what do you think the pressure would be with a 350gr speer@2550-2650fps in a ruger #1? Is this even possible

I do not think so, at least I would not recommend you try it. The Speer loading book shows a max speed of 2132fps. I shoot 350 Hornadys to about 1950 in my No1. Plenty enough for any animal suitable for the 4570 and 350gr softpoints. I drive these same bullets to @2330 in my 450 No2.[that is the speed thsy regulate with] They still hold together but even if you could push a 350gr bullet to 2650 it might not hold up.
Even in the 458 WinMag Speer only gets 2593fps.max

Considering that a 458 win mag can only push a 350 gr to 2500 fps from a 24" barrel, I'd expect a 45-70 w/ 22" barrel achieving an additional 50-150 fps would be running in the 100,000 psi range.

I would expect 2200-2250 fps to be a more realistic level.

If you have the gun re-chambered to a 45 basic, or 450 NE, then you shouldn't have a problem, other then recoil.

can get close with a 300 gr...
i doubt with a 350
jeffe

Griz,
I was getting 2,775 in my .458 Lott w/25.5" brl.
I think Paul & NE #2 have it right.

can get close with a 300 gr...
i doubt with a 350

Try a "Poly Patch" as used in a 45 cal muzzle loader with a round ball. That will get your projectile weight way under 200 grains. It will go very fast within allowed pressures. They actually shoot straight too. I have not tried it but, the sabots using 38 pistol bullets might be a good bet.

[ 12-14-2002, 01:41: Message edited by: scot ]

HI,

I would say that is smoking a bit to much and you would not really need it that high. Thanks,Kev

A 460 WBY will push a 350 gr bullet slightly over 3000fps. I don't believe 2600 fps is possible with a 45-70 case even on a Ruger Number 1 or in a Siamese Mauser. This is not the territory I'd be exploring with a 45-70. You will need to exceed 63,00 PSI for which this case is not designed. My bet is it would take 90Kpsi-100Kpsi. If you want these kind of velocities, I'd buy a 460 WBY.-Rob

[ 12-17-2002, 06:00: Message edited by: Robgunbuilder ]

Rob,
Good call... quickload calls for it to be 95,000 to break 2600... and 55k for 300gr hornady at 2500...

cheers
jeffe

About the fastest load I've seen for a 45/70 is 2500 fps using the 250gr Barnes-XC FN.

I use the Barnes 300 grain original at about 2200 fps with a stiff charge of IMR 4198. I am 6'2" and weigh in at about 240. It still rocks my coconut everytime I pull the trigger. Can't imagine what it would be like pushing it to 2600 fps.

[ 12-17-2002, 22:13: Message edited by: crowrifle ]

I shot and used the 45-90 a good deal some years back, I wish I still had that beatiful old 86 Win with the 26" barrel, it was mint and I even had the wood box and celser it was packed in, but I cut a fat hog and sold it to some idiot for the princly sum of $150 bucks ....

I got just a tad over 1800 FPS with the good 350 gr. Hornady and it killed elk and deer pretty well, left good blood trails and always showed perfect expansion..all the rest of the bullets showed a tendency to seperate or did seperate....