Smokeless Loading for 45-75

[Russian]

I just wanted to see if anyone else has any smokeless reloading info or experience for the 45-75.

I have a Uberti 1876 28 barrel.  I have my brass and Lee dies and want to get 'er loaded up!

So far I have only found the Crotchety Old Grouch's site, and it seems to me that the IMR3031 is the load to go with.  I would like to use 350grn .459 dia bullets (as I already have them ready to go) and just wanted to see if anyone else has been toying with a good solid load.

[larryo_1]

I have real good luck with 22.0 grains of 2400 rifle powder under that weight of bullet.  Also have had good luck with 3031.

[Hobie]

There is another rather long (and sometimes contentious) topic on the subject.  I need to get back to it but have been distracted of late.  I would think that 24-28 gr. of H4198 or 24-26 gr. of IMR SR4759 would also do.  There are several technical specifics to work out and care is called for. 

[Russian]

Thanks larryo, appreciate the help.

Thanks Hobie, and if you are referring to your blog, I am DYIN' to see an  update, I have read your stuff numerous times, lots of good info, appreciate the time you have taken to share it in that format.

[Grizzly Adams]

There are a number of threads that have loading data on this forum.  Here is the link to the long thread that Hobie has mentioned:

http://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php/topic,17938.0.html

There's lot of lively discussion, but also a number of good smokeless loads are noted.  XMR5744 is a good powder to start with, as it has the longest "tested" track record of use in these replicas. 

Here is a starting point for you.    While this is not a published load (there are none!) it is a suggested load provided by Western Powders.  The 76 clones are proofed for smokeless powders, and Ten-X can, and does, provide a smokeless loading for the 45-75. Stick to BP velocities! Wink

The correct bullet for the 45-75 is  #457122, which is available from Buffalo Arms.

"Caliber:      .45-75 Winchester.

Case length:         1.895"

Case capacity:      5.189cc/79.92 grains of water

Pressure level:    <18000 psi.
Barrel length:      28"

Powder:           Accurate -- 5744.

Bullet weight:  350 grains.

Start load: 21.0 grains (1100 – 1200 Ft/p/sec)

Maximum load: 25.0 grains (1300 – 1400 Ft/p/sec)

NOTES:

It' important to note that:

"Whenever Western Powders Inc do not test, and have actual data, on a particular caliber or caliber/bullet combination, we may in some cases provide some guideline. This information will be based on various procedures and calculations, or from other very reliable sources.

1.        SAFETY is our prime concern therefore:

1.1.   The loading data is conservative, especially regarding the minimum or start load to ensure a safe baseline to work from.

1.2.   The safety margin built into the start load might be more than the customary 10%.

2.        We strongly recommend.

2.1.   To always start at the recommended minimum "START" load.

2.2.   If at all possible, measure the velocity.

2.3.   Contact us again with the velocity data, so that we can verify, and correlate with our calculated/estimated data. The data should also be compared, with the typical velocity levels accepted in the industry, for that particular caliber-bullet weight combination."


The last line is important, as it reinforces what we have been saying in regards to working up safe loads.  Stay within the "typical velocity levels" for the caliber - BP velocities in this case, and verify what your doing with a chrono.

[Russian]

Thanks Grizz, that's one of the closer things I have seen to an official  load.  Will have to pick up some 5744 tomorrow.

When you mention that 5744 has he longest tested track record, is that in regards to its use as a close BP substitute in older rifles?  I thought I read something in a gun mag about that a while ago....

[Grizzly Adams]

Thanks Grizz, that's one of the closer things I have seen to an official  load.  Will have to pick up some 5744 tomorrow.

When you mention that 5744 has he longest tested track record, is that in regards to its use as a close BP substitute in older rifles?  I thought I read something in a gun mag about that a while ago....

Yes, 5744 was developed for use in the large capacity BP cases common to this era.  As a result, it was one of the first smokeless powders to be applied to the 1876 replicas.  Mike Venturino, who literally wrote the book on old west lever guns, recommended 5744 in the replicas.  That was a first, as Mike had always been a proponent of BP only in the original Winnie 1876.  In any case, it has proven a good choice for these rifles. 

Good shooting, Amigo .

[Russian]

Cheers Grizz, I will post some results when I get things together!

[Russian]

Well I shot it!

I ended up loading 24gr of H4198 under the 350gr .459 bullet and hit the paper consistently at 100yds, so that's a good start.

My rear sight has to come over to the right a bit, everything was landing about 4in to left of centre.

It worked well, but I think I need to up it a grain or so, as I don't know how far that 24gr will get me in the long range.

But I shot it, and it worked!!  Getting everything on paper was a nice bonus too