Loads for Browning 1886 SRC??

[alnitak]

I'm just starting to reload for this .45-70 rifle and was hoping that you would share some of your favorites with me.

A few months back, I had a thread going on potential 700X loads...consensus was that it's too fast a powder for .45-70. So I did some research, and have seen a number of other powders (like AA5744, 3031, etc.) recommended for the .45-70. However, I didn't really want to go spend even more money to add another powder to my stock. So, are there any good loads out there with what I have available ... AA #9, AA #7 and 2400? Also, what velocity would you recommend with a 405 gr. cast bullet? I know the 420 gr Randy Garrett Hammerheads get to 1850 fps, but I don't have any gas-checked bullets. So, what maximum velocity should I be targeting?

Thanks.

[Malamute]

I've generally used 3031 in the 45-70. Sorry I can't suggest any loads with the powders you are looking for. You might try to find a copy of Paul Mathews "Forty Years with The 47-70". He had loads with various powders, including 2400.

[Sixgun]

Like Malamute says, the powders you have won't work except for very light loads with cast bullets--800-1400. Be careful. Get some 3031 or RL-7 and follow your reloading manuals. That SRC will take loads up to 2000 and beyond. I loaded for one of those Brownings and was surprised that it could eat up everything I fed it.

The best powder for duty loads is most likely RL-7 for the 45-70. Stuff about 40-44 gr. for velocities of 1600-1800 with a 400 cast--size it .458, no more than .459. All Brownings I have checked run tight in the bore.

Medium loads work great with 5744---leave that fast stuff alone until you get some experience-------------------Sixgun

[alnitak]

leave that fast stuff alone ...

Will do, ... but I thought that the #9 and 2400 were slower burning? But not slow enough?

[1886]

AA#9 and 2400 are slower burning PISTOL cartridge powders, not slower burning rifle cartridge powders. The .45-70 being a straight walled case does better with faster burning rifle powders. It has a faster/higher expansion ratio. You stated that you do not want to spend more money on additional powders but you will have to do just that. Go get some RL-7 for higher performance loads and try something slower like H-4895 or VarGet for milder loads. Both will provide good load density and achieve performance goals. The proper 400gr bullet can easily be driven 2000fps from the bank vault strong B-86 action. As stated, get some good reloading manuals and study. Regards, 1886.

[alnitak]

Understand. Sounds like a trip to the gun shop and some RL-7 is next on the list. Thanks.

[1886]

Something else to keep in mind, Browning 86s generally have short throats. You will probably find it very difficult to seat most projectiles to the SAAMI spec overall length of 2.550". In some cases you will need to load to an O.A.L. of 2.450". You will have to reduce the respective powder charges to remain within safe pressure guide lines. This makes a chronograph invaluable. Regards, 1886.

[Tycer]

Understand. Sounds like a trip to the gun shop and some RL-7 is next on the list. Thanks.

THAT'S WHAT I USE. And 13 grains of unique with 400-420 grain cast for a super-fun plinking load.

[2ndovc]

I've great luck with Varget and multiple projectiles, cast and jacketed.

This was my Marlin LTD, but shoots well out of my shorty Browning too.


jb