Reloading data question - but not a reloading question

[papadelta]

OK, so most of the manuals show reloading data for 3 groups of .45/70, trapdoor, modern levers, and Rugers etc.
The loads obviously are based in safety considerations as well as potency and accuracy. It also is obvious that you wouldn't use load data for a Ruger #1 in a trapdoor Springfield. But is there any reason not to go in the other direction? Normally, it's not a good idea to go below starting loads, but in this case, what's wrong with using a trapdoor load in an 1895 moderns Marlin?

[HuntAway]

Remington 405's do it all the time. Nothing wrong with it but the Marlin (modern version) is capable of so much more.

[Brian in FL]

There's nothing wrong with shooting Trapdoor level loads in a Marlin for practice or plinking. I use mild cast bullet loads in my Guide Gun for just that purpse.

[Leverdude]

There's nothing wrong with shooting Trapdoor level loads in a Marlin for practice or plinking. I use mild cast bullet loads in my Guide Gun for just that purpse.

I use trapdoor loads all the time. Thats all they had when the Marlin 1895 & Win 1886 first came out.

[sharptail]

Trapdoor level loads are probably used more than any other because they're easier to shoot well Don't get me wrong, firing the snotknocker loads is fun in itself but hard to shoot small groups. Fired probably 60-70 rounds last weekend, most were of the mild variety
Sharptail

[papadelta]

It seemed obvious that those would be the answers I'd get. But I've seen reports of problems in other calibers where a jacketed bullet is loaded too light. Same thing if certain powders are light loaded.

I've been reloading with Reloader 7 using 405 gr Remington Jacketed Soft Points

Most of the recommeded loads in the Lyman 49, and from Alliant start at 39grs and go up. I've test loaded from 32-43 grs, but would like to drop back even more for paper punching, but don't find any load data for trapdoors using 405 JSP and reloader 7. Any thoughts on the subject?

[Brian in FL]

One neat load for plinking is a 405 grain cast bullet ahead of 13 grains of Red Dot powder in a Marlin. At the Florida gathering I was shooting 46 grains of IMR3031 behind a 405 grain cast bullet out of my Guide Gun, and the recoil was pretty modest.

[papadelta]

I never have liked the term "plink" .

To me that means 22 rifles shooting at beer cans or walnuts in trees .

I understand folks wanting to shoot reduced loads in big guns to make it more pleasurable , but thats also soemthing I've never gotten into . Nothing wrong with it mind you just not my thing !

I spend enough time at the range shooting from the bench trying variouse loads to have time for reduced charge loads . And again I am not knocking it just explaing why I don't

I suppose if I had growing kids and wanted to bring them into say a 375 WIN gradually I would go with reduced loads and pump them up slowly . Or maybe if I had one or two heavy rifles I wanted to shoot alot without changing my loads .

But in my own situation load development and sighting in variouse things gives me more shooting then I really have the time for .

Hi,
Got no prob with your def of plinking. I don't thiink I mentioned plinking at all but that's besides the point. I like to exercise some of my basic shooting mechanics, breath control, trigger management, and sight picture. I don't need or want full house rounds to do that. Load building is for many purposes, in this case I'm looking for a light load to work with a new rifle.

[Rowdy]

papadelta -

What bullet are you thinking of shooting, and at what velocity?

[Wind]

Hey there papadelta -- Reduced loads can be a hoot to shoot for sure!! Here are some old timer loads. You might consider a powder change as well as using some cast bullets. Laser-cast, Montana Bullet works, and Missouri Bullet works are all good sources for cast bullets. I'm a big fan of Unique and 2400. Hope this helps. Best regards. Wind