Got the 45-70 ready for deer

[Will]

Took the Marlin 1895 GBL out today to get ready for deer season. I've been trying to get a load worked up for the accurate 460-405V bullets Waco was nice enough to send me.

Think I've finally settled on 44gr of IMR 3031 lit off by a federal primer.

First cold barrel shot.

 

[Will]

Here's the 5 shot group the 2 high ones were probably me. Or it could be a inconsistent burn from the low charge of 3031.

 

[35 shooter]

Very nice...deer(or whatever) look out. What lube are you using if you don't mind me asking?

 

[Will]

One of Mikes lubes I picked up on the other forum. Think he called it Satans lube cause the formula is 6 parts Vaseline, 6 parts paraffin wax, 6 parts beeswax, and 1 part ivory soap.

 

[35 shooter]

Ok, thanks Will. I like to see those first shots in the group like that and it certainly looks like it's working for you.

Good luck with your 45/70 this season!

 

[Ben]

I don't believe a deer will be getting away from that.
What does that load feel like on your shoulder ?

Ben

 

[Will]

Honestly is pushes you some but is not brutal. I tried shooting some 350gr ranch dogs about 1600-1700fps and the recoil was much sharper.
These slow 405gr bullets just shove you around. I also added a limb saver recoil pad which helped a lot.

 

[gman]

After the first cold barrel shot did the two high shots come next?

 

[Will]

Yep then shot the other 2 in the bullseye

 

[smokeywolf]

3031 is my usual go-to powder for 45-70. If you start getting close to 50 grains with a 405 grn. bullet, you better have the butt plate pulled up real tight to your shoulder or your going to grimace after the hammer falls.

 

[Brad]

Easy shooting load for me is 22-24 gr of 2400 with a 405-420 gr cast bullet. 24 gr gives me 1400 with a 420gr plain base and it shoots awesome in my Marlin. Easy to shoot 50 in a day with no pain.

 

[waco]

42gr. 3031 is my go to load with that bullet.

 

[Will]

I tried your recommendation of 42 gr. My rifle strung it vertically about 5". Couple more grains calmed it down. I probably need to go up a couple more but I don't want recoil to get brutal.

 

[gman]

I tried the same lube you are now using. Didn't work for me. Took several shots to get it to settle down each and every time.

 

[Will]

I haven't had any trouble with it so far. Seems to really shine when it's cool out.

 

[KHornet]

Looks good!

 

[oscarflytyer]

I am currently shooting Lee 405 HB in front of 38.5 grns of IMR 3031 in my 1895. It likes it and so does my rebuilt shoulder! Chrono's at 1325 fps. Flips a small Southern whitetail end over end at 85 yds and no meat damage. Looking to go up to 40 grns, and might work up a grain or two more based on your load. But it is a very easy forgiving load on the shooter and very terminal on the receiving end!

 

[Will]

Oscar how long is the barrel on your 1895?

 

[oscarflytyer]

1895 bbl is 22"

 

[Will]

Thanks
My GBL has a 18.5" barrel. I was just trying to guess the velocity. My tripod broke so I haven't ran these across the chronograph.