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MT Bird Dog
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| Joined: | 12 November 2008 |
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Posted: 14 November 2008 03:04 AM |
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Sorry if this posting was entered in error under components, etc. I'm new to this.
I recently got a Marlin 1895 in 45-70. I figured that the XLR model with the stainless, longer barrel and the laminated stock would be an advantage in the damp environments where moose are typically found. Got the rifle with the intent of working up 350 gr. Hornady FN handloads for it, not to buy the factory XLR ammunition.
I've already installed a Williams aperture sight.
I've read that the case dimensions for the factory XLR rounds are slightly different from what is specified for "standard" 45-70 loadings. If so, will this be a problem in working up my loads? I have some reloading experience, but am no expert. No desire to ruin a new gun--or worse, if the rifle isn't designed for standard ammunition.
I plan on working with from the sixth edition Hornady manual and figure H4198 would be a good place to start, given the relatively lower pressures I've researched for that powder.
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Ranch 13
HB Pro Staff
| Joined: | 1 April 2006 |
| Location: | Hells Gap, Wyoming USA |
| Posts: | 112 |
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Posted: 14 November 2008 04:14 AM |
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49 grs of 3031 with that Hornady bullet should deliver some superb accuracy for you. 3031 is a bunch better powder when shooting smokeless and jacketed bullets than 4198 Should you decide to try some cast bullets 5744 is the powder to beat.
The "xlr" 45-70 cases have been reported to be shorter than the 2.1 inches they should be. Those shorter cases shouldn't proove much of a problem when loading smokeless and jacketed bullet, but might cause some leading headaches for cast bullet reloads.
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CapnMidnight
HB Full Member
| Joined: | 5 September 2008 |
| Location: | Carson, Washington USA |
| Posts: | 21 |
| Photo: | [Download] | | Are you a handloader?: | Yes | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | I load everything! |
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Posted: 14 November 2008 08:01 AM |
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I've had a Cowboy 1895 Marlin for 6 years, befor that I shot 336s for over 15 years. I load 59 grs H4895 under the 350gr Hornady FP for elk, works like a champ, travels 2,040-2,060 fps with the 26" barrel. I would start at 56 or 57grs and work up from there. I would also put a Limb Saver or Decelerator pad on your rifle. I just finished building a Mauser bolt action in 45-70, it has a shorter barrel, 20". I had to completely change my loads for the shorter tube, came up with 54.5grs No.7 Reloader under a 350gr Hornady RN for this elk season, going to work up a load using the 400gr Barns SS original. I put a mercury tube in the stock of this Mauser, along with a Limb Saver, made a real nice shooting gun out of it. You should not have any trouble with the XLR cases as long as you shot the jacketed bullets. Happy Bullwinkle hunting.
W.D.
____________________
The most pervasive and least condemned form of dishonesty is not doing the best you can.
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CapnMidnight
HB Full Member
| Joined: | 5 September 2008 |
| Location: | Carson, Washington USA |
| Posts: | 21 |
| Photo: | [Download] | | Are you a handloader?: | Yes | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | I load everything! |
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Posted: 14 November 2008 08:07 AM |
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DON'T try my NO. 7 RL load in your Marlin lever gun, I didn't mean to imply that it would be safe in anything but a bolt action or a Ruger NO. 1. Sorry about that.
W.D.
____________________
The most pervasive and least condemned form of dishonesty is not doing the best you can.
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MT Bird Dog
HB Full Member
| Joined: | 12 November 2008 |
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| Posts: | 10 |
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Posted: 14 November 2008 03:07 PM |
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Thanks, I'll try the 3031 for comparison. Meantime, what's the deal on Federal 215 and 215M primers? Every time I check Midway, sporting goods stores, etc., they're out. Have been substituting CCI primers in other loads and looks like I may have to do the same for the 45-70. I don't like it, but won't wait forever on exact components. I start low and work up in 1/2 grain increments. I don't exceed the next-to-maximum load by more than 1 grain, balancing consistent accuracy with good velocity. If I can get close to 1900 fps and 2"/100 yard groups out of the XLR, I will consider that to be minute of moose accuracy.
Also, I am using a Lee crimping die as a separate, final loading step rather than try to combine crimping with bullet seating.
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Ranch 13
HB Pro Staff
| Joined: | 1 April 2006 |
| Location: | Hells Gap, Wyoming USA |
| Posts: | 112 |
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Posted: 14 November 2008 03:30 PM |
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I don't use Federal primers so I have no idea what's going on there. CCI and winchester have always served me well.
If you have a decent set of dies for the 45-70 (Lyman , RCBS, Hornady) you can leave that piece of crap lee crimp die out of the mix, no point in messing up good loads with that thing. It doesn't take near as much crimp to hold bullet in place as some folks seem to think.
If you bought the lee die set in the first place, you'll likely need that FCD to keep the bullet in the case. Also watch the seating stem on those lee dies really close, the darn thing probably won't seat the bullet to the same spot twice in row.
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MT Bird Dog
HB Full Member
| Joined: | 12 November 2008 |
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| Posts: | 10 |
| Photo: | | | Are you a handloader?: | Yes | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | rifle |
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Posted: 14 November 2008 04:02 PM |
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| Thanks! Nope, I've got a mixed bag. Lee single stage press, Lyman powder measure, Hornady powder scale ( I weigh every charge ), Hornady case trimmer and shell holders, RCBS caliper guage, and RCBS dies for the 45-70. I bought the Lee crimp die after I read that a good crimp is necessary for the 45-70, thinking it was a good idea. Fortunately, the thing didn't cost much.
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