45-60 Winchester smokeless load info

[Silver_Rings]

Larryo,

I have had some success with Reloader 7.  It gives good velocity.  The accuracy has been a problem so far.  I found 32.0 grains with no filler sometimes produces groups for 3 shots of less than 2".  Other times I will get 2 groups out of a 5 shot string that are more than 6" apart, each group will be an inch or less.  I have this same problem with most of the other powder I have tried, I'll get a 3" group plus a couple of flyers.  The H4831SC and some loads of 5744 do better.

SR  

[larryo_1]

SR:
Thanks for the info.  I have both RE7 and 5744 and have data on them that I have used.  Some of it I have developed myself.  right now tho, I think that I may play a bit with 3031 as..I said..I did have some promising results with it and jacketed bullets.  I have also had good luck with 4198.  In fact I have been hitting 200 yard targets with that load.  One possible reason of some of my success is that I have that Hoch mold which is a winner and that I went to the 16:1 alloy that the old timers used.  Maybe my rifle just likes that combination  I don't know 'cause every rifle has its own personality and they are all as fuzzy as an 'ol woman.

[Rowdy Fulcher]

Silver Rings
The imr 3031 at 38.5 grains is working for me . I have used filler in some and it does help the velocity spread .

[Silver_Rings]

Rowdy,

I ran out of I3031.  I moved to looking for a full case load for both my 300 grn and 400 grn bullets.  I picked up a can of Varget and am going to see what I can come up with it.  H4831SC is good for full case loads but I want a bit more speed.

Silver Rings

[Silver_Rings]

These loads have not been tested for pressure so use at your own risk.  These loads are NOT for original 1876 rifles.

They were fired in a Chappy 1876 reproduction with 28" barrel.

Brass by Jamison
OAL 2.26 crimped using Lee's professional crimp die

Remington standard large rifle primers
alt 6100ft temp about 80


Loads using Colorado Cast Bullets 300 gr hard cast rnfp bullet


Varget      42.0 grns   Low 1387 high 1449 av 1413 spread 62



Loads using Colorado Cast Bullets 405 gr hard cast rnfp bullet


Varget      35.0 grns   Low 1202 high 1249 av 1227 spread 47


 
These loads have not been tested for pressure so use at your own risk.  Do NOT use in original 1876 rifles.

Silver Rings

[deadly doc]

 hi i have been loading imr4227 for about 2 years and it will shoot 2 inch groups at 200 yds
I have seen about 3 other 76s and tre loads thay shoot wont stand up to mine
thanks deadly doc

[Silver_Rings]

These loads have not been tested for pressure so use at your own risk.  These loads are NOT for original 1876 rifles.

They were fired in a Chappy 1876 reproduction with 28" barrel.

Brass by Jamison
OAL 2.26 crimped using Lee's professional crimp die

Remington standard large rifle primers
alt 6100ft temp about 80


Loads using Colorado Cast Bullets 300 gr hard cast rnfp bullet


Varget      44.0 grns   Low 1506 high 1523 av 1513 spread 17 group 1 1/2" @ 100 yds

Varget      45.0 grns   Low 1534 high 1576 av 1556 spread 42 group 2 1/4" @ 100 yds

Varget      46.0 grns   Low 1587 high 1610 av 1595 spread 23 group 1" @ 100 yds



Loads using Colorado Cast Bullets 405 gr hard cast rnfp bullet


Varget      36.0 grns   Low 1203 high 1242 av 1225 spread 39 group 1 3/4" @ 100 yds

Varget      37.0 grns   Low 1225 high 1284 av 1256 spread 59 group 3 1/2" @ 100 yds

Varget      38.0 grns   Low 1403 high 1444 av 1421 spread 41 group 1 3/4" @ 100 yds


Varget is looking good.  The 400gr bullet load with 38.0 of Varget is what I am looking for with a 400 gr bullet.  The 300 gr bullet load of 46.0 of Varget is a mild and accurate load that I will play with some more.  Both of these loads fill the case enough to give consistent results.


 
These loads have not been tested for pressure so use at your own risk.  Do NOT use in original 1876 rifles.

Silver Rings

[Rowdy Fulcher]

Silver Rings
The 46.0 of the Varget looks real good . Have you shot many rounds using the 300 gr. at 46.0 varget ? What would you compare the recoil to ?

[Silver_Rings]

Rowdy,

I only loaded 3 rounds with each for that test.  I've loaded up 10 or 15 now to try the next time out, probably Wednesday.  Even shooting from the bench the recoil was moderate.  Shooting it off hand it should be fairly mild.  You have to take into consideration I'm shooting a 28" barrel so it is heavier.

I'll post after the next outing and let you know.  I'm trying some of the loads with mag primers to see what kind of difference it makes.

Silver Rings

[Silver_Rings]

These loads have not been tested for pressure so use at your own risk.  These loads are NOT for original 1876 rifles.

They were fired in a Chappy 1876 reproduction with 28" barrel.

Brass by Jamison
OAL 2.27 crimped using Lee's professional crimp die

alt 6100ft temp about 80


Loads using Colorado Cast Bullets 300 gr hard cast rnfp bullet


Varget      46.0 grns   Low 1564 high 1598 av 1587 spread 34 Remington standard large rifle primers

Varget      46.0 grns   Low 1602 high 1681 av 1652 spread 79 Remington magnum large rifle primers

The groups for both these loads were all over the place today.  I don't know why.  Last time out I had a good group with the 46.0 grns of Varget.  The poor groups may be just my shooting as I shot the 300 grn loads last.  I shot my last 5 rds of the mag primer load at the 170 yds 12" plate and hit it 3 out of 5.

