I have found a load that shoots real good in my Pedersoli 45-70 double. It is 57.5 grains of IMR 3031 and a 405 grain Remington flat point. I am getting 1 3/4" - 2" inch groups at 50 yards. As some here said, I have noticed an opening up of the groups if I shoot the left barrel first. If I shoot right then left though this rifle cooks!

I am wondering if there is anything in particular I should be looking for wear wise that would indicate that these loads are too hot? The cases have no pressure signs and literally drop right out of the chambers. I just don't want to damage the rifle or myself.

Velocity with that load is 2015 fps on average. I am very happy indeed. You guys were right about the double gun fever too! I am seriously considering getting rid of my Sharps to help finance another double.

Thanks,
Casey

You should be pushing the upper limits for this cartridge. I usually shoot a "hot" load like this with my Ruger No 1 and my 1886 but I am not sure about your double rifle. I would back down a bit just to be on the safe side. Have fun. Cheers! Ming

Casey,
You have now reproofed your double. Sure beats a lever action, eh?

I think you may be at or over the 40,000 CUP/PSI level (CUP = PSI in the 45/70 cartridge case IIRC).

How long are your barrels, and what loads or pressures does the manufacturer recommend?

Where's MacD37?

Welcome to the jungle. Once you've done the double thing, all hope is lost.

Casey What is the OAL of your loads? Are you using the rear cannelure? Pedersoli advised my brother that any load safe in the Marlin lever was safe in their double, including Cor-Bon and Buffalo Bore factory loads. 53gr. of IMR3031 with Remington 405 sp. seated deep to the front step down so as to also function through a Marlin lever gave 1840fps. in his Kodiak double with excellent accuracy.

I am not sure what the pressure is as my reloading sources do not provide that data. Mac said that he used a load of 56 grains of IMR 3031, but my rifle likes the 57.5 grain load better. In my handloading manuals this is listed under the Ruger No.1.

Thanks for the information about what a safe load is NE. I was concerned because in an earlier post of mine the infamous Turd E said that this rifle could only handle 28000 psi. I guess that was more of his bogus information.

RAB, I know you have a double or two. Is there anything that would indicate that the rifle was about to shoot off the face. I hope that is the correct term.

Casey

Casey,
I like NE 450 NO 2's load for my 45/70 Marlin. That was Elmer Keith's favorite load for anything in North American.

Turd E came up with some good poop now and then, and it seemed I had heard the 28,000 CUP/PSI level mentioned for the Kodiak before. It ought to last "forever" at that level.

I think the finest double in the world shouldn't be exposed to anything over 40,000 PSI. And of course it should be in a rimmed cartridge, always.

Maybe someone with Quick Load could run the numbers to get an estimated pressure for your load??? I don't have the capability. I think that CUP and PSI happen to be about the same in the 45/70 case.

So, is the barrel length 26"-28" on the Kodiak 45/70? I forgot. If so, the 53 grain load of IMR3031 ought to give you over 1900 fps with the 405 grain bullet, and surely be safe. You have adjustable sights on the Kodiak too, so maybe you could "regulate" that load.

I would be very satisfied with Elmer Keith's favorite load in a 45/70 double.

52 grains of RL-7 would be hotter than the load you have now, so don't go anywhere near that. I would sure love to see a Quick Load pressure estimate on that load too, as it shook the screws loose in my old Marlin 1895.

The question: There is no way to tell if the gun is about to shoot off face. It is either a catastrophic failure with one shot or a slow wear and tear on the bearing surfaces over time that loosens up the action. Keeping the gun clean and well oiled on bearing surfaces, not snapping the action open and closed too vigorously, and avoiding the high pressure loads will give you longevity.

I would stick with 53 grains of IMR 3031 and not worry about it, IMHO.

Thanks RAB. Do you know anyone with Quick Load? I guess that I did not answer your barrel length question from you last post. Anyway, the barrels are supposed to be 24 inches long. I haven't measured them though.

Again thanks.
Casey

My all time favorite 45/70 load in my Ruger No1 or a Marlin, is the Hornady 350 RN [you could use the flat nose now] with 56gr. of IMR 3031. This load also shot good in the Kodiak double. This bullet holds together better than the common 400-405 gr., but will still expand as velocity falls of at long 45/70 range ie. 150 to 200 yds. I like this bullet a lot and use it in my 450 No2, at 2330fps.

Casey,
Not surprised at all that your double shoots better when you shoot the right barrel first. That's how they are made to be shot!

When several of us went to Camp Cooley Ranch earlier this year for our hog hunt, Perry Newman's Pedersoli aquitted it's self with flying colors! A very nice rifle! I think he has had it rechambered to 450 #2?

Congrats on your nice shooting double!

Rusty
We band of brothers!

Rusty, Is he able to shoot regular full power loads in the rechambered Kodiak? Also please ask any of your fellow double shooters to please bring any 577 or 600 NE rifles they have, even if they are not going to use them in the "shoot". I would like to see some of those in action. Looking foward to the shoot. Fixing to go load some 450 No2 right now.

Trolling for Quickload?

Casey,
The Speer manual shows the 400 grain bullet with 53 grains of IMR 3031 as a max load for the 28,000 PSI class loads. They stop at 54 grains of IMR 3031 and call it a compressed load in the 35,000 PSI (or less) loads, with the 400 grain bullet.

Again, I must say I like the 350 grain load that NE has listed.

My favorite idea though is to use the 400 grain Swift bullet with the 53 grains of IMR 3031, and you are loaded for bear. That bullet is a flat nose that should be just right for the Kodiak velocity.

Thanks everyone. RAB, my rifle does not shoot as well with the 405 grain bullets with the load you are suggesting. It might shoot the 350 well with it though.

I seat the bullets at the second cannelure, which is the one closest to the base of the bullet. The COL is 2.685 inches.

Rusty, where did your friend get his Kodiak rechambered?

Thanks,
Casey

[ 06-30-2002, 07:40: Message edited by: CASEY ]