45-70 load data with 2400

[Will]

Does anyone know where I could locate 45-70 load data with 2400 powder?
I'm planning to load the mihec 462 hammer bullet that weighs 330gr. I know many use 2400 with 400gr bullets but can't find much info on the 300-350gr bullets.

 

[Brad]

I shot many 350 RD bullets with the same 24 gr load of 2400. Shot quite well.

 

[Will]

What kind of velocity did that load give you Brad?

 

[Brad]

Don't remember? I would expect 1400 or so. My Marlin shot it pretty well.

 

[fiver]

the same 22-24 grs will still work just fine.
your still matching the 454 casull just you don't gotta try so hard with the rifle.

 

[Pistolero]

I was just getting started loading for the .45-70 and loaded up 10 test loads with 405 Jbullets and
a "certain amount" of 2400. On the first shot, the lever popped down. I hadn't shot the Marlin
GG SS much, thought that odd, but (stupidly) fired a second shot - and the lever popped down
quite smartly. Hmmm. Not doing THIS any more. Went home pulled a couple bullets
and weighed the powder and really, really was unhappy. They were WAY, WAY over the max
load. I still do not know exactly how this normally pretty darned careful loader managed that one,
but I did. And the Marlin stood up to it, but did "mention it" by popping the lever down.

So, I can verify that the book max of 2400 is really quite safe in a Marlin.

Bill

 

[KHornet]

Ya Bill, when something like that happens, you scratch your head, and
figure what went wrong, and hope it doesn't happen again. Have had
similar happen, and know the feeling of WHY did it happen.

Paul

 

[Pistolero]

I started loading 50 years ago and that is the ONLY time I ever loaded a substantial
overload. Somehow I had it in my head that X grains was the load to try, and that one
time skipped my normal process of cross checking with a couple of loading books.
Really glad not to have blown up the rifle or hurt myself. You can fit in WAY too much
2400 in a .45-70 case.

Never again, I hope. What went wrong was my skipping the "verify with a couple of loading
books" any load that I am not extremely familiar with.

Bill

 

[Brad]

I always verify. I tend to agonize over loads for some reason.
I can assure you that any time I want over 1400 fps in my 45-70 I use a powder slower than 2400.

 

[Pistolero]

No intent to say anything about anyone else's methods, just point out that if one wanted to
use a max load of 2400 in .45-70, there is absolutely no danger of blowing up the gun since I
have shot loads way over that "safely" - sorta kinda, at least didn't damage anything other than
my ego.

Bill

 

[Brad]

When I first got my Marlin anything over a mild load popped the lever open. It bugged me enough to call them and ask. Gun was sent back and whatever they did made it better. I also discovered that there is a small bump on the lever that controls how tightly it closes and holds the vertical lug. I filed a little off that lump and got far snugger lockup.

 

[fiver]

oh boy. [far snugger]
I hope your wife doesn't realize my terminology and wordsmithing is starting to rub off.

 

[Pistolero]

Trust me, these were MASSIVE overloads. The lever does not pop open with loads that push
a 405 to 2100 fps.

Bill

 

[fiver]

MY lever would pop open after touching a couple of those off.
I tried a 450 marlin a couple of shots...... once.

 

[Pistolero]

fiver - I fired exactly 5 shots at the 2100 fps level. In a 7 lb rifle with quite a bit of stock drop, even with
the added KickEEZE sorbothane pad, it was way not fun. No desire to repeat. They were fired
over a chrono, so that is an accurate number.

My hunting load is a 405 at 1750, kills with authority, not particularly unpleasant at the back end, since it
uses 57 gr of W748 which is pretty slow and gives a nice push rather than a smash to your shoulder. That
load is even under the Trapdoor pressure limit.

Bill

 

[Brad]

I fired a few 405 Rem softpoints with a large dose of H335 or 748, don't remember. What I do know is that they were approaching 2100 fps and recoil was snappy.

I don't do that anymore.

 

[Will]

I'm gonna start at 23 and work up to 26 or 27. I'm hoping for around 1500fps. I've seen post of people going up to 30gr of 2400 with this bullet but that makes me nervous.

If things don't work out I'll try something slower. I've got 4198 3031 and Varget I can try.

 

[Brad]

24-25 gr, depending on bullet weight, will get you awful close.

 

[fiver]

3031 would be worth a try.

I actually seen some 2400 on the shelf tonight at the sportsmans warehouse.
too bad they don't take checks anymore, I would have probably bought 3-4 lbs. and some green-dot.

 

[Will]

Fiver the local gun shop has a 8 pounder sitting on the shelf that's been calling my name. $199

I love 2400. Seems like anymore I load pretty much everything with it.