Thread: T/C Contender 45-70

Start at 56.0 grain,load 3 rounds,raise 1/2 grain to 56.5 Load 3 rounds,raise 1/2 grain to 57 grain,load 3 rounds,this should give you 9 loads at three diff grains.Go to the range,set up three targets,fire each three shot group at three diff targets,compare groups,don't worry about anything except how well each load groups.
Hopefully one group will stand out as the tightest ,go with that group.I don't advise under loading below 56 grain,it is possible to have pressure problems doing this.Good luck,hope this helps.

Correction...Bullet is not XTP ..Hornady 45cal., 458 dia.,300 gr., HP, #4500

What is the length of your barrel?

Either way ,a 45-70 is limited in the low end load up to the max load.Using 3031,and your bullet choice,the low starting load suggested is 59 grains of powder,the max load is 61 grains of powder.Looking at that,I would start at 59 grain,and work your way up to max in 1/2 grain increments.
Load three loads of each like mentioned in previous post,and you will find your best group for your particular rifle without under charging or over charging.keep good records as you shoot your three shot groups,an easy way to keep your loads separate is to load the first three rounds at 59 grains,using a black marker,write the powder charge on the side of each brass,doing the same on all loads as you work you loads up in 1/2 grain increments .
You may already do things this way,if not ,I hope it helps you find your best load.