I have read that you have to be careful not to start below minimum starting loads. As in 45-70 those loads vary so much it is mind boggeling. Like a starting load for a ruger #1 may be 50grs of xxxx and for the 1895 48grs of xxxx and 45grs of xxxx for the rest of the guns. Why would it be dangerous to shoot 45grs of xxxx in a #1 when they can withstand higher pressure than the rest. Then these really light loads sound like fun yet they are way below this minimum starting load data. I have shot 25grs H4198 behind 350gr FNs and liked them but am a little nervous to shoot them now. Has anyone ever had a problem with light loads? I also would love to find some light load for my 300 WSM that is safe.

The main problem with light loads in large capacity cases occurs when using very slow powders. You can get a secondary detonation that will destroy the gun and maybe put you in a world of hurt. It can also occur when using fast powders that fill only a fraction of the case. This enables to powder to move forward and leave nothing but air near the flash hole. When using fast powders for light loads, a filler is helpful in keeping the powder back against the flash hole at primer ignition.

They make bulky powders for light loads in most any cartridge. IMR makes SR4756 for light loads in pistols and SR4759 for rifles. I've used the latter with great success.

As for the question relating to 45-70's specifically, you'll get at least three "maximum" loads for that cartridge. That is because of large numbers of old black powder guns of that caliber still in use. Were you to use high pressure loads for something like a modern Ruger #1 in an old Springfield, you'd have instant destruction, hence they will show light, medium and heavy loads, the latter for modern guns, medium for older smokeless powder guns, and light loads for some black powder weapons.

A Trapdoor starting load in your #1 wouldn't be a problem.
Where the warning comes from (and who it affects) is people loading squibs (IE: 30carbine level plinking loads in a 300 (somthing)mag case) and the ocasional S.E.E. (secondary explosive effect) "KaBoom" that has occured while doing the same.

http://www.serveroptions.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=5;t=005878#000012
http://www.realguns.com/loads/4570.htm
http://www.realguns.com/article.htm

http://www.serveroptions.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=6;t=005976#000005

[ 04-08-2003, 03:16: Message edited by: Clark ]