I started using BH209 in the 50/70 and like the simplicity and piece of mind for loading up in the old guns. The powder is expensive, but; nothing to get alarmed over. Last can I got was $40 and I see some now $45. When you open it, it is only 1/2 full.
It can be substituted by volume for black powder in the old cartridges. The last post was good. A tip once you determine how much powder will fit, weigh the charge or determine the volume for a scoop. I guess that was obvious. You do not compress 209. Use magnum primers. It is cleaned with Hoppes No9. They specifically call out that product for cleaning.
I think given you are shooting a modern looking, modern gun you might use jacketed HP bullets with modern smokeless. The reason for 209 in 45/70 is shooting in weak guns. Or the traditional puff smoke. You need to read you instruction book and see what pressure level the CVA will handle. Many manuals list three sections for the 45/70. Weak loads for trapdoor rifles, intermediate power loads for Marlin and heavy loads for the Ruger No1.
If I had that gun, I would want to know exactly what I was working with. Is that in your owners manual? If nothing then assume you are limited to the trapdoor loads. Even if 243 is an option, that does not translate into an equal pressure for a round with a larger base area. I wonder if any manuals give H&R single shot loads? Those might substitute ok?
If you like the 45/70, over time you may accumulate other guns. I like the versatility of the round and variety of the firearms. CVA makes handguns. I wonder if they offer that in 45/70? How cool would that be?