The magnum primers resulted in an increase of 64 fps. 



Loads using Colorado Cast Bullets 405 gr hard cast rnfp bullet


Varget      38.0 grns   Low 1285 high 1329 av 1308 spread 44 group 3 1/2" @ 100 yds Remington standard large rifle primers

Varget      38.0 grns   Low 1326 high 1381 av 1366 spread 55 group 2 3/4" @ 100 yds Remington magnum large rifle primers

The 400 grn loads gave about the same group size as last time.  However the velocity was lower by 113 fps.  The magnum primers resulted in an increase of over 50 fps over standard primers.


 
These loads have not been tested for pressure so use at your own risk.  Do NOT use in original 1876 rifles.

Silver Rings

[Rowdy Fulcher]

Silver Rings
So what load are you going with ? So many choices .

[Silver_Rings]

Howdy Rowdy,

I'll use the 405 grn with 38.0 grns of Varget with either standard or magnum primers.  This load gives enough speed for me and the accuracy is good.

I have a couple of hundred 300 grn bullets left so I'll do more playing with them still.  May be try for a load that gives 1300 - 1400 fps and good accuracy.

I think the 405 grn load above would make a good hunting load.

Silver Rings

 

[Rowdy Fulcher]

Silver Rings
The  1400 to 1475 fps is what I'm interested in . Are you still having FUN playing with the different loads . How many pieces of 45-60 brass do you have ?? Also have you had any trouble with it  ?? I have about 900 pieces of Jamison's brass and I haven't had no trouble at all . Keep up the good work and don't get to hot .

[Silver_Rings]

Howdy Rowdy,

I have 200 Jamison 45-60 cases and have had no problems with the brass even after 5 - 10 loadings.

Still having fun trying loads. 

Silver Rings

[Rowdy Fulcher]

Silver Rings
Glad your still having fun with the different loads . Having FUN is what it's all about . Keep up the good work and keep on shooting .

[h c ramrod]

WELL I/LL TELL YAH I REALY ENJOY THIS FORUM AND LOOK AT ALL THE TESTING SILVERRINGS HAS DONE AND IT HAS HELP ME WITH MY 45/60 LOADS
THIS WEEK END I WILL TEST SOME 405 HRD CST WITH 4198 26GRN FOR ACURACY. THE FPS IS AROUND 12OO.
I USUALY USE 5744 POWDER WITCH I LIKE VERY MUCH.
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK GUY'S
Ram
BY THE WAY MY N.W.M.P. CARB. LIKES 405'S AND 420'S

[h c ramrod]

 
WELL HAD A GREAT WEEK END AT OUR CLUB SHOOTIN COWBOY ACTION AND ALSO DOWN AT THE LONG RANGE . I LOADED SOME 405GRN FLAT NOSE LEAD HARD CAST. WITH 26 GRN OF H4198 .
GOT MY N.W.M.P. CARB SIGHTED IN STARTIN AT 130 YRDS AND 200 AND 250 AND 300 AND 385 YARDS .HIT'S WERE VERY ACURATE, AROUND 1200 FPS. I AM VERY HAPPY WITH THE LOAD AND THE RIFLE.......
THE 385 YARD TARGET IS A BUFFALO STEEL THE SISE OF A ST.BERNARD DOG, NOT TO BIG AT 385YRDS.
THE CLOSER TARGETS ARE LOT SMALLER.......LIFE CANT GET MUCH BETTER THAN THIS..........

[h c ramrod]

 
DANG I FORGOT TO MENTION THE CALIBER WAS 45/60, SORRY

[Rowdy Fulcher]

Howdy
Plan on using my 45-60 at the Eastern Regional ( NCOWS ) It works real good on the T Rex targets .

[h c ramrod]

ROWDY I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE T X TARGIT IS NEVER HERD OF IT......

[Rowdy Fulcher]

Howdy
Now the T Rex Targets are a Knock down .This will be shot at the Eastern Regional ( NCOWS ) It usually  consist of 5 pistol and about   8 rifle targets . This is a black powder event . I love knocking those Buffalo's down with my 76 .   

[h c ramrod]

DO YAH THINK WE WERE BORN AT THE WRONG TIME....??

[Chuy Chacon]

Howdy
I would like to thank everyone for the 45- 60 load info since it is hard to come by. I have been shooting 45-60 in a sharps carbine for the last 2 years and now a Chappy nwmp carbine. My Chappy likes long OAL of 2.31-2.325 and thin rim brass.My best guess on PSI levels would be below 15,000 , some unburned power is a good sign that your psi is low enough.

Lee 340 lfn bullet H4895 starting at 32 grs Vel 1150, 35grs Vel 1315 ,(38.5 Vel 1450),40.0 Vel 1520 Leading starts at 40 grs
Lee 340 lfn bullet Goex FFG 62grs Vel 1250                                       Std Load
Hornady 300JHP OAL 2.32 H4895 38.5 grs

Thanks
Chuy

[Roosterman]

Anybody working with SR 4759?

[Pitchy]

Larryo,

I have had some success with Reloader 7.  It gives good velocity.  The accuracy has been a problem so far.  I found 32.0 grains with no filler sometimes produces groups for 3 shots of less than 2".  Other times I will get 2 groups out of a 5 shot string that are more than 6" apart, each group will be an inch or less.  I have this same problem with most of the other powder I have tried, I'll get a 3" group plus a couple of flyers.  The H4831SC and some loads of 5744 do better.

SR  

Never mind Rowdy this answered my question.