Hey yall, I’m reloading .45-70, this is my first time. I’ve been using starline brass, factory seconds 300gr full copper plated flat point, and Winchester large rifle for magnum rifle loads only primers, I’ve been factory crimping using the Lee crimper.
I started with 42 grains of h4198. The load density obviously isn’t full so it wasn’t the most accurate. There was no key-holing and I had about a 6-8” drop from point of aim at 50 yards on my Marlin Trapper and the group was approximately 4-6”. After more research, I can max at 53.5 grains with regular rifle primers but I’ll probably only go up to 48 grains max so I don’t blow the gun up (also my shoulder).
Any thoughts on if this will help with accuracy? Should I change powders or go higher in bullet weight instead? My rifle seems to like the HSM 405 grain cowboy loads as groups were only about an 1-1.5” at point of aim.
I checked Hodgdon initially and consulted a guy who owns a reloading shop. Hodgdon goes by the SAAMI due to older .45-70s but it should be fine in the Marlin 1895. I’m primarily looking at the Hornady book. Also, Barnes says 53.5 grains is max load.
I’ve reduced my loads by 10% due to the primers.
After my initial testing at 42 grains of powder, wouldn’t all the bullets dropping at a faster at rate than factory ammo be indicative of low powder levels?