[My Toy]

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).

 

[rhead]

I use 3031 behind the Lee 405 grain hollow base bullet which weighs in at 385 grains. i get excellent results at 40 grains.

 

[mrguvna]

sounds like you found the mark, I use 53 gr in jacketed but near the vicinity you listed for lasercast bullets.

 

[My Toy]

sounds like you found the mark, I use 53 gr in jacketed but near the vicinity you listed for lasercast bullets.

I've been shooting 56.1 grs IMR 3031 with Sierra 300 gr JHP in one of my two 1895GS. It will shoot 1" three shot groups at 100 yds all day; occasionally gotten as small as 5/8" group.
I've chronographed velocity of this load at a little over 1800 fps.
I've got to tell you that 1895GS is more accurate than some of the bolt guns I own.

 

[picketpin]

I have had good accuracy with the LC 405's and 45 gr 3031, starline brass .WLP primers. This load chronographs 1550 fps from a LTD III's 18"" barrel.
And I agree Hogdons data usually works out pretty close in velocity with my loads. The gun and load do bear duty around the camp in the summer...

James

 

[c.t.smith]

I use between 40 and 45gr of 3031 for my 420s with good results

 

[furlong222]

I to load 45gr of 3031 with cast bullets of 350gr and 405gr...the 45-70 is extremely accurate with every load I've put thru it...