ffg in a .45-70

[The Cold Lake Kid]

Greetings:
I'm getting set to try some Holy Black FFg in my 1885 Hiwall. I noticed that while the cartridge seems to only hold about 60 grains ffg, when I check depth of powder in the case, before seating a 350 gr lead bullet on it.
Any one else shoot .45-70 and Black Powder who can comment
Thanks

[Irish Dave]

Kid:

Today's cases typically hold less powder than the old balloon cases of the 19th Century. It's not uncommon to find that you can't get 70 grains in a 45-70. This will also vary with manufacturer. Winchester vs. Remington vs. etc will all vary a bit.

Don't sweat it. The main thing is to fill the case so that your bullet compresses the powder slightly (about 1/16 to 1/8 of an inch is probably enough) when fully seated. Accuracy is usually dependent on absolute consistency at the loading table -- round after round after round. Find the combination of powder, lube, lead etc that your rifle prefers and it should do its part just fine. The art of longer range black powder cartridge shooting in the old style single shot rifles has as much or more to do with determining the right loading as it does the rifle itself -- and, of course, lots of practice.

Have fun.