In loading smokeless in the .45-70 the  charge I am using is 
suggested to have a dacron filler over the powder.  Good or bad idea?  Should I use a slower powder which fills more of the case instead? With a 285 to 310 grain lead bullet, what powder would you more experienced with this cavernous case recommend? ???

hi ho jc,

was using wads and fillers for years in 45-70's. tried some 5744? and never looked back. just as accurate and a lot less work.

good luck and ..ttfn..grampa..

Jerry,

If you really want to see what the 70 means in the 45-70, let me or DH know and we will treat you to the real stuff in your rifle.
Throw away that fake powder and use what it  was made for.

The boom and smoke and the accuracy will sway you in the proper direction.

Jerry, I've been using 4759 in my .45-70 when I can use real gun powder, but most of the time when I shoot the big guns, I have to go over to the dark side because rules of the event require it.  I will say that if I am shooting less than a case of smokeless in a breech seat mode (mostly with .32-40) I either use no wad at all or a cork wad about a tenth of an inch off the powder.  In his chamber ringing tests a few years ago, our friend Charlie Dell identified Dacron wads as a leading cause of known ringing...I avoid it like the plague.

the Green Frog

PS  Did that hammer make it to you yet?  Does it look like you can use it?  GF

Joe

I have loaded that carbine load for some time using Black. It's well detailed in Wolf's "Loading orriginal cartridges for the trapdoor"   

I think I would be pretty cautious about using it with smokeless powder. I would guess It can increase preassure a whole lot with smokeless.

I used to use a Dacron tuft wad in my smokeless loads for the 45/70 but gave it up. IMR 4759 burns fine without it and elimanates any cause for problems with the wads.  I never saw any advantage to the wad.

Boats