47-70 #1 cast bullets

[jazzman251]

My #1 is a 45-70 and I have some 300 gr Meister bullets I would like to
load. Since they are a bit pricey,I was wondering what loads anyone has
used that has worked. Velocity is not a factor,only group size.
Thanks

 

[four70nitro]

No. 1's are so notoriously individual that I doubt that what shoots well in one will necessarily shoot well in another. I don't shoot anything as light as 300 grain so I can't even give you a starting point.....

I can tell you that I have not had good success with high-velocity loads and cast bullets in my No. 1 but the same bullets seem to shoot reasonable well in my son's Sharps at a much lower velocity.

Dave

 

[Major T]

Go to the reloading manuals (on line will work) and find a lorded in the 1100 - 1200 FPS range. Place a news print wad over the powder, if it doesn't come to the base of the case, a cream of wheat or Dacron filler (get it at the fabric store) to raise the column to the bullet base with a plastic, fiber, or cardboard (Milk carton is fine). Trail Boss may basically reduce the need for all this busy work, as it is a very low density powder. I would suspect the need for a wad under the bullet unless yours are gas checked. Might help prevent leading. The Hodgdon manual gives several charge suggestions, including 14.0 to 16.5 grains if Trail Boss at 1200-1400 fps. I have never used cast less than 400 grains (in a Browning 1885). I have not yet loaded for the No. !, maybe soon. jack

 

[3040krag]

I run RCBS 300FN through my #1. Cast from wheelweight metal, sized .458". I shoot a charge of IMR 3031 which IIRC gives me a velocity of approx. 1750fps. 3 will go into 11/2" @ 100yds pretty consistently. The same bullet on top of 10.0 grains Unique gives me about 1000fps and are fun to shoot. I've shot a lot of different bullets as well-Lyman 330 gr.HP, the old 457406, the RCBS 400FN, and some 420 grain paper patched. I generally use 3031, Unique, or black powder. The old 330HP on top of 70 gr. FFG with a card wad between powder and bullet is great on deer! If your rifle has a long throat like a #3 I once had, you'll have to seat them out to get them accurate. I've had a lot more consistency out of my #1 than the older #3 (it kicks a lot less, too!)

 

[Geo]

There are times that #1s do not shoot well with lead bullets. It may not be terribly bad, but may not be up to the desired results, either. The reason being is that the chambers and throats of the #1s are standard SAAMI chambers that have the throat angle cut for jacketed bullets.

By all means, start with a bullet and load recommended by someone, like Bearcat, that has actual experience and has had good results.

When Ruger first introduced this rifle in .45-70 many years ago, I simply could not live without one. I had my best luck with jacketed bullets, by far.