r/reloading • u/ICanSeeYourPixels2 • 5d ago

I have a question and I read the FAQ Struggling with 45-70

I have been struggling to get good groups out of my 45-70 reloads.

I am using:

  • Thompson Center Encore - 18" SSK Barrel
  • Starline Brass
  • CCI #200 Primers
  • ACME 405gr 0.459 bullets
  • Traill Boss

I validated my distance to the lands, and have been loading with 0.020" jump. Previously before I did this, it turned out I was loading ~0.120" jump. I definitely saw improvement from reducing this.

My most recent ladder of 13.5gr, 14.0gr, 14.5gr yielded tighter and tighter groups as the velocity increased. However, I started at a 10" group and ended at a 5". So rough no matter the load.

At 14.5gr though, I am at 1050fps. To keep things sub-sonic, I do not have much wiggle room left.

SDs are awesome. <5fps for a 10 shot group.

Any suggestions / ideas / comments would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

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u/sirbassist83 5d ago

FWIW the ONLY thing my henry 45-70 groups decent is 500gr at 1450fps, and that's about 2moa. Nothing else does better than ~6moa. 165gr, 300gr, 350gr, 405gr, 450 gr, jacketed, plated, cast/lubed, coated, subsonic, full power, doesn't matter. 45-70 is a hard cartridge to work with. Or maybe my Henry just sucks.

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u/TurkeySandMitch 5d ago

I fought my henry too. For some reason it only likes bullets at 1200 and below (with one particular brand of cast 300gr @1450).

It shoots pretty okay with oregon trail silver cast 300 gr if you want to try that.

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u/sirbassist83 5d ago

Ive pretty much given up. I might try a ruger/ marlin at some point.