Lee 340 gr. 457 RNFP in 45-70 Loads?

[Patrick Henry Brown]

I posted this over in the BROW forum, but thought I might also do well to post here in Darksider's Den.

Anyone here have any experience using the Lee 340 gr. 457 RNFP bullet in 45-70 with BP or Subs. I have an IAB carbine in 45-70 and thought I'd try this mold. Hoping to drop the felt recoil a little by using this instead of the 405 gr. HB. Figure to stick with 55 grains or so of 777 or FFG. Anyone have any feedback or suggestions?

[Ranch 13]

 I shoot a lyman bullet similar to that one with 70 grs Goex Cartridge, and a .060 fiber wad in wincheter cases and either cci or winchester large rifle primers. I use that load for my off hand loads, and it shoots very well to 300 yds.

[Doc O]

I can't say about the 45-70.
But I do use that bullet in my 45-60 with about 55 grs. 2F.
You my have to take up some extra space in the 45-70 case using 55 grs. and the Lee 340 gr.
One thing I found was I need to use a thin grease cockie because of the narrow lube bands.
Others may give you better info.

Doc O

[Montana Slim]

It woul dhelp to know what your plans are for the Carbine:

Is this a competion load (if so, what type)? or just for plinking/knocking about?
What maximum range to you plan to use the carbine?
Do you know the twist of rifling of your barrel?

Regards,
Slim

[Patrick Henry Brown]

Not sure of the twist rate. Can't find it online. Maybe someone else out there has an answer. Mostly considering using it to plink with, shoot a Plains match in CAS and hunt with down the line.

[Montana Slim]

Not sure of the twist rate. Can't find it online. Maybe someone else out there has an answer. Mostly considering using it to plink with, shoot a Plains match in CAS and hunt with down the line.

Easy to measure. using a snug fitting jag/patch and a non-swivel headed rod (the only kind I'm used to), measure the distance the rod travels for 1 complete revolution of the cleaning tip. The number (refered to twist) is likely 1 turn in 18 inches of length (1-18), 1-20, or 1-22.
Faster twist = better performance with longer (heavier bullet).
Lighter bullets will still work, but may have limited range / accuracy. May not be a concern given your possible uses.
I'm keeping this very simple... general range of typical bullet for best results are approximately:
1-18 = 500 grain bullet, 1-20=400 grain bullet, 1-22 = 350 grain bullet.

Regards,
Slim

Regards,
Slim

[Grapeshot]

I posted this over in the BROW forum, but thought I might also do well to post here in Darksider's Den.

Anyone here have any experience using the Lee 340 gr. 457 RNFP bullet in 45-70 with BP or Subs. I have an IAB carbine in 45-70 and thought I'd try this mold. Hoping to drop the felt recoil a little by using this instead of the 405 gr. HB. Figure to stick with 55 grains or so of 777 or FFG. Anyone have any feedback or suggestions?

I might suggest that you use a .45 card wad on top of the powder followed by enough cream on wheat or a piece of caulk backing that fills up the space and allows a slight compression.  Personally I prefer to use powdered poly propelene filler as used in 00 buckshot loads.  Balistic Products sells this plain or graphite impregnated.

[john boy]

Clint, no experience with the Lee 45-340 out of a 45-70 but here's some targets with it out of a 45-75 ...






... no'x' are 200yd with gusting winds.  Wind died and the holes with 'x' are 300yds.  Same NRA 200yd target for both distances

[Jamie]

It's nice to see some good groups with this bullet.  I've got it, the 405, and the 500 gr. Lee moalds.  I shoot a Shiloh in 45-70 that loves the 500 grainers and thinks they are pure candy with maple syrup on top.  The 405's are so-so, grouping in 3-5 inches for 5 shot groups.  (this with real gunpowder and the fake stuff that doesn't even know how to burn right so smoke develops) The 340 grainers have been, so far, a complete waste of gunpowder in that gun.  (Again, ANY powder)
I also recently purchased a T/C Contender Hunter model in 45-70 that likewise has little use for the light bullet.  They cast well, look good, weigh consistently, but in admitedly limited trials, I have had no luck whatsoever.  Seeing better groups inspires me to try again.  It would make a nice woodchuck bullet, and would undoubtedly hammer deer as well, leaving the 500 grain bullet for giant space aliens, or mutant woodchuck/alien crosses.
Jamie

[Patrick Henry Brown]

Well, I finally got around to checking the twist rate and it appears to 1-24, or therabouts. Checked it with tight brush, and tight patch, several times and it averages out to 1-24. So what suggestions do you have?

[Ranch 13]

 With that twist, stick with bullets lighter than the 405's.
Slug your barrel and try to get bullets .002 over groove diameter.

[Patrick Henry Brown]

Any load recommendations for 50-300 yd. Range. I know the 300 is stretching things a bit.

[Ranch 13]

99% of the shoots I go to 300 yds is off hand distance.
Go with 70 grs of 2f , a .060 fiber wad with your bullet, or any other good cast bullet.
If you must use smokeless then go to accurate's web data and look up suggested loads using 5744.

[Patrick Henry Brown]

I can't say about the 45-70.
But I do use that bullet in my 45-60 with about 55 grs. 2F.
You my have to take up some extra space in the 45-70 case using 55 grs. and the Lee 340 gr.
One thing I found was I need to use a thin grease cockie because of the narrow lube bands.
Others may give you better info.

Doc O

I just found the same thing. Definitely need additional lube when using Goex 2FG. Fouls out after 4-5 shots and no star lube at all. Does seem ok with subs.

[Ranch 13]

 Try upping the powder charge a bit, and see if it doesn't shoot a bit cleaner.
Low pressure bp loads will foul out much quicker than full power loads. That 340 gr bullet ought to be running with 70-75 grs of 2f.

[Patrick Henry Brown]

Try upping the powder charge a bit, and see if it doesn't shoot a bit cleaner.
Low pressure bp loads will foul out much quicker than full power loads. That 340 gr bullet ought to be running with 70-75 grs of 2f.

That may be a stout load for this lightweight carbine. I've been shooting 83 gr. of 2FG with Lyman 535 Postel in my 12lb. Pedersoli 45-90. What you think?

[Ranch 13]

 I don't think that it would be as bad as what you're getting hit by that 90.
As I've said before I shoot a similar bullet with 70 grs cartridge for my off hand match load.
Shooters Friend recoil pads are aptly named.