Stumbled across a 45-120. Looks to be a really nice shooter when I get a recipe to load for it!!
Anyone on this site load for the 45-120 already, and if so, what kind of recipes? First got interested when my freind picked up a 45-90 that we are still working up a load for. Would prefer something in nitro (currently playing with 5744 for the 45-90) but I know that is likely a dirty word on this forum!!
Lastly, the only leads we have for loading, without ordering another mold, is .458 in 405 gr, and 350 gr.

That big case was meant to be filled with black powder. If you are planning to use smokeless be careful.

Accurate Arms used to list data for it.

.45/120 SHARPS
44
3 1 ⁄ 4 "
Gun
WISEMAN
Barrel length 30"
Primer CCI 250
Case
HDS


Powder Start Chg. Velocity Max. Chg. Velocity
(L) 300 PB
OAL = 3.700"
5744
45.9
1974
51.0
2146


(L) 405 PB
OAL = 3.815"
5744
42.3
1729
47.0
1879


(L) 500 SCHM OAL = 4.075"
5744
39.2
1555
43.5
1690


(L) 570 JONES OAL = 4.000"
5744
36.9
1437
41.0
1562

SPR 400 JFN OAL = 3.700"
5744
41.0
1641
45.5
1784

Thanks all!
I found a site that had some tried recipes using AA5744. Today I was out and did some test loads with 405 gr cast bullets.
The starting load with that particular gr bullet was 42.3 gr 5744, up to 46 gr.
I went with an even 43 gr. and found the load quite managable! I only did up 8 rounds, and of course by the time all the spectators had a chance at it, the test loads didnt last long.

Those loads don't mention any fillers.
I have used foam backer rod in all of my NfB loads.
The 1/2" rod works perfectly in 450 cartridges.

What single shot action is it?

Why anyone would buy a 45-120 or even a 45-90 with the intention of loading it with smokeless powder is beyond me. They were made for BP and loading smokeless in them is just a waste of effort. Buy a 45-70 instead. I don't know why everyone is afraid of real black powder either; it is fairly easy to make work. Also, your bullets are too light for the 45-120.

quote:

Originally posted by Huvius:
Those loads don't mention any fillers.
I have used foam backer rod in all of my NfB loads.
The 1/2" rod works perfectly in 450 cartridges.

A word of caution,fillers are not recommended when loading with 5744.

quote:

Originally posted by Bill73:

quote:

Originally posted by Huvius:
Those loads don't mention any fillers.
I have used foam backer rod in all of my NfB loads.
The 1/2" rod works perfectly in 450 cartridges.

A word of caution,fillers are not recommended when loading with 5744.

Good to know.
I wonder if the makers differentiate between dense fillers like cream of wheat and soft fillers like foam or Dacron.

I have used the original blackpowder loads in many of my guns. The only downside to blackpowder in my opinion, is the clean-up and the smell! I have seen too many examples of bad pitting as the result of poor clean-up, and so I have become fairly "anal" about making sure they are thoroughly cleaned EVERY TIME/ASAP! (Not to mention the amount of times I have been threatened with divorce, or the option of becoming homeless for cleaning barrels and brass in the house)
Blackpowder is grreat to work with, and I enjoy using it, right up UNTIL the clean-up.
This is where 5744 has become a permanent fixture in my cabinet!

If bp cleanup is a pain, or you get pitting, you are doing it wrong. and this is from 50 years of detailed experience with both muzzle loaders and cartridge guns. Smell, yes, but is not as bad as my wife's farts so I am used to that.
Pitting? Most of the pitting comes from corrosive caps; I have NEVER had any rust or pitting in any cartridge guns, or flintlocks, and no rust since I quit using corrosive caps. Just use some water, and oil the bore afterwards and you won't get rust; at least I never have. Clean the brass with vinegar, out side; the smell is bad but it will clean out all fouling, even if you want a year to do it.
Hint; use a few grains of 5744, no more than ten percent, under the black powder, and it will burn out all fouling, so cleanup will be the same as with smokeless. Clean the brass with vinegar, outside. Or with plain water, inside. No smell.

Great tip on the 10% of 5744. Have to try that!
What grain of bullet do you recommend for 45-120?
I thought that the 405 should be OK, and so far it groups reasonable from 100 Yds, and chronygraphing at 1730-1750 (not sure how much temperature variance, as it was around -23 at the time)

For my 1885 hi-wall I use Swiss BP and wipe between shots. When I get home I wipe the bore with Ballistol followed by a dry patch. The fired cases get rinsed out with warm water. Never had a problem with corrosion.

Best long range bullets for any .45 is 500 grains or more but I use the Lyman pointed one which I think (memory is fading) is 480 grains. For 100 yards, 400s will be fine.

Another thing; NEVER use the crap they call Pyrodex; it is about 100 times more corrosive than anything; and I started using the first year it came out in the mid 70s; I thought it was going to be a great thing; turned out it was pure crap; I still have a couple pounds of it that I will never use. After that initial trial, I immediately went back to real BP.

Still have to do my homework on the paper-patching of bullets, but while I have everyone's attention, is anyone shooting paperpatch out of their 45's?