I like to keep things simple so am looking for one powder that will work fine in 300/350gr bullets and maybe some 400gr cast. I'm not looking to reach Ruger or top Marlin preasure levels just reliable 80-100yard deer hunting loads. Around here I can only get powder from Alliant, IMR and Hodgdon and it would be nice if the powder worked well in my .223 so I can keep my stock low.

Thanks

P.S. If anyone has a recomendation on which bullets work best for 180-200lb deer they would be welcome.

AR2207 (Hodgdon H4198) works pretty well with the 300gr jacketed projectiles, I can drive them anywhere from 1700fps to 2200fps from my Marlin. With a cast 420gr FNGC I use AR2208 (Varget) for 1785fps. Both those powders have applications in the 223Rem, especially AR2207.
Cheers...
Con

1 x Casefull! FFG Swiss BP

Used 3031 for years, then discovered RE7... Mine really likes 50grs RE7 behind the 350gr Hornady...

There are TWO really top powders for the .45/70: Alliant RE 7 and IMR 3031. IMR 4198 is also good, but I have found the other two to give top accuracy in my .45/70's and in the .450 Alaskan, which is just more of the same!!

A little less velocity than FFg Swiss, but
Fg Goex will give great groups with
a 540gr cast lead bullet.

H-322 will do a good job in both. Are you looking for what pressure range type of 45-70? Low, mid, or modern high pressure? This will also dictate what powders will work the best. H-322 will perform well at mid and high pressure loads in the 45-70, and is a powder that will give good velosity in the 223.

NBHunter,

I personally don't have experience w/ the 45-70 but, I hear from many that AA5744 is a great powder for the cartridge.

Good Luck!

Reloader

With a normal strategy for selecting powder, one looks for the highest velocity attainable with the lowest pressure. That would make Re7 or some fast rife powder the best as pointed out above.



But the 45/70 will push the 405 gr hard cast bullets faster than my shoulder can take.



At recoil levels I can tolerate, I can get great results with IMR4895 [much slower than optimum] and Unique [much faster than optimum]



link to my 45/70 loads with Unique powder





Joe at realguns has some good Marlin Guide gun loads for 405 gr:

http://www.realguns.com/loads/4570.htm

I have had excellent luck with H4895 in the 45-70 and in my 458 Win Mag. Very good velocity, very low SD, clean, accurate.

RobertD

I'm with the crowd that includes 3031, and RL-7. Used them both for years now, and they work quite well.
It's sometimes a toss up, but most likely 3031 will win when it comes to the splitting of fine hairs....At least in my gun.
Russ

With 350-gr.bullets mine really likes two different powders....either 29.5 grs. Alliant 2400, or 59.5 grs. VV-N135. Are MAX loads in my 1886 Browning. May be excessive in your rifle. Start 5% lower unless you are shooting a weaker or older rifle.... If you are, then start 15% lower....



AC

RL 7 or benchmark...

remember, 3031 is as dirty as the 3 girls in a hot dream...

rem 405s are THE bullet for 45/70

jeffe

JMO, RX7 and 540 gr paper patch is the load for all seasons, all reasons. I don't understand the concept of jacketed bullets in a 45-70......

RX7