Final decision

[GMB54-120]

I got 100 of the 325gr FTXs for only $35 at a gun show and even at BH209 speeds they seemed to preform pretty well so i picked up some Reloader 7 based on these reviews.

I have a 1895 GG 45/70 also and Hornady has load data for my 1895 with this bullet and Re7. It actually gives some of the best fps according to Hornady in a 45/70. The designed velocity of the 325 and Re7 are right in the smokeless range for performance and probably about the right pressure curve also.

I was going to try 39gr of 5744 for starters but since im a smokeless ML newb i felt that Re7 will be safer with 300gr+ bullets. I really didnt want quite that much velocity as 62gr delivers so would 60gr of Re7 still give reliable ignition with the 325gr FTX?

BTW i found 4lbs of N120 too but its going to be a week or two before it arrives.

[wilmsmeyer]

One little, last update regarding these bullets and shooting them.

With 3 weeks till gun season, I usually get a little antzy and want to shoot my gun(s) even if just a little bit. While the camp kids were deboning and grinding up my archery buck, I loaded and shot 3 shots over about 30 minutes. 1st 2 were almost in the same hole and the 3rd was 1/2" away @ 2 1/2" high @ 100 yds. This is making more and more sense. These were the 4,5,6 shots since totally cleaning my plug. These was another amazing group with shots 7,8,9 at 150 yds that was like 7/8". I have noticed this many times over the years. There is a sweet spot in the life of a plug that starts out super clean.

Anyone else notice this? Next shot out of this gun will be #7. I better do a bunch more shooting or none at all. This gun is ready.

[Al]

Oct 31, 2010 4:04:26 GMT -5 wilmsmeyer said:

One little, last update regarding these bullets and shooting them.

With 3 weeks till gun season, I usually get a little antzy and want to shoot my gun(s) even if just a little bit. While the camp kids were deboning and grinding up my archery buck, I loaded and shot 3 shots over about 30 minutes. 1st 2 were almost in the same hole and the 3rd was 1/2" away @ 2 1/2" high @ 100 yds. This is making more and more sense. These were the 4,5,6 shots since totally cleaning my plug. These was another amazing group with shots 7,8,9 at 150 yds that was like 7/8". I have noticed this many times over the years. There is a sweet spot in the life of a plug that starts out super clean.

Anyone else notice this? Next shot out of this gun will be #7. I better do a bunch more shooting or none at all. This gun is ready.

I haven't shot my Savage in eons, but the plug I made for my 40 copy's it for the most part. It has around 100 shots on it to date, and is still as accurate as the first shots out of it.

I'm a little reluctant to even pull it or swab the barrel cuz shooting so good.