I have a 45-70 in a super 16 for the Contender. I plan on using it for deer and hog hunting. So far I have read two articles that suggested using IMR 4198 powder. Or that is what they had the best luck with anyway. I was thinking of using a 300 grain bullet, probably Hornady. That being said, does anyone have any experience with handloading the 45-70 pistol? I am open to all suggestions and recommendations.

Thanks
Duane

When I had my 45-70 encore pistol I was loading 300gr hornady with reloader 7 under it, I used the 4198 too but the R7 worked better. I also used a case full of black powder (sub) with 405gr cast with good results.

I have tried Reloader 7. It keep about a 4 in group at 50 yards. It is funny, from my understanding, Reloader 7 was designed especially for the 45-70.

Duane

Funny when things don't work like they were ment to, but it just proves a point. "Ever gun is a law unto it's self" My 221 Fireball likes RL-7, but the other 2 more popular powders for it lack the accuracy.

I guess that is the reason I like to handload. Every rifle can be different and I like accuracy. I will choose accuracy over a little velocity any day of the week. But you can get that barrel that is just temperamental. She has the potential to shoot well; she just needs the right recipe.

My 14" barrel will shoot 1.5" groups at 100 yds from the bench using H4198 with either 300 gr Hornadys or Noslers. I am getting 1890 fps with a load thats about halfway between the min/max listed in Hodgdons data.

Do you know how much difference there is between Hodgdon and IMR? I know that the 4831’s are close.

Duane

I am reloading my 45-70 with a 300gr hornady HP, with 46.0grs of Reloader #7, very accurate in my contender super 16.

I have tryed that exact same load and bullet. My barrel just doesn’t like it. Thanks for the help though.

Duane

XMP5744 works GREAT in my 14" SSK barrel with the 300gr Hornady bullets.

Very cool, thanks for the help! I like having options.

Duane

AMEN!

I have reloaded for 2 Contender barrels, a 12" and a 6 1/2" (!!), and 2 Marlin Guide guns using The 400 gr. Speer FN and IMR 3031 powder, with CCI BR2 primers. All 4 have given me outstanding results. Both Elmer Keith and Paul Matthews ("40 years with the .45-70" author) recommended 3031.

Thanks for the help. It looks like I have some reloading to do.

Duane

I have a 12.5 inch SSK barrel that loves IMR 4198 and the 400gr. Speer @ 1600fps. The gun will actually shoot better than I can hold. I mean one hole 3 shot groups @ 50yds. Be careful of data given that was achieved in SSK barrels vs. Thompson barrels because of differences in manufacturing processes. Not that Thompson barrels are less quality just different chamber dimensions.

You’re right. JDJ’s chambers are going to be tighter. I appreciate the help and heads up.

Duane

I have never used IMR4198 so I can't answer that one. H4198 is listed as an "Extreme" powder which makes it less sensitive to cold/heat. I would stay away from the 400 gr Speer bullets in a TC barrel. With no throat, you must seat the bullet deeper and recoil is very stout even with light loads. I really wanted to use that bullet for elk, but it did not do well in my TC barrel. From what I hear, the throat in custom barrels makes a lot of difference with the heavy bullet. You could have a throat cut in your barrel but I believe it will void TC's warranty.

TCMan...doubled checked my data. 36gr was the starting load. I maxed at 41gr and 1700fps with the 300gr Hornady.

Thanks, I will add the data into my Hornady reloading book.

Duane

My best luck in 45/70 handgun loads has been with H-4198 for 300 gr. loadings, and AA-2015 and AA-2200 for the heavier (350-400) gr. loadings. H-322 has proven accurate and effective with all loads. These results were obtained in an 8 3/8" custom BFR; 12 1/2" RPM-XL; and a T/C Contender 16 1/4". The comment about SSK barrels was correct but it is the throating in the SSK 45/70 that makes the difference, not the chamber. SSK will rethroat your T/C 45/70 barrel to SSK specs., and I will be sending mine in right after hunting season.

I haven’t bought any powder for the 45-70 yet, it will be another month before my reloading “stuff” gets here. I think I am going to try H4198 first. I will be shooting a 300 grain out of it. Thanks for the help. I will see how the barrel patterns before I decide to have any work done on it. If it will shoot straight with one of the new powders suggested, I am going to leave the barrel alone.

Duane