45/70 question

M

ms6852

New member
I''m waiting on a couple of books to read before I start reloading for my new Pedersoli Sharps in 45/70. I am familiar with the different levels of reloading for this caliber and understand the difference between the trapdoor actions which will apply to me and the other two that do not such as the lever actions and Ruger no. 1 and 3.

I've so far have read through 8 pages in the search forum on reloads and I still have a couple of questions.

First Pedersoli recommends the Lyman manual and other manual as well but when I looked at the Lyman manual it does not have a trapdoor section in 45/70 government. It has TC/Encore. Since it does not list the Pressures I do not know if this are below or exceed the limits set by Pedersoli for which on my Sharps it is 29002. As this rifles are single shot would this be safe on my rifle?

Secondly, what I have read so far on this pages and my reloading manuals I have not seen mention of GAS Checks. Are they required since I want to only load with smokeless powders at the pressures that are equal to black powder? I am not into max loads and have never been since most of my rifles like the mid-range loads.
 
What Lyman version do you have? The 50th and no doubt the 49th has sections for the 1873 Springfield, the 1886 Winchester and 1895 Marlin, and the Ruger 1 and 3, and another section on T/C Encore.

If you have the 50th, start looking on page 352.

No, gas checks are not really needed. You are after light loads I assume and might want to consider Trail Boss powder.
 
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I've got some Pedersoli Sharps and I use the Lyman manual. condor bravo is right on with his reference....it's there if you look. Gas checks are not required. Shooting the right diameter bullet is though if you want good accuracy. Good luck
 
Thanks I have the 49th edition and for the life of me I cannot find the section for the 1873 Springfield. I will look again and thanks for the replies on the Gas checks. Never mind pages were stuck together. New manual was still wrapped which I bought 2 years ago.
 
From the 49th, start on page 308, but I guess you found it.

However, with gas checks, that could simply depend on what bullet configuration you like the best and use that bullet either with or without the checks. They are more appropriately used with higher velocity loads.
 
.45-70 is a very versatile round, and you can spend a lot of enjoyable time experimenting with it.

However, if you're looking for a soft-shooting, Trapdoor rated load, consider starting with a 405 grain plain base cast slug and 38.5 grains of IMR3031. Odds are you'll stick with it.
 
I have had outstanding results with 2400 and cast. Very soft shooting and very accurate. On a good day when all the stars line up and my vision is good, I can put five in an inch using a very good set of front and rear sights. Another good powder for cast and Trapdoor loads is 5744.
 
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