I just really started loading lead bullets after about 30 years of shooting jacketed. I just bought an Oregon Trail Manual (actually for 357 Mag data) and was looking at the data for 45-70 and noticed they are using IMR3031 with their 405 gr FP with a starting load of 34.0grs and max of 38.5grs for Marlin 1895 with respective velocities of 1200 and 1375 fps. Prior to getting this manual I started loading the O.T. 405 FP using Hodgdon's data (for Trapdoor Rifles) with the starting load of 45.5 grs of IMR 3031 at a stated velocity of 1597 fps. I have a chronograph but havn't yet had a chance to chrono this load but I've found Hodgdon's data pretty consistent with my real world testing. The rifle I'm using is an 1895GS. The 45.5 gr load of IMR 3031 /w the 405 FP was very accurate at 100 yds with 3 shot groups averaging between 1-1/4" and 1-3/4". with minimal leading of the barrel.
I was just wondering what other MarlinOwners are shooting with this bullet/powder combo (incidentally I'm using Starline brass /w WLR primers).
I was just wondering what other MarlinOwners are shooting with this bullet/powder combo (incidentally I'm using Starline brass /w WLR primers).