HUNTING LOADS FOR A .45-70 LEVERGUN

BULLETS & BRASS

- Brian Pearce

Q: Back in the 1990s, I was regularly competing at cowboy action events. During that time, I acquired a new Marlin Model 1895CB Cowboy rifle chambered in .45-70 Government with a 26-inch octagonal barrel. It was purchased for side match events, however, my job soon forced me to move and I never really had a chance to shoot the gun or develop hand loads. Lately, I have been shooting it some and have been very impressed with its accuracy. I would like to try it on Alabama whitetail deer this fall. I just installed a Skinner Sights aperture rear and black post front. Using the old Remington 405-grain JSP factory loads, I am consistently getting 1.5-inch groups, which is better accuracy than my 1970’s vintage Winchester Model 70 .30-06.

I would like a handload that will push the 400-grain Speer JSP bullet to around 1,600 to 1,700 feet per second (fps) and will give similar accuracy to the above Remington factory load. I don’t want to go higher in velocity, as I don’t want to deal with much more recoil.

The only powder that I have on hand is IMR-4198, as there are no other powder options available at local dealers. The problem is that the only IMR-4198 data I can find is limited to low pressure for the U.S. 1873 Trapdoor. I have new Starline cases and once-fired Remington cases and Winchester WLR primers. Any data that you can offer will be appreciated. I also very much appreciate your articles in Handloader and look forward to each new issue.

J.M., Birmingham AL A: