Reloading 45-70 for Winchester 1886

[michaeld1004]

I'm about to get my original Winchester 1886 back from the gunsmith. It was pretty beat up, including the barrel was drilled out to a smooth bore. No concrete evidence why. It's been completely refinished with a new barrel in 45-70 Govt. I would like to start reloading and have assembled the following equipment to buy:

Lee Challenger Single Stage Press Anniversary Kit w/ Manual
RCBS Cowboy 3-Die set
Shellholder
Case Length Gage

Other that supplies, is there anything else I would need?

I plan on reloading smokeless powder to the original blackpowder specs and use 305gr FN Lead Bullets.

Also, does anyone have info regarding Puff-Lon Lubricating Ballistic Filler?

Thanks for your guidence!

-Mike D.

[GASCHECK]

Mike:

Years ago I used 4895 in the '86. I don't remember how many grains, but it was a thumper. Now I also have a 45-70 rifle built on a Siamese Mauser to do the heavier stuff. I use 3031 in that and am going to try ReLoder 7.

In the '86, I now shoot 13 grains of Red Dot behind a 385gr gascheck Linotype metal bullet.
Gives 1200FPS. You probably are looking for something hotter, but my '86 has the carbon steel barrel and receiver too, I guess.

I think your bullet is kinda light. Also, using Linotype metal made a big improvement in accuracy. The '86 was originally some 40 caliber, and was re rifled and chambered to 45-70.

I never used any kind of filler. You have a new barrel, but remember the receiver is OLD!

Good luck Gaschceck

[Mike Irwin]

I would suggest looking at Trail Boss powder.

It's very bulky and does a good job at filling the cases on these old guns. I've been using it in my .44 Special and it's wonderful.

[joneb]

Accurate Arms developed EMP-5744 for black powder cartridges, they have load data for 22 Hornet through 50-140 Sharps. 5744 has a burn rate between AA#9 and 1680

[Jim Watson]

Hey, I just today came across your earlier thread where we were all trying to figure out where the odd bore diameter came in. I am glad you plunged in and had Grandpa's rifle put back in shooting condition.

I haven't loaded .45-70 in ages and can't offer specific "recipes" but will comment:

1. 305 grains is pretty light and commercial cast bullets are not always of real fine quality. Since you have a new barrel, you would get off to a good start with the 405 gr Remington softpoint. It was very accurate in my Ruger with factory level loads. (That little gun kicked enough as it was and I did not want to soup it up.)

2. I used 3031 in my Ruger (And 5744 in my .38-55 Winchester before I discovered black.) but there are many other choices.

3. I would not use a filler. You can get good smokeless loads in .45-70 without such bandaids.

[GASCHECK]

Getting back to the Red Dot load of 13 grains in the 45-70.

In a Handloaders guide, I think it was a Gun Digest book, an author had a article called "The Load". I believe he suggested 13 grains of Red Dot could be used in any cartridge as big as the 35 Remington or bigger.
I guess if I get the front end loader and go thru my stuff I could find the book/article if anyone is interested.

Gascheck

[Jim Watson]

Yup, Ed Harris. I wish he hadn't lost interest in writing about guns, one of the most sensible authors out there.

[earshot]

mike, your should pick up a shell holder for the 45/70 a caliper, primer seating tool( the lee priming tool use to require a special shell holder),a scale,a deburring tool,primer pocket scraper,bullet puller, a good manual.lyman's is a good start.if these parts are not in the anniversay kit ,then figure on eventually adding them to your list tools for reloading.midway, midsouth ,
and grafs are pretty good places to deal with.good luck,dan

[Rugerno1shooter]

Cheers!!

[Rugerno1shooter]

Hornady 300gr HP 1800fps and Hornady 500gr encapsulated at 1800fps.....for white tail deer and elephants!