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Posted: 7/15/2012 12:02:16 PM EDT
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Ok, just reloaded some 325 gr. Hornady FTX on top of 52.0 gr of IMR3031. The overall length exceeds the length printed on the card by just a smidge due to the little plastic point on the Hornady FTX Leverevolution. I measured it up against some factory Leverevolutions and it looked fine. I also noted that the Hornady cases that I used (fired Leverevolutions) are a bit shorter than my other 45-70 cases (lead RN cowboy action types). I assume this is due to the unique bullet type as well. I did cycle one (minus primer and powder of course) through my Marlin 1895 and it cycled fine. So Q1: Is this OAL ok considering the bullet? I also noted that 52gr of IMR3031 does a fair job of filling up the case. I was slightly worried about compressing the powder with the bullet seating. After looking more closely, it seems like a good fit rather than compression. Q2: If it looks like I will compress the powder with the bullet, should I find a hotter powder and load with that to avoid this scenario? Lessons Learned Today: 1) Even if planning to load two different types of cartridges, only bring one powder out to the station. I had a moment where I stared at the two powders I brought and thought about the consequences of loading 52 gr of Titegroup in the case. That would be a bad day. 2) Remove case lube with soap and water rather than a towel. 3) Reloading in the garage is hot as Hades in FL, even with the door open. |
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Max OAL for the 45-70 is 2.550 and it takes the shorter case with the FTX to stay below that in order to function in a lever action. The trim to length Hornady specifies for the FTX is 2.040 with a max case length of 2.050.
I tinkered with the FTX a bit but the accuracy just wasn't there in my gun (Marlin 1895). My guess is they were just too far off the lands. I even trimmed the little plastic nose with a razor blade and loaded them in a regular case and accuracy improved although only marginaly. I have to wonder also just how effective the point is on a bullet that is so short and fat anyway. In the end the Remington 405g SP and regular Hornady 350g RN are more accurate for me. I didn't try 3031 but I did have good luck with IMR 4198 and Alliant Reloader 7 |
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Quoted:
Max OAL for the 45-70 is 2.550 and it takes the shorter case with the FTX to stay below that in order to function in a lever action. The trim to length Hornady specifies for the FTX is 2.040 with a max case length of 2.050. I tinkered with the FTX a bit but the accuracy just wasn't there in my gun (Marlin 1895). My guess is they were just too far off the lands. I even trimmed the little plastic nose with a razor blade and loaded them in a regular case and accuracy improved although only marginaly. I have to wonder also just how effective the point is on a bullet that is so short and fat anyway. In the end the Remington 405g SP and regular Hornady 350g RN are more accurate for me. I didn't try 3031 but I did have good luck with IMR 4198 and Alliant Reloader 7 squarles67, were are you buying your Remington 405g SP bullets, I can`t find them anywhere? |
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Quoted: Max OAL for the 45-70 is 2.550 and it takes the shorter case with the FTX to stay below that in order to function in a lever action. The trim to length Hornady specifies for the FTX is 2.040 with a max case length of 2.050. I tinkered with the FTX a bit but the accuracy just wasn't there in my gun (Marlin 1895). My guess is they were just too far off the lands. I even trimmed the little plastic nose with a razor blade and loaded them in a regular case and accuracy improved although only marginaly. I have to wonder also just how effective the point is on a bullet that is so short and fat anyway. In the end the Remington 405g SP and regular Hornady 350g RN are more accurate for me. I didn't try 3031 but I did have good luck with IMR 4198 and Alliant Reloader 7 |
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Quoted:
Quoted:
Max OAL for the 45-70 is 2.550 and it takes the shorter case with the FTX to stay below that in order to function in a lever action. The trim to length Hornady specifies for the FTX is 2.040 with a max case length of 2.050. I tinkered with the FTX a bit but the accuracy just wasn't there in my gun (Marlin 1895). My guess is they were just too far off the lands. I even trimmed the little plastic nose with a razor blade and loaded them in a regular case and accuracy improved although only marginaly. I have to wonder also just how effective the point is on a bullet that is so short and fat anyway. In the end the Remington 405g SP and regular Hornady 350g RN are more accurate for me. I didn't try 3031 but I did have good luck with IMR 4198 and Alliant Reloader 7 2.55 is what's listed in my Lyman 49th, I never actually measured the factory Hornady stuff. I did load a dummy 325 FTX in a 2.095 case just to see if it would function in my gun and it would not Edit to add: You got me to wondering about it so I measured the half a box a factory stuff I still have and it ranged from 2.580 to 2.586. I went and dug out my notes and the ones I loaded were indeed 2.600 |
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IMR 3031 is a stick powder (as I'm sure you know) and loading it with some compression is ok. It's hard to explain feel. But if you feel the power is fully compressed and is not letting the bullet seat then that is definitely too much. I think there are only a few smokeless powders that it is NOT recommended to use compressed loads with.
Is there any loads listed for the 45-70 using Leverevolution powder? (I don't have my Hornady manual handy.) I've had VERY GOOD results with it in the 30-30 Win. |
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I load 300gr hp and 350 gr rn Hornady bullets with H4198 powder. It doesn't compress but seems to shoot ok and velocity is good. I will be putting a 2-7 scope on my Marlin 1895 and will mess with the loads then. I have a box of the 325gr FTX bullets I haven't loaded but as I understand it you need to trim brass .010 shorter for those. Next step is definitely a good recoil pad. |
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