Down loading a 45-70?

Big Caliber · December 6, 2006, 11:36 PM

I'm new to this caliber, but not to handloading. According to my 5th edition Hornady manual, I can load a 300 grain hollow point for the 1895 Marlin to a minimum velocity of 1600 fps. In a 45-70 "trap-door" Springfield, the minimum load listed for the same bullet is 1300 fps using the same powder-IMR 3031. The Marlin can handle the pressures that the Springfield can't. Question: Can I safely discharge a "Springfield load" in my Marlin? Sorta like putting a 44spl. in a 44 magnum revolver. What do you think???

steveno · December 7, 2006, 04:33 AM

you can shoot the milder load in the Marlin. I have a Ruger #1S in 45-70 and I shoot a 300 grain bullet at 1,450 fps all the time. it does about 1.5 inches at 100 yards and without the grief of the heavy loads. with the stock design of the Marlin you will find the heavy loads to be not much fun at all.

Big Caliber · December 7, 2006, 09:16 PM

Thanks. Yeah, the heavy loads can be rough ride. I'm hoping a "Kick-eez" pad will help.

Trapper L · December 7, 2006, 10:19 PM

FWIW, I'm shooting 22.0 grs 3031 behind a Lasercast 300gr bullet. It is suppose to be something like 1200'ps. I haven't run it thru the screens yet and it will be warmer weather before it happens. It shoots pretty tight at 50 yds. It is a plinker load.

December 6, 2006, 11:36 PM	#1
Big Caliber Senior Member Join Date: October 10, 2006 Location: S. CA Posts: 421	Down loading a 45-70? I'm new to this caliber, but not to handloading. According to my 5th edition Hornady manual, I can load a 300 grain hollow point for the 1895 Marlin to a minimum velocity of 1600 fps. In a 45-70 "trap-door" Springfield, the minimum load listed for the same bullet is 1300 fps using the same powder-IMR 3031. The Marlin can handle the pressures that the Springfield can't. Question: Can I safely discharge a "Springfield load" in my Marlin? Sorta like putting a 44spl. in a 44 magnum revolver. What do you think???

December 7, 2006, 04:33 AM	#2
steveno Senior Member Join Date: June 18, 2004 Location: Minden , Nebraska Posts: 1,407	you can shoot the milder load in the Marlin. I have a Ruger #1S in 45-70 and I shoot a 300 grain bullet at 1,450 fps all the time. it does about 1.5 inches at 100 yards and without the grief of the heavy loads. with the stock design of the Marlin you will find the heavy loads to be not much fun at all.

December 7, 2006, 09:16 PM	#3
Big Caliber Senior Member Join Date: October 10, 2006 Location: S. CA Posts: 421	Thanks. Yeah, the heavy loads can be rough ride. I'm hoping a "Kick-eez" pad will help.

December 7, 2006, 10:19 PM	#4
Trapper L Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2006 Location: South Texas Posts: 804	FWIW, I'm shooting 22.0 grs 3031 behind a Lasercast 300gr bullet. It is suppose to be something like 1200'ps. I haven't run it thru the screens yet and it will be warmer weather before it happens. It shoots pretty tight at 50 yds. It is a plinker load.