Howdy Folks...Long Range thoughts >>>

[1911Tex]

Shiloh-Sharps Long Range Express, vintage 1995. 34"bbl. 45-70 using 300gr .458" 20-1 SPG from Buffalo Arms; 29 grs A5744 powder. Our cowboy action long range shooting group suggested this formula for a starting load.
The club shoots at 250; 400; 600 silhouette metal targets. Thoughts?

[gunlaker]

I have the same rifle, and while I do not shoot smokeless, I can say that 69gr of FFg and a Buffalo Arms Money bullet lubed with SPG will work very well at those ranges. I'm not sure if you are interested in black powder or not. Regardless, I'd use a longer, heavier bullet.

Chris.

[Don McDowell]

70 grs Olde Eynsford 2f, .030 fiber wad and a Saeco 645 bullet lubed with BSC lube.

[Clarence]

Bullet is too light to expect good accuracy at long range, based on my experience. Go to a 500+ gr. bullet and drop the load by at least 4 gr. (26 gr. of 5744 with a 520 gr. bullet gave me 1360 fps and had excessive recoil). For 600 yd., 1150-1200 fps is plenty velocity. I agree with the other posters that you would probably be happier in the long run with black powder.

Clarence

[Rufus Krile]

1911Tex... As you have noticed, smokeless powder around here ranks right up there with genital warts and rectal cysts. That said, a few of us 'lurkers' still use the illicit concoction and maybe can help... Haven't shot anything as light as the 300gr that you're talking about but have shot 405's and 500's ahead of 5744. Takes me about 27.0 gr behind a 405 to crank 1400fps out of a 30" bbl and 28.0gr behind the 500's to get about the same velocity. I have an AA2230 load for the 500gr that'll turn 1600fps but there's really not much to recommend it. Both the AA5744 loads hit the buff at Raton.

[Don McDowell]

If you absolutely can't live with yourself or stand to be in the same room as you are unless you shoot smokeless, then 25 grs of 5744 behind the same Saeco 645 bullet will get the job done..

[Lumpy Grits]

Need more bullet.
Gary

[battleship gunner]

You might try IMR 4198 and a heavy bullet i.e. 535grs. Which is what I use for great accuracy at long range ( 1,000 yds. ) and short as well.

Frank

My long distance provider is Sharps.

[1911Tex]

You fellas are remarkable. Now I have a lot to work with and will follow up on recommendations. I really appreciate your input ! Thanks