45-70 Government Advice

[AndreusMaximus]

Round nose flat point. Instead of just an angle to the flat surface It has a rounded angle for better feeding in lever action rifles.

I understand the confusion this was how it explained to me.

This is kinda the way I see it.

View attachment 214836

Ah! That makes it understandable now; thanks!

 

[Creedmoor]

It's a Cimarron, 1874 Sharps Deluxe, 45-70GOV'T, 32" Octagonal Barrel, Blued

I was also confused by the 25,000 PSI number the manual stated, seeing as my reloading manual as well as any source I found online had that same 28,000 PSI standard for trapdoor loads.

Dont worry about your rifle, its a great action made from modern steel. It will easily handle the 28,000 loads.
Its a huge learning curve to shoot BP cartridges. Smokeless is easier to get the basics down first.

For starters, Do you reload?

99% of what I shoot in my 1885's I cast myself.

 

[AndreusMaximus]

Dont worry about your rifle, its a great action made from modern steel. It will easily handle the 28,000 loads.
Its a huge learning curve to shoot BP cartridges. Smokeless is easier to get the basics down first.

For starters, Do you reload?

99% of what I shoot in my 1885's I cast myself.

Yes, I reload, but so far I haven't made the foray into casting my own bullets, though I might like to do so some day. I've loaded 308, 223, 9mm, 7.7 Arisaka, 6.5 CM, and 300 BO, so not just a whole lot of different cartridges, but a little bit to get the feel for it.

I was also hoping to be able to use smokeless powder loads to start out, as it seemed a lot simpler, so it sounds like that's definitely the way to go. I also assumed/hoped that the 28K PSI loads would be find, but it's good to have some reassurance on that.

Thanks!

 

[Creedmoor]

Also take a peek at castboolits.com and read at least the thread in black powder cartridges, Loads of information.
Also BPCR books by Paul Mathews, Steve Garby and others.

SPG Sales, Our Aim is accurate shooting. Black Powder reloading, Black powder shooting supplies, black powder lube and rifles, black powder accessories, black powder guns, cowboy accessories, spg.

SPG Sales, Our Aim is accurate shooting. Black Powder reloading, Black powder shooting supplies, black powder lube and rifles, black powder accessories, black powder guns, cowboy accessories, spg.

www.blackpowderspg.com

 

[Leadeye]

Thanks for the pointers!

So is it correct to say that cast lead and soft points are both legal for deer, while full metal jacket are not, or am I misunderstanding that?

I've never hunted with FMJ, but don't know for a fact that it's illegal. Just really never saw the need. The Remington 405s I use because years ago I got a bunch of them at an auction, but if you really shoot much 45-70 cast is the way to go. A tip on casting those big slugs if you use bottom pour is to cast them when the pot is full for best fill out. I have two 20 pound "Lee Leakers" one for hard alloy, and one for soft lead.

 

[Jaybird1980]

Oh, I think this answers my question above. So "Round nose" means "Round nose" and "Round nose flat point" means "Flat point no round nose." Makes sense, lol...

Anyways, I don't really know what weight I'm going to use yet, that was one of the main questions I had was what's best to start with?

As far as what weight, I would take Leadeye suggestion of 300-350 if your rifle shoots them accurately. It will be easier on you and still be way plenty to do the job. Shot placement is easily more important than bullet choice here.

Full metal jacket bullets are illegal for hunting. Jacketed soft points are legal, so is all copper, but cast work just fine.

 

[tomcat13]

For what it's worth, I shoot these 300g thru my Cimarron Sharps (similar to yours) & they aren't too Brutal.
I don't Hunt, but these are easy on the Shoulder for Plinkin steel!
Acme Bullets in Wisc (Not the place used by Wile E Coyote) lists them as: Round Nose Flat Point, Coated.

45-70 300 Grain RNFP - COATED

45-70 300 Grain RNFP Coated Bullets

www.acmebullet.com

 

[Creedmoor]

Your pastor, wife, mother and 38-55 are for comfort. 45-70 and larger are built for ruff and tumble men.
500 grains and up!!!!

 

[Creedmoor]

I found a box of bullets from when my sons were boys, 300 grain Winchesters.
PM me a shipping address and I will send you a starter set.
300 grain HP
520 grain Manly Man Postells
Prized nickel RP cases once fired
A sleeve on LRP on me.

 

[AndreusMaximus]

I found a box of bullets from when my sons were boys, 300 grain Winchesters.
PM me a shipping address and I will send you a starter set.
300 grain HP
520 grain Manly Man Postells
Prized nickel RP cases once fired
A sleeve on LRP on me.

View attachment 214932

PM Sent; thanks a ton! That's very generous of you.