M14 Forum

Grubber · November 20th, 2008, 05:54 AM

Anybody here got a recommended load for the 405 gr. .459Laser-Cast bullets?

I've been using Varget, but keep getting lots of unburned powder, enough that I'm concerned they may create a bore obstruction.

Sustinemus · November 20th, 2008, 06:15 PM

Go for about 42 grains of IMR3031. Here's a link to a recent dicussion on reloading for the .45-70. It might help you some...

http://rifle-company.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=7615

High Country Guide · February 18th, 2009, 06:30 AM

I use either 40.0gr of Reloader 7 for 1500fps or 32.3gr of IMR 4198 for 1550 with that bullet.The 4198 shoots a bit cleaner for me, but it really need a wad to take up case space. 1/2" Dacron from the craft shop, cut 5/8" square works for me.

As always, work up to these numbers. These loads work for me, in my rifle, but I highly recommend getting the Alliant manual and the Lyman. I usually start with the Trapdoor loads and work my way up from there. YMMV.

mattellis2 · December 20th, 2009, 07:00 PM

i started reading the thread, and my first thought was reloader 7...but someone beat me to it. in my experience it is the go to powder for 45/70. heck, i didn't even know varget was compatible!

Nazgul · December 20th, 2009, 08:07 PM

I use a lot of IMR4895 in the 45-70. About 50 gr with a 405 gr bullet is a moderate load. Look at the manuals and you can go higher.

Shot 60-70 rounds of it this AM in my new Marlin 1895SBL. Sweet!.

Don

sumoj275 · December 28th, 2009, 11:55 AM

How do you like the SBL? How does the pistol grip stock feel compared to a straight stock Guide Gun? The SBL looks to have most of the features I want but can not find a gun in stock.

Nazgul · December 28th, 2009, 02:29 PM

I have always preferred the pistol grip stocks. I had a Guide Gun for awhile and liked it, can't remember why I sold it. Probably because I have 5 45-70's.

I really am happy with the SBL. My hands are big so I get beat up with the regular levers. The extra room is nice. It has the thick Marlin fore end which I like on the 45-70. I am also a fan of the laminated stocks, I like the durability and extra weight they afford. Tried it with an Aimpoint I have, the Ashley sights were right on with the 420gr FNGC I use in the other guns.

The action was stiff when I first used it. It has loosened up some already, about 150 rounds through it. Complete disassembly and cleaning did not show anything wrong, guess it just needs to be used. I can do that.

Don

sumoj275 · December 28th, 2009, 02:47 PM

How did you like it with the Aimpoint? I have a spare sitting in th pars box with a LaRue low quick detach mount.
Thanks

Nazgul · December 29th, 2009, 04:16 AM

The Aimpoint worked well. I think that I prefer the Ashley irons for now. I have Ashley sights on a Winchester Timber Carbine in 444 Marlin and really like them. They seem to be in focus when I shoulder the rifle. The SBL is the same. The Aimpoint is probably a little better for low light shooting. We will see.

Don

sumoj275 · December 29th, 2009, 11:26 AM

Thanks for the info. A little more picking the brain here. What ammo have you been shooting through the SBL? Any problems with it loading or jamming? I have heard the SBL doesn't have the jam problem that the G models have had. I think, key word here think, I have found a SBL that is new in the box from a fellow shooter. If I have, it will be nice as the SBL has the majority of the upgrades I want with the exception of wrapping the lever with some leather lace, a sling, shell holder cuff, maybe a WWG trigger and a Bear Proof extractor. I guess we will see.
Thanks again for all the info.

Nazgul · December 30th, 2009, 01:55 PM

I reload all my ammo for the 45-70. I have a 420gr Long Flat Nose mold I cast with. The 420 gr seems the perfect bullet to me for most 45-70 shooting. They are heavier than the 405gr, and lighter than the 500 gr bullets. Are accurate in my guns, usually load them to a moderate speed, not max. Cheap, easy on gun and shooter.

I load the 540gr Lyman bullet to 1400-1500 fps. It will penetrate anything I shoot it at. I want to hunt something BIG with this load, maybe when the kids are out of college.

Don

dprice3844444 · February 18th, 2012, 03:42 PM

got a nice ss 16.5 guide gun stuck in the safe

Packing a 45 · February 18th, 2012, 09:23 PM

Diffrent stocks give diffrent sight pictures try both, sholdering with eyes closed then opening eyes, see how the sights align. Streight stocks on the 1895 works for me.

gatorshooter · February 19th, 2012, 05:49 PM

If you want to cast for your guide gun check out ranchdog outdoors he makes molds for the marlin. you will have to read the FAQ about marlin bbls. they need a oversize cast bullet or you will get gas cutting on the bullet and lead your bbl. I Cast and Load a Ranch Dog 420 gr out of water quinched Wheel weights and gas check them with Gatorchecks- Monroe Louisiana. H4895 powder and use Ranchdogs data. I had to back down the powder charge as I was developing a bad flinch. the hot loads kill on both ends....

the H4895 works well for 308 loads too.

ltfb · February 26th, 2012, 08:36 AM

I've always used Varget. 57.0 gr. under a 350 gr. Hornady RN in my guide gun.
Lots of unburned powder for sure, but never an issue and accuracy is phenomenal.