How I Load The .45-90 For Long-Range Target Competition

This will be short and to the point. Loading the .45-90 and similar capacity black-powder cartridge rifle calibers has, for me, evolved into a process that is repeated each time I crack a new case of black powder or begin a relationship with a new rifle.

- Zack Taylor

This is about how I load the .45-90 for long-range target competition, exclusively. It is not how I load other BPCR rifles for other types of competition.

I begin by accepting the fact that each rifle is a law unto itself and the goal is to provide that rifle with the ability to minimize vertical dispersion on the target at 800, 900 and 1,000 yards by delivering a stabilized bullet at those distances. I accept the fact that consistency in loading match ammunition is paramount.

Bullets are cast from the same lot of 1-16 alloy between 780 to 820 degrees (depending on ambient temperature) as measured by a thermometer in the mix. The last 10 bullets cast from a pot are weighed, those weights are added and total weight is divided by 10 for an average weight. Bullets that are 0.6 grains over and under average are match bullets. Bullets up to 2 grains under average are used for sighters and practice. Others, if any, go back to into the pot. I use homemade lube with weather conditions determining which one gets used. I use a SAECO Lubri-Sizer with a slightly oversized sizing-die and a modified top punch to apply the lube to the bullets.