45-70 powder suggestions

I’ve owned seven different rifles in 45-70 and had one Encore barrel in 45-70. I’ve been reloading for around fifty years now and I have to say that the 45-70 is the least fussy cartridge I’ve ever loaded for. Here’s my absolutely best advice I can give to you based on what your stated expections/purpose are. Get a Lyman reloading manual, look at all the loads under the section dedicated to Trapdoor loads (the least powerful loads) and pick any powder listed for the bullet you want to shoot. Based on my experience, you’ll probably be satisfied with any of the loads offered. One minor suggestion I can make based on my experience, choose a heavier bullet than the 300 grain. Every gun I own or have owned shot the best group with heavier bullets…..400g, or at least 350g. They’re still quite manageable at Trapdoor levels. Every deer I have shot with these loads has been complete pass through on deer regardless of distance or angle. If you’re new at this, please read the book on how to do it and get some mentoring if possible. Don’t use any loads that are not in the reloading manual. It can be dangerous to do so. Lots of bad advice out there. Good luck.

Well put nsb.

To respectfully disagree with Darrker, I've only used one manual since I started and that's Lyman. They don't sell bullets, powder or primers, only reloading and bullet casting tools. The information contained in them is gleaned from over 150 years of experience and reading each section will answer any questions you'll come up against. They also have an awesome technical staff you can email.

Your local library should have other manuals you can check out if you feel the need.

IMR4198 is a good first choice for a "go to" powder, but as Darrker stated, don't get hooked on one as there may be another that works better in your rifle.

And yes, trapdoor (1873 Springfield) loads are a great safe starting point and will kill anything in North America with the right bullet and proper placement. I've never felt the need to "go bigger".

And yes (again) a 400 grain bullet is more better 😁 than 300, but I wouldn't return the ones you have either

RJ

Different bullets & powders are made for different applications. The 300 grain jacketed bullets are designed for high velocity modern hunting & come with a fairly unpleasant recoil. All the 45-70's I have had shot the best with hardcast lubricated lead bullets of 400 grains or heavier sized at .002" over groove diameter. It's very important that you slug your bore to determine which diameter lead bullet to use. Any powder listed in a manual "can" work. You just have to experiment. I have found that IMR or H-4198 & 2400 gave me the velocity (1200 to1400 fps) & accuracy needed for anything within the range of uses the cartridge has whether hunting or target work. I would avoid light bullets & high velocity with the 45-70. It's never going to be a "flat shooter", but they can be extremely accurate & loaded with a 400 to 500 grain bullet at moderate velocity will kill anything on the North American continent. Good luck!