45-70 Subsonic load data

[WKR]

Last week I posted about trying to use a certain powder as a replacement for unique since Alliant is pretty much gone now.
I had no responses so I dont think anyone here has tried it. Well I went ahead and gave it a shot and it worked out great.
VV N330 is a great substitute for unique and seems to be insensitive to case fill or fill position.
I started with 14 grains and it was a little slow at 980 fps, loaded some at 14.5 and I'm getting a consistent 1020 fps. At my elevation the sound barrier is 1080 fps, so I'm comfortably below that and decided to stay at the 14.5 of N330

I'm shooting a 400gr Speer jacketed soft point over 14.5gr VV N330 in starline brass with win lrp out of a marlin 1895G
And a SilencerCo hybrid 46.

Subs out of a 45-70 are a whole lot of fun

If you have any more 45-70 subsonic loads post them here

 

[Mtnbkr]

I’m using the same powder. Had some unique, VV N330 , tite group and Win 231. The unique and VV were very close, almost identical. Ended up going with VV of course. Using 400 gr. Cast for subs. Didn’t know about the Speer 400 gr. Just ordered 200 of those. Thanks for the information!

 

[Nine Banger]

This is 450 Marlin, but same difference.

These may be obsolete given your news tho.

I have factory seconds 300gr JHPs:
- 12gr Unique…fps: avg 1039fps
- just posted to save folks some time/$...don't buy these for subsonic...there is light gassing 5/8” back on 20% of circumference of case after firing. Going up with the load eliminates this but they are transonic and cracking at this speed. I don't crimp due to obsolete brass and use in Ruger No.1 and Desert Tech bolt gun.

More Unique Data:

• 12.5 gr Unique 962/999
• 13gr 1108/1122
• 14gr 1102/1109
• 15gr 1259/1191
• 16gr 1234/xxxx (barely any gassing)

405gr LBT heat treated solids wlngc loaded 2.540”

• These rounds all sealed…
• 13gr Unique: 1111 avg
• 13gr Unique: 1130!
• 12.5gr Unique 1073, 1147, 1095
• 12gr Unique 1039, 1053, 1081, 1065
• 13gr Trail Boss 1006, 1008

 

[Nine Banger]

This was stupid, but I was in the mood:

8/18/24:

500gr TSX w/ 16gr Unique, they were around 800fps and not consistent flyers

 

[Mtnbkr]

I’m getting some leading with my cast subs. From what I have read, I shouldn’t be. I bought a bunch of 400 gr. Cast for cheap at a reloading supply . They were packed in a plastic bag, so I have no idea the hardness. That is one reason I jumped on the jacketed speers. Other than the leading, they shoot well. Scrubbing lead isn’t any fun.

 

[WKR]

I’m getting some leading with my cast subs. From what I have read, I shouldn’t be. I bought a bunch of 400 gr. Cast for cheap at a reloading supply . They were packed in a plastic bag, so I have no idea the hardness. That is one reason I jumped on the jacketed speers. Other than the leading, they shoot well. Scrubbing lead isn’t any fun.

The 400 gr Speers have been great for subs and supers for me. I think you will like em. Accurate and easy to load/crimp.

 

[Nine Banger]

I just got a pound of N330 from Midway.

Here's my data from the first experience.

14.5gr N330:

410gr Sub-x #45052 Hornady

avg 1053fps

405gr wlngc Cast Performance Bullet Company

avg 1136 fps

300gr hollow point (factory seconds...I think these are Hornady #4500)

avg 1159 fps

 

[Ozarkansas]

I’ve run 525 hardcast lead bullets with between 8.5-11.0 grains of unique and they work just fine. Velocity is around 800-1000 FPS depending on the exact powder charge

 

[peaceman]

I just got a pound of N330 from Midway.

Here's my data from the first experience.

14.5gr N330:

410gr Sub-x #45052 Hornady

avg 1053fps

405gr wlngc Cast Performance Bullet Company

avg 1136 fps

300gr hollow point (factory seconds...I think these are Hornady #4500)

avg 1159 fps



View attachment 790862

How were your groups with the Sub-X bullets? I recently found Unique on the shelf at my LGS. Will look at N330.

 

[Nine Banger]

How were your groups with the Sub-X bullets? I recently found Unique on the shelf at my LGS. Will look at N330.

I didn't shoot paper. I just haphazardly sent them to steel to get the fps and there were lots of other hits on the plate but if I check later when I get ready to put them to work I'll try to remember to follow up.

I just loaded some subsonic 280 Remington with N330 and they worked great and here's the kicker: The N330 predictably moves thru a powder drop. Unique is all over the place and needs to be measured by hand.