Reloading for my Marlin

[Grendel]

45/70 Caliber 1895 lever with an 18.5 barrel

I have Factory HDY FTX rounds (325gr) which I plan to shoot, and then reload.

I have HDY 325gr FTX bullets.

I have IMR 3031 powder and appropriate primers.

Anyone have a nice soft shooting start load? My books don't have 325 FTX data together with IMR 3031.

[SI VIS PACEM PARRABELLUM]

I looked on the IMR website and the only starting load for IMR 3031 I could find is 46.3 grs. with a 325 gr. bullet (not Hornady) and they list that load for the old trapdoor rifles. I would think it should function fine in a lever action and be a very soft shooter.
As long as you adhere to the published starting loads any data from reliable sources for 3031 and 325 gr. bullets should be safe.

[Grendel]

That load actually is with a 325gr FTX albeit with a 24" barrel. I don't know why I didn't think to look at trapdoor loads myself. Thanks! Anyone else?

[painter]

There's data for that FTX bullet in a Trapdoor...

Manufacturer   Powder   Bullet Diam.    C.O.L.      Grs.      Vel. (ft/s    Pressure                Grs.                Vel. (ft/s)           Pressure                         
IMR                  IMR 3031   .458"   2.590"      46.3        1,491       16,600 CUP      54.3                  1,862               24,700 CUP 

Grendel posted while I was fixing the columns.                                  

[Czechbikr]

I started hand loading for my 1873 Springfield with smokeless powder and used IMR 3031.  While a solid firearm care must be taken due to the strength of the action. 

If you want to try loading cast lead here's the source that I used for projectiles, available in 300 and 405 grain varieties:

 http://gardnerscache.com/45_70_300_lfp_bb.html

Maybe poke around the trapdoor sites for info, here's a start:

http://forums.thecmp.org/archive/index.php/t-122865.html

Find load data for TrailBoss powder.  I load three levels for my Marlin 44 Magnum, full house with FMJ, medium with 240 grain PFN from Xtreme and extremely soft shooting rounds with the last bullet and TrailBoss.

https://www.africahunting.com/threads/having-some-fun-reloading-with-trail-boss-powder-in-my-45-70.29160/

https://www.marlinowners.com/forum/reloading/73060-trailboss-light-45-70-hunting-loads.html

http://www.hodgdonreloading.com/data/rifle

Have fun...I love shooting lever guns!

[Grendel]

Thanks, but I don't shoot or cast lead, nor do I have Trailboss powder.

[Wobbly]

? If your Lyman doesn't have 325gr you can start with any (non-bolt action) load for 3031 with the next heavier bullet.

? If Lyman doesn't show 3031, then you can consult the IMR data, which is now posted in the Hodgdon reloading center. Again for 325gr or next heavier for non-bolt action.
http://www.hodgdonreloading.com/

? As with any 'new to you' load, begin at the Starting Load and work up in small increments.

[Wobbly]

Within the Hodgdon Load Data is data for IMR 3013 in a 45-70 Lever Action for a 350gr bullet. That should work well enough for your needs.

[ReloaderFred]

Hodgdon lists loads for that powder and bullet combination on their website:  https://www.hodgdonreloading.com/data/rifle

Just enter your caliber, bullet weight and selected powder, then click "Enter".

Hope this helps.

Fred

[Grendel]

And this is why Lee and Hornady say you need custom(ized) dies to load FTX brass and bullets.

Compare Win 300gr JHP with HDY 325gr FTX: