So - at 28,500PSI - that adds a bit more to the equation, guys, which is a direct benefit to the .45/70.

Straight off Brian's article, which lists comprehensive loads "that do not exceed, 21,000CUP, that do not exceed 28,000CUP, that do not exceed 35,000CUP that do not exceed 43,000CUP". the below powder slist and speeds obtained are for the "Do Not Exceed 28,000CUP"/PSI.

I've already printed speeds and powders under the very light, 21,000CUP data, well, here's the 'That do not Exceed 28,000CUP.(note that Speer's Marlin data is restrcited to 28,000CUP for their 400gr. bullet, while the industry standard for that rifle is 43,000CUP. Note also that in this round, CUP and PSI are the same number.

OK - not over 28,000CUP which is safe according to Baikal in their double - see below the powders used and the speeds obtained in a 22" barrel: If you do not have the article form handloader #248, the August-September 2007 issue, write me at home and I'll give you a few of the actual loads - starting and max.

300gr. Nosler Partition - VV-N133--------- 2,305fps
------------------------- H4198----------- 2,305fps
350gr. Hornady FP or RN - AA2015---------- 1,980fps
------------------------- H4895----------- 1,833fps
400gr. Speer FP---------- H335------------ 1,850fps
------------------------- IMR4198--------- 1,888fps
405Reminton FP----------- H4985----------- 1,861fps
------------------------- H322------------ 1,949fps
405gr. Cast Performance-- H4895----------- 1,756fps
415gr. RCBS FN GC-------- H4895----------- 1,952fps
------------------------- H4198----------- 1,934fps
------------------------- Varget---------- 1,842fps
------------------------- H322------------ 1,898fps
------------------------- Re#7------------ 1,735fps
420gr. Cast performanceFN H322------------ 1,866fps

Now, take note these were all loaded to function in the short Marlin's action for an overall length of 2.543" or shorter. Winchester large rifle primers were used in all loads & testing/pressure data taken at 60F. Note also a lot of use of Hodgdon's 'Extreme" powders, which produce virtually identical speeds and pressures, no matter the temperature.

I don't know the chamber length of the Baikal, but if it allows seating the bullets out, this increases the overal length with corresponding increases in case capacity as well. This will allow another grain or so of powder, for a small gain in speed. Note also, that seating the bullets out just a bit, produces almost identical speeds as given by the presented loads there is very little if any drop in speed - such is the 'case' with very large expansion ratio ctgs. There is no real gain to get another 50fps - in any ctg. including this one, other than perhaps for regulation purposes.