45-70 handi rifle loads

[double tap]

i got a new 45-70 handi rifle, so i want to load some ammo for it. the bullets i have are 405 gr. hard cast, and 500 gr. round nose lyman 457125 soft cast. i want to load 12 grains of imr trail boss under the 405 and maybe 9 gr under the 500 gr bullet. i also want to load some a bit more stought. the usuall powders for 45-70 such as 3031and 4198 are not available locally. i have some 4064 that i wan to get rid of. according to imr 46 gr. of 4064 is starting for the 405 gr. at trapdoor level. they don't list 500gr bullets but they do list a 485 grain bullet with a 38.5 starting load. i was thinking maybe 38 gr. to start. my 45-70 experience is limited to period black powder trapdoor loads, hence the soft round nose bullets. am i crazy? need some info. thanks

[joem]

I load alot of .405 hard cast in a old RB with Trail Boss. IMO I'd stick with that.

[Hefights]

With the old 500 gr Lyman 457125 round nose "government" bullet, my best loads were always with IMR 4759 powder, and the Lyman reloading manual also shows that powder as optimal. Not sure where the Handi rifle fits in action strength, closer to a trap door than falling block i would presume? I'm not sure about 4064, it does not list any loads for that, it does for Varget. Not sure how a smokeless powder will do with soft lead bullets, you can only try and find out, but be careful.

[Johnny P]

The H&R Handi-Rifle comes in chamberings up to the .270 and .30-06, so strength shouldn't be a factor with any recommended load.