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Handloads make the Marlin 45-70 LA shine like a bright new star. I loaded IMR 4198 powder under a Remington 405gr factory jacketed soft point for my test. 38 grains gave me 1 1/2in groups at 100yds. 39gr gave 1 1/4in groups. 40gr gave 1in groups - all 3 touching. Sometimes sub MOA. And this was repeatable accuracy! I've found my JSP load.
Cast bullets are another matter. I'm using the Meister hard cast 405 grainers. Over several range sessions I've used loads from 36gr thru 40gr of 4198 in 1/2gr increments and the best groups I've managed were 2in. Very disappointing performance. Maybe changing powder would help - I'm thinking of 3031 - but at $18.00 per 1lb can I can't afford too much experimentation. Sure would like to use cast bullets though because they're cheaper and more traditional.
Anybody got any cast bullet suggestions?
Thanks
RIKA
Cast bullets are another matter. I'm using the Meister hard cast 405 grainers. Over several range sessions I've used loads from 36gr thru 40gr of 4198 in 1/2gr increments and the best groups I've managed were 2in. Very disappointing performance. Maybe changing powder would help - I'm thinking of 3031 - but at $18.00 per 1lb can I can't afford too much experimentation. Sure would like to use cast bullets though because they're cheaper and more traditional.
Anybody got any cast bullet suggestions?
Thanks
RIKA