/...marlin_ftx.pdf

I personally use 50 grains of Reloder 7 with this bullet. It should also be noted that this is a very soft bullet designed to expand on small deer sized animals at longer range. If you are hunting Moose or large Bears at ranges under 150 yards the 350 Hornady SP or FP are much better choices.

[polarbear]

Thanks for the info; looks like I'll need a different method of case trimming than my Lee stuff...

[Ianca]

I found with my guide gun the 325 bullets I use the Hornady brass as it is already shortened and heavy quality, the 350gr hornady I have to use the full length case to get the crimped length as long as possible ,I am using winchester cases at present which are pretty light for stout bear loads and I fear may not take too many reloadings, I will change to Remington or Federal. I didn't know Hornady brass was short when I bought it it's a pity they cant leave it the proper length and let the reloader shorten it . cheers Ian.

[The 'Hummer']

I'm shooting a Marlin 1895GS and using a variety of four cast bullets, primarily for lighter and plinking loads.



My choice for hot and heavy near max loads to use for hunting, bullet wise I prefer a jacketed bullet with a big flat nose. Two that work best for me are the Speer 400gr FP and the Remington 405gr. The Hornady 350gr FP works well also.

[The 'Hummer']

New plan, for shooting cast bullets, a Pedersoli Sharps.



And, a few of said cast bullets I have access to.