Just got a Pedersoli RB 45-70, now to figure out good loads...

J.D. Yellowhammer · September 06, 2007, 07:36:14 PM

I just got a Pedersoli long range creedmore Rolling Block in 45-70. I have to admit, them Italians build some dern nice firearms. I can't wait to take it to the range tomorrow.

I already have an H&R 38-55 and one of the funnest things for me is reloading one shell at a time in a Lee press, figuring out the best bullet, best powder, best shell, to crimp or not to crimp, etc. (I have a Dillon for the mass-production of pistol calbers, it's more like being a millworker).

The CAS club where I'll be shooting only has a 200 yd range for the long guns. Does anyone have suggestions for loads or bullets? I know people shy away from naming actual powder weights (though it's done on other websites), but if someone has a favorite load they'd pm me with, I'd appreciate it. I have some 350gr bullets on order (I don't cast my own). I'll probably get some 405's, too. I'll be shooting both the real stuff, BP, and some smokeless.
Thanks!
JD

Dusty Morningwood · September 07, 2007, 02:18:39 PM

My .45-70 shot the best 100 and 200 yard groups with a 520 gr RN bullet over a .030 card wad (milk carton) over a full case of FFG and about 1/8" compression. Your results mat vary. The lighter 405 and 350 gr bullets are better for hunting, IMHO.

Halfway Creek Charlie · September 07, 2007, 08:20:27 PM

I have a Pedersoli R B in 45-70 and I shoot the following load. 70 Grns. FFg with .060 vegetable fiber wad compressed enough to load Paul Jones 540 Grn bullet to the crimp ring(more than 1/8 inch fer sure). I do not crimp as in a single shot rifle you don't have to and this allows the bullet to center in the bore. Mine are good to 400 yds and more but i don't have it sighted in for more than 400 yds at this time. I have shot FFFG in it and it likes it a bit better. both were GOEX.

Mine is not the John Bodine with set triggers, but does have pistol grip and shotgun butt. As soon as I get 200 more loaded i'll get back out and sight it in further. Right now the rifle shoots better than I can shoot it.

J.D. Yellowhammer · September 07, 2007, 09:12:01 PM

Thanks, Dusty and Charlie. I appreciate your replies.

I just ordered some spg lubed bullets, 405gr and 520gr. I hadn't planned on getting the heavy bullets, but based on ya'll's advice I'm doing it. I have a few pounds of Schuetzen and a couple of Swiss, both are FFFg, so that's what I'll be using for now.

I bet 520-540 gr bullets with 70grs powder gives a good kick and cloud'a smoke. Can't wait!

Delmonico · September 07, 2007, 09:14:13 PM

JD, my advice is to go ahead and get started, and go from there. With only 200 yards your bullets you have now should get you going. Figure out how much powder you need to put in the case you are using to give about 1/8th or so compression with a wad on top of the powder. Prime it with what you have on hand, some like large pistol some go hotter clear up to the Fed 215 M. It will take some work after that to decide what your rifle likes best, but that is part of the fun, to crimp or not, the rifle will let you know, mine likes a taper crimp, but your results may vary. Never have shot Nitro in mine, but if I were to I think I'd look into 5744 from AA and go with their data.

Delmonico · September 07, 2007, 09:17:33 PM

To add to this, my Pedersoli Sharps shoots the 457122 Lyman 330 HP that is my hunting load about the same as the heavier ones out to about 300 yards. Others results may vary but that is what I have found.

J.D. Yellowhammer · September 07, 2007, 10:06:55 PM

Quote from: Delmonico on September 07, 2007, 09:14:13 PM
JD, my advice is to go ahead and get started, and go from there. With only 200 yards your bullets you have now should get you going. Figure out how much powder you need to put in the case you are using to give about 1/8th or so compression with a wad on top of the powder. Prime it with what you have on hand, some like large pistol some go hotter clear up to the Fed 215 M. It will take some work after that to decide what your rifle likes best, but that is part of the fun, to crimp or not, the rifle will let you know, mine likes a taper crimp, but your results may vary. Never have shot Nitro in mine, but if I were to I think I'd look into 5744 from AA and go with their data.

Thank you, I'll definitely follow your advice. I know I have some Federal large pistol primers and I bet I have some large rifle Feds from my 38-55.

Tomorrow I'm going to a state-run range that only has a 100 yd range for rifles. The only commercial cartridges I could find around here were Remington smokeless, 405g semi-jacketed soft points. I guess they'll do fine to get me started, learning the characteristics of the rifle, zeroing it in some, etc. But I'm really looking forward to the delivery of the brass and bullets so I can get going with the black.

Delmonico · September 07, 2007, 10:21:23 PM

When done, be sure to make sure you get all traces of copper fouling out. Copper fouling and lead bullets don't really like each other. Use a goot copper solvent and wet patch and soak an hour or so. Keep this up till when it soaks, the patches don't have any blue or green gunk on them when you wipe it. That is your copper fouling. I did that with mine before I even shot it. I got some out so I am guessing the proof loads were jacketed.

J.D. Yellowhammer · September 07, 2007, 11:12:04 PM

Thanks again. That's very good advice. And now that you mention it--when I was cleaning the barrel today to get ready to shoot, I was seeing some green.
After I shoot these 20 rounds I'll be strictly limiting it to lead.

Halfway Creek Charlie · September 07, 2007, 11:30:54 PM

You will fer sure find out about KICK using the Remy jacketed Hollow points. That's all I could find when I first got my Sharps (Pedersoli) some years ago. Went to the range and the RO said he'd never seen anything kick like that. I must say it was a mite impolite on the back end. Did it ever kick! but then the Remy loads are hunting loads. Your BP reloads will be more polite as the burning curve is different. Longer and slower over shorter and faster for Smokeless.

Delmonico · September 08, 2007, 07:32:39 AM

Well you know you are expected to report back when yer done.

Good to see ya back, was wondering the other day when you'd dissapeared to.

J.D. Yellowhammer · September 08, 2007, 09:24:12 AM

Quote from: Delmonico on September 08, 2007, 07:32:39 AM
Well you know you are expected to report back when yer done.
Good to see ya back, was wondering the other day when you'd dissapeared to.

Thanks fer the welcome! I'll certainly report my results, and I may even be truthful.

I had some health issues over the last couple of years that got bad enough to end my CAS activities, but I'm much better now. We moved back to Nashville from Phoenix, bought a couple of new guns (including a USFA premium SAA that I've lusted over for years), and joined the local SASS club. Now I'm trying to get ready with the Pedersoli to shoot long range at the state SASS match in October at the Wartrace Regulators. (I sure would like to find enough like-minded folks for an NCOWS posse).

Del, I fretted over this copper jacket thing all night. I did a lot of internet free-ranging last night and noted that the BPCR crowd swears to a man to eternally forsake the use of copper within their pristine barrels. Well, I have no illusions about being a true long range shootist, given my relative abilities, eyes and budget, so the devil on my more sane shoulder says "just shoot it and clean it good." Meanwhile, the fanatical angel on my other shoulder shrieks, "Copper is a Sin!"
I know which way I'll go, but I wish I could shut that angel up.

JD