I just got a new 45-70 with a 1:18" twist, 24" barrel. What is the optimal bullet weight for stabalization/accuracy (50-200yds) AND feeding in a bolt action Siamise Mauser?

Also, if you have a good source for the recomended bullet/weight, that would be good to. It has to be GC also. All else equal, Wayne Doudna has served me well in the past as a cast bullet seller.

Thanks,
BMG

BMG:

BMG: I just got a new 45-70 with a 1:18" twist, 24" barrel. What is the optimal bullet weight for stabalization/accuracy (50-200yds) AND feeding in a bolt action Siamise Mauser?

F: The old Lyman version of the 500 grain Govt bullet should work well in your rifle for feeding and accuracy in the rate of twist you have.

Actually, I have seen folks shoot the long, heavy "Postell" design bullets of 540 grains in 1:18 barrels with good results at long range.

BMG: Also, if you have a good source for the recomended bullet/weight, that would be good to. It has to be GC also..

F: Gas checks are nice of course, but hardly necessary in the 45/70.

There are lots of combinations of powders and fillers that will get the job done in the 45/70 without GC's at all.

Good morning,
Forrest

If the brass cannot move, as in BR chambers, pistol or rifle, then the "brass" is not weak, even with an "inferior" mixture of copper and zinc, or maybe even some tin. If you have an enlarged chamber, mainly like some auto guns for feeding purposes, then we have a problem. The brass mills, Olin and PMC mainly, make brass according to buyers specs. They may also make the cases for the buyer. I know that Federal has specified thicker material over the years for guns what they consider to have potential for enlarged chambers, like 308W, 45LC. The 30-30s have been loaded lightly for years, and more than likely the Federal brass for that is not hopped up. Also, I have noticed that if Federal is going to load a hot version of a standard version, they will order a thicker brass for that lot of loads. I know this, because I had several hours worth of conversation with Federal's head production engineer in Houston at a manufacturing convention. It's truth! No reason to boost sales at such a meeting. ... felix

BMG:

Aladin says: If you haven't bought any brass, IMO Remington is the best I've seen for uniformity..

F: Yup. R-P brass is all I shoot in my 45/70 and all I'll reform for shooting in the 40/65.

WW brass is lighter and favored by the blackpowder boys because they can get a couple more grains of their carcoal into each round.

A: Far as reloading the 45/70 there's a few tricks to learn..

F: Loading the 45/70 is not really like loading for the bottle-neck cround.

It depends a lot on what it is you're going to use the round to do. (No kidding?, but I had to say it.)

I load for long range accuracy. Lots of other fellows load for hunting or general informal shooting.

As is usual in such a diverse world there are lots of answers. It is the question, the utilization of the rifle if you will, that makes the difference in what you feed it.

Good afternoon,
Forrest