Powderpuff for 10” 45-70?

[sassnetguy50]

Looking at a tempting revolver chambered in 45-70.  What would be the minimum muzzle energy or minimum velocity and projectile weight a 45-70 can be loaded to for range use?

[Alpo]

I would use .457 round ball, designed for Ruger Old Armys, over about 11 grains of Unique. Gallery load. Probably throw that round ball 800, 850 feet per second.

[Pat Riot]

I would cruise some different forums. 
 

https://duckduckgo.com/?q=reloading 45 70 light loads for bfr&ia=web

[Michigan Slim]

Unique and trailboss are your friends.

[sassnetguy50]

2 hours ago, Pat Riot, SASS #13748 said:

I would cruise some different forums. 
 

https://duckduckgo.com/?q=reloading 45 70 light loads for bfr&ia=web

You're right, I should have thought of that.  Found some loads that are supposedly safe and should be less felt recoil than 45 Colt cowboy loads through a Vaquero.

[Kid Rich]

Try the 457 rb with about 30-35gs of 3f black powder. Really fast and little recoil. Jump it up to 55-60 gs of bp and you are duplicating a Walker load still not much recoil but over 1000 fps.

kR

[Assassin]

I'm guessing you are looking at a BFR.

They are snappy. Not any worse than 475 or 500 Linebaugh, 500 S&W, 454 Casull, etc. If one is not going to shoot stout loads what's the point of ownership. Might as well just buy a 45 Colt chambered handgun and shoot hot loads. The BFR is a novelty gun, I've shot them, they spend most of their life hidden on the back of the safe. 

There are some 300 grain loads that are manageable. Most of the powder is burned outside of the muzzle and they make a nice fireworks exhibition at dusk.