Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles 45/70 powder recommendations?

So I currently have imr 4350, H super performance and imr 4451 powders on hand. None are really good for the 45/70 and cast bullets. I aim to shoot 300-400gr mild loads out of a miroku 1886. I’d love to find some trail boss or unique but those aren’t available around me. What would be your other powder suggestions? Like I said before I’m not looking to rattle my teeth or stop a grizzly just some mild plinking loads.

R7 and 3031 are two of my favorite powders for the 45/70

A basic 45-70 powder from years back that is still a top notch performer, IMR or H-4198. Unique as well as 2400... IMR SR 4756 can also be used for the traditional turn of the century loads, about 16grs with a pinch of Dacron for a filler with a 400gr bullet at 1250 o 1300 fps. Doesn't sound like much but for sure it very capable of taking HEAVY game.

Cast bullet low velocity data: http://www.gmdr.com/lever/lowveldata.htm



I’ve used HS6 and 2400 with great accuracy. A friend shoot red dot in his. No filler used on the loads



Imr sr4759 is my favorite low velocity powder

I use H4198 in my 45/70. I also used the same powder in my 444 marlin. If I was going to use anything else it would be RL7.



In this pic I used H335 which is known for producing an impressive muzzle flash.

23-25 gr of 5744 with 405 gr

^^^^^Seconded!^^^^^

Imr 3031,RL7 and H-322.

I have used these as well as trail boss and one can make up some rather mild loads with them.

All the appropriate smokeless powders have been mentioned, so I'll throw out another option - the original 45-70 powder: Swiss, Goex, etc. at around 66-70 grains. I shoot more BP in 45-70 than I do smokeless but that's mostly in single shots. I also have a Miroku 1886 and wouldn't be afraid to shoot BP in it and probably will some day. With BP currently being more available than smokeless, that's what I'd do in your situation.

I have a Marlin levergun..... the most accurate loads all use ffg ......
I can drive 'em faster with smokeless.... but not more accurately.

3031

Check a Lyman book - lots of good cast and jacketed loads with many powders at different velocities.

I found some 3031 got it on the way. Thanks guys.

The best powers that I have found for the 45/70 are IMR 4198, H322, H335, and RL 7.

SR 4759 was my hands down choice on my 444, learned that from my buddy with the Marlin 45/70.

no long made, but I've got like 32 lbs of it....

Hey dare, recently acquired a ruger 1a 45/70, been reading Lyman book and Western Powders, and burn rate charts as well. Don't have any recommended powders, but close. The SR4759 is listed as good, I've got some H110 which is very close on all charts, and I have some 2400 as well on that end, lighter bullets, 350gr or so. Heavier end, I have a fair amount of Tac, which I'd like to try. Slower than 3031, faster than Varget which is listed in Lymans with heavy bullets. Not flying crazy but trying to make what I have work.

Don’t ya reckon when this supply crisis is over, more will stockpile powder like that. Primers, too.

I’m glad I have enough to get me by.

DF

Good selection, but these days about anything near that burn rate should work.

Or said another way. You burn what you can find or what you have on hand.

DF

+1 and would also add 5744 .

Some stated SR4759 …. Didn’t IMR discontinue this powder ?

They did d/c 4759. And Seafire has what’s left.

DF