I have been shooting my 1885 High Wall 45-70 using 520gr cast bullets over 64gr FFFg Wano black with reasonable success, but in an attempt to reduce recoil I'm thinking of trying a 420gr conical cast bullet to see if that helps. Also wondering if maybe reducing the powder load would also reduce recoil to a more acceptable level (for me). Does anyone have any experience using these lighter lead bullets? Any thoughts would be appreciated 

I use 12 grs Unique with a Lyman 385 gr in my 1885 Hi wall and 1888 Trapdoor. Very pleasant shooting and good accuracy. I've also loaded up the trapdoor with 65 grains of 2F and a Lee 405 HB Recoil wasn't too bad. Years ago I had a 525 gr Postell type mold and it was a shoulder bruiser with 65 grs of 2F. The most I could fit in my modern cases. Those heavy bullets add kick.

John

The carbine load used by the cavalry was 55 grains and a 405 grain bullet. It makes big difference in the lighter rifles.

"No More Wads: Around 1886, the military discontinued the use of filler wads in the carbine cartridge.Deeper Seating: Instead of a filler, the arsenal simply seated the 405-grain bullet deeper into the case directly on top of the 55-grain powder charge, which naturally shortened the overall cartridge length and made it easily distinguishable from the rifle round."

It's been years since I loaded some but around 5 or 6 grains of unique and an appropriate sized round lead ball and I think lube smeared on top is a fun round to plink with. I'm sure a search will find better directions.