1886 RL-7 loads

[alnitak]

After checking on a number of sites, including Alliant, Handloaders, Castbullet, etc. I have only found three or four loads listed for the .45-70 using RL-7. Most of them are with lighter 300/350 grain bullets and/or jacketed bullets. Alliant's only 400 grain LFN load utilizes Reloader 10X. A poster to my previous thread indicated 40-44 grains for 1600-1800 fps was a good load. Some of the data for other bullets seem to indicate that 45-50 grains can be used to push to 2000 fps. Does this align with your experience, or should I stay below 45 grains?

[Tycer]

I use 42 behind a 450 grain LBT bullet for 1675 fps

40 grains behind a 385-400 grain jacketed is 1598 (from Metallic Reloading)

Lyman 46th:

1895 Marlin/1886
405 jacketed SP 34 - 44(1590fps)
420 cast 2.55" OAL 40-48.5(1828)13,500-25,000 C.U.P.

Ruger #1 #3
400 jacketed FN 2.64" OAL 49.5 - 57(2113) 26,900-36,000 C.U.P.
405 jacketed SP 2.735" OAL 51-60(2157) 26,700-37,500 C.U.P.

From Garrett:

http://www.garrettcartridges.com/420.asp

There are many opinions regarding prudent pressure limits for the 45-70 lever-gun. They range from those advocating 28,000-cup/28,000-psi load levels, to those advocating 42,000-cup/45,000-psi load levels. It is our view that given the mechanical characteristics of the modern 45-70 lever-gun, and the enormous amount of power that can be achieved within modest chamber pressure levels, the prudent course leads to a point somewhere in between. We have chosen to impose a maximum average chamber pressure limit for our 45-70 Hammerhead Ammo of 33,000-cup/35,000-psi. It is often claimed that the Marlin 1895 is completely safe with load levels up to 43,000-PSI, and that the modern Winchester 1886 is safe to 50,000-psi. This analysis is based on the strength of the respective lockups. We do not take exception with these claims.

[Mike D.]

I regularly use the "Ruger No 1" loads in my 1886 Winchesters. Those loads fall entirely within the safe pressure parameters for these guns and put the .45-70 in a power level that befits the cartridge.

[Pathfinder09]

There are Rx-7 loades in Laymans manual, as well as Ken Waters pet loads I use 42 grains of Rx-7 for 405 gr. bullets out of my 1886 and Marlin GG. Rx-7 is good stuff.

[1886]

The 49th edition of the Lyman reloading manual shows the following load as generating approx. 37,000 cup; New Rem. brass trimmed to 2.095", a large rifle primer(brand not stated), 51grs of RL-7(new, Bofurs manufacture I assume but not stated), Lyman # 457193 405gr(#2 Alloy) gas check loaded to a length of 2.550". It reportedly generates 1996fps from either a 24" or 28" barrel. This load will certainly kill what ever needs killing. The modern, mechanically sound 86 can certainly handle this load with ease. Your shoulder will give out long before the rifle. As usual, prudent, sound reloading practices dictate reducing the above charge approx. 10% to a starting level of 46grs and work up carefully watching for "pressure signs". Regards, 1886.

[Old Savage]

I used 41.5 grs with a couple of 300s, both lead and jacketed an got approx. 1800 fps in a 22" Marlin.

[alnitak]

Thanks everyone....exactly what I needed. Sounds like I stay under 45 grains, with 42 being about average. It's good to know I could go to 50 if I wanted a real thumper. As always, I will load conservatively, not only working up to a load but also stopping with some buffer before reaching maximum loads. Without a chrono and/or some way to measure pressure, I prefer to err on the safe side.

Thanks again for the detailed information.
Bruce

[AndyM]

Rx7 has always proven the most accurate powder in my 45-70 Marlin Guide gun.
I use it all the time with 350 gr. Horn. FP

[SJPrice]

Hey moderators,

What the heck is this all about?

[Tycer]

Bump.
I was searching for my load data on the 450 LBT. Meant to grab the box of 13 gr Unique and 330 grain pills. Ended up with the box of beasts.

[crs]

Tycer,
When I first researched high power loads for my 1886 45-90, I learned that RL7 is often used for heavy loads for cartridges such as 45-70, 45-90, .458 win mag, and .405 WCF.
2230 was also up near the top as were a few other common powders. I suspect there are a few new contenders for that crown, but there are several good options.

[Tycer]

Tycer,
When I first researched high power loads for my 1886 45-90, I learned that RL7 is often used for heavy loads for cartridges such as 45-70, 45-90, .458 win mag, and .405 WCF.
2230 was also up near the top as were a few other common powders. I suspect there are a few new contenders for that crown, but there are several good options.

42 grains of Reloder was my load. It had been long enough since I loaded them the label had faded. They’re pretty accurate but they are too much for my wimpy shoulder.