[RIKA]

Went out this morning with 30rds of 45-70 loaded with the cast Meister 405gr bullet. 10rds with 38gr of 4198, 10 with 39gr and 10 with 40gr. The 38gr load gave 3in groups with the heavier loads opening up more. I was really expecting better performance. Recoil wasn't bad so flinching wasn't a factor. Starting to think about a chronograph. Guess I'll have to concentrate on loads of around 37-38 grains 4198. The reloading sites don't really offer much help except for starting loads and I don't have any experience in cast bullet load development. Frustrating.

One tip I'll pass along (learned the hard way). Go extremely easy when you crimp or you'll crumple cases like crazy. Even a light RCBS crimp will keep your bullets from being pushed back in the case while in the LA magazine. Also, it works best to crimp separately after seating the bullet. I learned this the hard way.

Oh well, I had fun shooting the AK and the Makarov. How about 1.5 - 2in groups at 100yds with an AK. At least the day wasn't wasted.

If anybody has any suggestions, tips, better powders or 45-70 load recipes to share they would be appreciated.

RIKA

 

[41mag]

Silly question?Don't your reloading manuals have recipies for heavy bullets?An ancient friend of mine uses the same 500gn bullets for both his 458 & 45-70.I can ask the old geezer for some info if you want.

I should find out if he's still alive anyways.Lol!

 

[RIKA]

Thanks Jeff, that would be nice. I have the current Sierra and Hornaday manual. Have the current Speer manual and the 3 prior to that. Current Speer mentioned 37 thru 40.5gr of 4198 so thats what I tried. Guess I'm just hoping for some pointers so I won't have to go through load development like a blind pig rooting for acorns.

RIKA

 

[41mag]

Roger Roger,I'll see what I can scare up from him.Be mid-week probably though.

 

[Magnum88C]

I've had decent luck with 405-gr bullets over 51 gr of Varget. Haven't tried the Meister bullets more than once, and wasn't really looking for accuracy (shooting plates).

Also you might want to check out Cast Performance LBT bullets, they're pricier, but superb performers. They also come with load data. The other to try are the Crater bullets from Jae-Bok Young, he'll email you load data.
550-gr. Crater

550 gr. WFNGC "CraterTM" Heavyweight -- Recommended for use only in New Marlin 1895. (NOTE: also good in Rugers)


FWIW, I've found crimping as a separate operation to be beneficial in all of my loads.

 

[41mag]

http://www.loadswap.com/display.php?action=view_weight&cartridge_id=211&table=Rifle_Data

Some stuff here...