hey guys im new to reloading and want to load 500 grain pointed cast bullets for my 45-70. ive got the mold and have started popping out nuggets but need help deciding on a charge. i think i would like to load some with black powder and some with smokeless. any suggestions. the gun is a nef buffalo classic which nef said it can handle the same charges as a ruger no1 but im still a little skittish.

I have used 5744 and black powder for my c.sharps 45-70, shooting both 525 gr. POSTELL and 350 rnfp, like the 5744 better, less work to reload, but do like the "smoke and smell" every once in a while. look up "cowboy action" loads as a starting point.

I guess it depends on what your intended use for the rifle and loads are? I had a Buffalo Classic for a while. I would definitely PASS on the Ruger #1 load levels idea. The rifle is way too light in weight, and mine used to pop open with "lever action" strength loads. I would stick to trapdoor or lever action strength loads and just enjoy it for what it is, instead of trying to make it into a 458 win mag.

Are you wanting to hunt with it, shoot long range targets with it, or just generally have fun and plink with it?

If you're going to shoot blackpowder out of it ( I highly recommend the ONE, true powder, BLACKPOWDER in 45-70), you are going to have to cast your bullets differently than for smokeless. BP bullets need to be cast soft, no harder than about 20-1 lead to tin ratio. I cast mine around 30-1, as I have found that softer is better in my blackpowder cartridge rifles.

You're also going to want to use a suitable blackpowder lube on those bullets. I prefer SPG myself. It's cheap enough, works well, and is readily available in many online and local shops. You are going to experience issues with bullet lube in that long 32" barrel if your bullet doesn't carry enough lube in the grooves. You may end up using a grease cookie or lube wad under the bullet to carry extra lube. Use a card wad between the grease cookie or wad and the powder charge.

For BP loads, just figure out how much powder space you have in the case, with your bullet seated to desired depth for your chamber and throat. It's best to test seat a bullet on an empty case first and test chamber it in your rifle to make sure you have the OAL right. Then figure out how much depth that takes into the case, and fill the case with powder up to that point, plus maybe another .125" or so. Real BP works better if it's slightly compressed. If you're using a lube wad or grease cookie, make sure you account for that as well.

For smokeless loads, there are many loads listed in current reloading manuals that should fit your desired needs. I've used IMR 3031, IMR 4198, and AA 5744 (which used to be called XMP 5744). For trapdoor level loads, AA 5744 is a great place to start.

If you're wanting to shoot it long range, your biggest handicap will be your sighting system. You will need a rear sight with enough elevation adjustment in it to make up for the rainbow trajectory of the cartridge.

not looking for a cowboy action load. looking for something to knock down a bear with and the occasional chipmunk or deer.

will be doing some long range woodchucks as well. probably 400 yards tops.

i don't recommend the pointed bullet for shooting critters. it will most likely just put a straight hole through the animal without any real expansion. for black bear and deer a flat nose 400gr would be better.
I've been using 27grs. sr4759
win. wlr primer
400gr lee bullets / or 400gr rcbs/w gas checks
WW brass

I've used Varget and H322 for some of my smokeless loads in my 45-70 with good luck.

I'm using the Varget for the slower loads (1400 fps) and the lighter bullets (350 g.). And the H322 for the hotter loads (1980 fps)and the heavier bullets (405 g.).

A friend shoots the 500gr Lee bullet at 1700fps in his Buffalo Classic.

http://www.go2gbo.com/forums/i...6.html#msg1098241496

quote:

Originally posted by Slowpoke Slim:
I guess it depends on what your intended use for the rifle and loads are? I had a Buffalo Classic for a while. I would definitely PASS on the Ruger #1 load levels idea. The rifle is way too light in weight, and mine used to pop open with "lever action" strength loads.

H&R pop opens are usually caused by the shooter not closing the action firmly, or oil on the the latch and/or shelf, it can also be caused by insufficient latch engagement, easily fixed by honing the latch shelf to provide better engagement. I have several H&R 45-70s, they shoot Ruger loads just fine, for how long I don't know, I know no one that's broken one doing so, but longevity would certainly be longer staying in the 40kpsi load range or lower, shooter longevity is applicable here too!!!

As for recoil, a lead filled pipe in the stock bolt hole, or an MRR will tame the recoil some, my 45-120 Buffalo Classic weighs close to 11 lbs with that setup,