The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - .45-70 Rolling Block Loads?

TBAUS · September 6, 2002, 11:23 PM

I load 45/70 at levels that are safe in a trap door springfield since I shoot original trapdoors, replicas and rolling blocks. The following is taken directly from "Loading cartridges for the Original .45/70 Springfield Rifle and Carbine" by J.S. and Pat Wolf.
RP or WW case without filler wads, using Federal 215 or WLRM Magnum primers, 500 gr cast bullet cast 20-1 or 16-1 and sized to .459. Seat depth .56 for over-all length of 2.80 to 2.82. Works best on precompressed powder but if bullet is of sufficient hardness powder can be compressed by the bullet. Use a firm taper crimp.

Load #1 70.0 FFg ( 2F Black powder) 19,770 cup to 21,600 cup
Load #2 25.0 gr SR 4759 21,700 cup to 22,900 cup
Load #3 7.0 SR 4759 placed in case first, followed by 52.0 FFg ( 2F Black powder) 15,000 cup to 15,400 cup

The book calls for the primer flash hole to be drilled to .096". My shooting partner did this, I did not. So far I can't tell the difference.

405 gr lead bullet
25.0 gr SR 4759

IMR 4759 is a bulky powder that is particularly suitable to the 45/70 cartridge. The book has more loads. I have yet to try them all. Do not lower the duplex loads as powder will migrate if you do. Be safe. Have fun!

September 6, 2002, 11:23 PM	#7
TBAUS Senior Member Join Date: August 15, 2002 Location: Central Texas Posts: 111	I load 45/70 at levels that are safe in a trap door springfield since I shoot original trapdoors, replicas and rolling blocks. The following is taken directly from "Loading cartridges for the Original .45/70 Springfield Rifle and Carbine" by J.S. and Pat Wolf. RP or WW case without filler wads, using Federal 215 or WLRM Magnum primers, 500 gr cast bullet cast 20-1 or 16-1 and sized to .459. Seat depth .56 for over-all length of 2.80 to 2.82. Works best on precompressed powder but if bullet is of sufficient hardness powder can be compressed by the bullet. Use a firm taper crimp. Load #1 70.0 FFg ( 2F Black powder) 19,770 cup to 21,600 cup Load #2 25.0 gr SR 4759 21,700 cup to 22,900 cup Load #3 7.0 SR 4759 placed in case first, followed by 52.0 FFg ( 2F Black powder) 15,000 cup to 15,400 cup The book calls for the primer flash hole to be drilled to .096". My shooting partner did this, I did not. So far I can't tell the difference. 405 gr lead bullet 25.0 gr SR 4759 IMR 4759 is a bulky powder that is particularly suitable to the 45/70 cartridge. The book has more loads. I have yet to try them all. Do not lower the duplex loads as powder will migrate if you do. Be safe. Have fun!