My DR is regulated with the Hornady 325 gr Lever Evolution load. I contacted Hornady in search of a load that would duplicate the factory load and was told they use a non canister powder. I was wondering what powder to try to duplicate the factory load. Thanks in advance.

It might help if you can provide any unique aspects of the powder as loaded by Hornady.
For instance, their Light Magnum loads offered increased velocity without higher pressures and that could be reproduced by using VV N133.

Take a factory Hornady loaded round.
Pull the bullet.
Weigh the powder.
Go to the Hornady manual and check the 45-70 load data.
Check the weights of the powders there vs what you weighed.
Look at the powder weight that represents the published velocity of the factory load.
Try this powder/weight as a starting point.

3031. My fav powder for full loads.
And do what dug said.

quote:

Originally posted by dpcd:
3031. My fav powder for full loads.
And do what dug said.

My choice as well! I have loaded 45-70s for years with 3031 in everything Ruger No1s to Pedersoli double rifles. Just follow the load manuals for load weight, and you'll be fine!

.............................. MacD37

Thanks, I'll pull one and start there, I'll let you know how it goes.

quote:

Originally posted by HWhit585:
My DR is regulated with the Hornady 325 gr Lever Evolution load. I contacted Hornady in search of a load that would duplicate the factory load and was told they use a non canister powder. I was wondering what powder to try to duplicate the factory load. Thanks in advance.

Can you not find Leverevolution powder? Hodgdon sells it.

Swiss 1 1/2 Black.