This may be a dumb question but:
What is your favorite load for 38-55 and 45-70. I am starting to reload and need an idea on what is the best load for each.
My 45-70s are Pedersoli Sharps, Browning 1886, and H&R Springfield Trapdoor Carbine.
My 38-55 is a Winchester 94 (Crazy Horse Commemorative)
I know the 45-70s cover a wide variety of firearm but please list your favorite for any of them. Thanks for all your help.
OT- Load info for 38-55 and 45-70
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OT- Load info for 38-55 and 45-70
"Today, we need a nation of Minutemen, citizens who are not only prepared to take arms, but citizens who regard the preservation of freedom as the basic purpose of their daily life and who are
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Re: OT- Load info for 38-55 and 45-70
It would be wise to invest in a good reloading manual first, then ask questions about loads. I for one would answer questions about loads but will not give powder and grains out.. And yes I load for these and about 50 more...
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Re: OT- Load info for 38-55 and 45-70
I'd first slug the barrels to determine proper bullet size and then I'd look at some Accurate data using 5744......works well in both calibers......
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- 2ndovc
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Re: OT- Load info for 38-55 and 45-70
My favorite 45-70 load is 42 gr Varget and 405 LSWCGC... Browning '86 and Marlin LTD-III.
My Grandfather's 100 yr old Winchester 94 likes 24 grains IMR 4198 and a Barnes .377/ 255 gr sp.
If I try to hot rod the 38-55 groups go from less than 2" at 100 yds to 4-5"
It'll shoot the old Imperial 255 sp's into a 5 shot cloverleaf at 100 yds. !!
jb![Cool 8)](./images/smilies/icon_cool.gif)
My Grandfather's 100 yr old Winchester 94 likes 24 grains IMR 4198 and a Barnes .377/ 255 gr sp.
If I try to hot rod the 38-55 groups go from less than 2" at 100 yds to 4-5"
It'll shoot the old Imperial 255 sp's into a 5 shot cloverleaf at 100 yds. !!
jb
![Cool 8)](./images/smilies/icon_cool.gif)
jasonB " Another Dirty Yankee"
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Re: OT- Load info for 38-55 and 45-70
I do have a Lyman Manual and Hornady Manual I am just wondering what works good for you all. I have read here about "slugging" a barrel I guess I dont really understand the necessity. Please explain.
"Today, we need a nation of Minutemen, citizens who are not only prepared to take arms, but citizens who regard the preservation of freedom as the basic purpose of their daily life and who are
willing to consciously work and sacrifice for that freedom." - John F. Kennedy
willing to consciously work and sacrifice for that freedom." - John F. Kennedy
- 2ndovc
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Re: OT- Load info for 38-55 and 45-70
Bore diameters can vary greatly for some cartridges. Especially the 38-55. Bullets for the 38-55 are usually .377 or higher. Slugging the bore can show you where to start when selecting a bullet.
I recently purchased a Win. 94 in .45 Colt and the first time I took it to the range I was really dissapointed in the accuracy. later iit dawned on me that I was shooting .452s. Sluging the bore with a Hornady .454 round ball that came out about .453+ showed me that I needed to be shooting .454 bullets in the Winchester.
Loading the proper size bullets in the Winny gave me 1-1/2" groups down from 4-5".
Hope that helps!!
jb![Cool 8)](./images/smilies/icon_cool.gif)
I recently purchased a Win. 94 in .45 Colt and the first time I took it to the range I was really dissapointed in the accuracy. later iit dawned on me that I was shooting .452s. Sluging the bore with a Hornady .454 round ball that came out about .453+ showed me that I needed to be shooting .454 bullets in the Winchester.
Loading the proper size bullets in the Winny gave me 1-1/2" groups down from 4-5".
Hope that helps!!
jb
![Cool 8)](./images/smilies/icon_cool.gif)
Last edited by 2ndovc on Thu Jul 17, 2008 7:04 pm, edited 1 time in total.
jasonB " Another Dirty Yankee"
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Re: OT- Load info for 38-55 and 45-70
The slugging of your barrel is explained in the Lyman manual. It all breaks down to pounding a soft lead ball, that is slightly oversize for your gun, down the barrel and then measuring it. Then you size your bullet to that diameter or a thou. over. Guns are very mechanical and demand that the bullet fits the bore. This usually only pertains to cast bullets as jacketed bullets are pretty much standardized by the industry.505stevec wrote:I do have a Lyman Manual and Hornady Manual I am just wondering what works good for you all. I have read here about "slugging" a barrel I guess I dont really understand the necessity. Please explain.
A good safe 45-70 load and one that I use in original 1886's and Trapdoors (in excellent shooting condition) is 28 grains of 5744 with a 385-405 grain cast bullet, sized .459. It chronos about 1300. My favorite 38-55 load is 21 grains of 5744 with a 255 grain cast bullet, sized either .377 or .379 (according to the rifle I am shooting it in). This load is about 1350 and is NOT safe in early Ballards or 1881 Marlins---only safe in leverguns & single shots designed for smokeless powder.------------------------Sixgun
Re: OT- Load info for 38-55 and 45-70
In the 38-55 I like 31 1/2 grains of 3031 with a 275gr cast bullet sized .379.
In the 45-70 I like 42 grains 3031 with a 420gr cast bullet sized .459.
44
In the 45-70 I like 42 grains 3031 with a 420gr cast bullet sized .459.
44
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Re: OT- Load info for 38-55 and 45-70
Thanks for the help! I will definitely slug all of these rifles as I plan on shooting lead only through all of them.
"Today, we need a nation of Minutemen, citizens who are not only prepared to take arms, but citizens who regard the preservation of freedom as the basic purpose of their daily life and who are
willing to consciously work and sacrifice for that freedom." - John F. Kennedy
willing to consciously work and sacrifice for that freedom." - John F. Kennedy