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Post by normrep on Jan 22, 2015 10:44:29 GMT -5
Now that I've posted once - I might as well post twice. As I mentioned in my previous thread, I have just acquired an Encore 45-70 20" Katahdin barrel for the Encore frame, using a Savage smokeless plug, Harvester light blue sabots, and starting out with Hornady .40 caliber 200 grain XTP and SST bullets in front of H4198 for powder. That seems to be fairly standard on this site for a lot of the break action shooters when starting out. I think for me, the upper 50 grains will be more than enough in terms of my tolerance for recoil and my need for a good deer hunting load in Indiana where shots beyond 100 yards are rare. So my question: What are the indications that you are getting to the high end of pressure, other than perceived recoil? And is there any danger of going too low on powder? I find here that some of you are shooting as low as 50 grains of H4198 in the .45 caliber barrel and most not shooting more than 60-62 grains. I also read that Slufoot seems to have worked up a load of Blue Dot at 17 grains for the .45 caliber barrel as a lighter load for younger shooters with the same bullet, sabot, and primer I'm using. I would be interested in trying such a load, but I wonder how we determine what a safe range is for various powders from low to high - and which powders are unsafe to use in smokeless muzzleloading applications altogether. I assume this has been a process of applied knowledge + trial and error with good folks like yourselves sharing their experiences on websites such as this. I never would have got this far without this site and the valuable information found here. I am mainly looking for safe, moderate loads that can be tweaked a little warm for hunting, but lightened up for plinking and easy shooting fun with wife, kids, and grandkids. If any of this wide-ranging rambling triggers any responses - I would be glad for any and all. Thanks!
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Post by Richard on Jan 22, 2015 20:05:07 GMT -5
If you go too light on the powder charge with some of the slower powders, you will get misfires. Too hot and you may blow sabots. What Slufoot is doing is using a very fast powder but in a small amount. Powders that are granular (ball powders) can get back into your vent liner so most will stay away from them. I have used some successfully in duplex loads by putting my booster in first (flake or stick powder) which will block the ball powder from getting back into the vent. There is a lot of trial and error here and a lot comes from many hours off trying different stuff.
If you have questions that don't get answered, send me a PM and I will give you a phone number and we can talk.
Richard
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Post by smokepolehall on Jan 23, 2015 10:04:27 GMT -5
I am here learning also. I have several light loads i am shooting through my NEF converted 45-70. I have shot 25gr-30gr & 35gr of 5744 & the accuracy is fine for me at 75yds. Recoil is mild on the 25 & 30gr loads. I have some mild loads in the VV110 powder also.
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Post by superkirby on Jan 23, 2015 11:08:08 GMT -5
I have a 20" barrel on an Encore and this last year I shot 57 gr H4198. Not a light load by any means but also not going to knock you over. I've been looking for some Blue Dot and if I ever find it I plan to try Slufoot's load. If I can't find it this year I'm going to work with some 5744 and 200gr. XTP's. I would like to find something in between, but I think my best be with those was 4759 and that's gone.
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Post by normrep on Jan 23, 2015 11:41:31 GMT -5
Powder has sure been hard to find. I found one pound of H4198 at a small local gun shop and have about a third pound of Blue Dot left over from loading the .44 mag back in the day. Might give it a try...
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Post by smokepolehall on Jan 24, 2015 14:33:38 GMT -5
Powder has sure been hard to find. I found one pound of H4198 at a small local gun shop and have about a third pound of Blue Dot left over from loading the .44 mag back in the day. Might give it a try... Blue Dot i have looking for in 3 states with friends. I have ck'ed my 2 powder Dealers & they have several cases of H4198. I picked up 2 lbs of it |
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Post by superkirby on Jan 24, 2015 16:09:45 GMT -5
Haven't has a problem finding 4198 or 5744. Blue Dot and Reloader 7 or 10 are a different story.
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nsb
Forkhorn
Posts: 77
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Post by nsb on Jan 24, 2015 16:50:23 GMT -5
Since I saw that 4198 seems to be a fairly good choice for shooting 45cal muzzle loaders I decided to go out and see if I could find some more. I don't want to run out because I use it in my 45-70 rifles also. My dealer had H4198 so I took a pound. I have on hand, two pounds of IMR4198 which I've been using. According to Hodgdon's web site, the loads listed are different for those two powders when used in the 45-70. Do you guys recommend using different loads in the 45cal SML?
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Post by Richard on Jan 24, 2015 20:34:14 GMT -5
I have shot both powders "side by side" and found no difference in chronograph readings or accuracy on my targets. My only preference for Hodgedon is the "sticks" are slightly shorter (than the IMR version) and meter more accurately thru my Harrell's powder measure.
Richard
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Post by jims on Jan 24, 2015 20:54:10 GMT -5
I would agree with Richard. For my applications the difference was insignificant.
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Post by smokepolehall on Jan 25, 2015 13:16:23 GMT -5
I bought the H4198 as it was abit less in cost. I haven't had the chance to do anymore shooting as the rain has decided to play & stay around for awhile & winds be fairly high.
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