Advice on 45/70 reloading

[Mattnall]

I have come by a nice 1874 Quigley Rifle by Pedersoli in 45/70, and among other bits I have also been given some 440gn bullets for it.

Now I have found plenty of load data for 405gn bullets and even 500gn but does anyone have experience with reloading 440gn bullets preferably with Viht powders, I have some N135 and N160 or possibly Reloder7. I don't want to knock myself or the rifle about and really don't see myself shooting it much past 300yds.

TIA.

[dromia]

Nice rifle had one myself for a while in 45-90 phwoarrrrrrrr and have always regretted letting it go.

My current 45-70 other than my original Trapdoors is a Browning BPCR High Wall (Miroku made) which is getting some hammer just now with all this time to fill.

I can't help you with smokeless loads unfortunately though as I only use black powder, 65 gns Swiss No 4 1 1/2 fg under a thirty thou veggie wad and any 500-550 gn bullet. The trapdoors get 70 gns same powder under the Lee hollow base 405 gn bullet.

135 should give you a load but I suspect that you would need a case full to give decent combustion without too much wasted powder, I wouldn't bother with 160 doubt it would work in this cartridge.

Reloader 7 would be my choice out of the three you have being a fast rifle powder case fill is not so crucial to get decent combustion/safety.