First time casting: 460gr Mjölnir for my Marlin 45-70

[Bangbangman]

I feared this would happen...


Having bought a 45-70, I inevitably decided to start casting bullets. Lots of reading/browsing and talking to shooters followed.


My 45-70 shoots .462 cast bullets (purchased) better than SAAMI diameter so I slugged the bore and made an impact impression of the chamber:


http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i10/xavierdoc/more%20pics/60BE0158-F4F3-4167-90B2-6F30CAA32D30.jpg (http://s68.photobucket.com/user/xavierdoc/media/more%20pics/60BE0158-F4F3-4167-90B2-6F30CAA32D30.jpg.html)


Non-existent "throat":
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i10/xavierdoc/more%20pics/B63BA55F-9845-4F4B-AD42-CC0FFE4A2FA5_1.jpg (http://s68.photobucket.com/user/xavierdoc/media/more%20pics/B63BA55F-9845-4F4B-AD42-CC0FFE4A2FA5_1.jpg.html)


Throat diameter:
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i10/xavierdoc/more%20pics/1BD1BAD7-5AE6-40EF-BBFB-55985DA54A16_1.jpg (http://s68.photobucket.com/user/xavierdoc/media/more%20pics/1BD1BAD7-5AE6-40EF-BBFB-55985DA54A16_1.jpg.html)


Groove-groove diameter:
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i10/xavierdoc/more%20pics/077D95B5-1595-46B7-89A0-F56F8CB7F8CA_1.jpg (http://s68.photobucket.com/user/xavierdoc/media/more%20pics/077D95B5-1595-46B7-89A0-F56F8CB7F8CA_1.jpg.html)


I suppose that explains why it likes fat bullets!


Anyway, after much discussion with knowledgeable, lead-encrusted folk, I designed a bullet tailored to my gun:


http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i10/xavierdoc/f55a3a54ae06021e56d6aef438b66730.jpg (http://s68.photobucket.com/user/xavierdoc/media/f55a3a54ae06021e56d6aef438b66730.jpg.html)


As I'm sure many here will know, this site lets you "program" the CAD reamer, while stopping you doing silly things that can't work. The guys who run it are incredibly helpful.


The mold cost £75, which I think is very reasonable (for the UK!), given the weeks of dialogue getting the design right!


The design is for a 460gr bullet with a large meplat for good on-game performance, sectional density>3 (for those pesky Welsh elephants!) and a .458 Gator gas check. Designed to feed in my Marlin and leave enough case capacity for "adequate" oomph.


I set about assembling the kit for casting, while reading the Lyman manual and gleaning knowledge from casters at the range. Managed to scrounge some scrap lead and some monotype so I was all set...

Yesterday I melted down the lead over a burner, cleaned it up and alloyed it with a little of the monotype 18:1

Meet the bullet I've named Mjölnir (Thor's Hammer):


http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i10/xavierdoc/more%20pics/D99DEEF3-EDB8-46A5-ACF0-6DECE6841AC6_1.jpg (http://s68.photobucket.com/user/xavierdoc/media/more%20pics/D99DEEF3-EDB8-46A5-ACF0-6DECE6841AC6_1.jpg.html)


http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i10/xavierdoc/more%20pics/2D3BB5E4-AAD9-4EF5-AEAE-B99E2BF812D4.jpg (http://s68.photobucket.com/user/xavierdoc/media/more%20pics/2D3BB5E4-AAD9-4EF5-AEAE-B99E2BF812D4.jpg.html)


http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i10/xavierdoc/more%20pics/FB4EE07B-5B27-4012-AD18-EAB247E85DAC.jpg (http://s68.photobucket.com/user/xavierdoc/media/more%20pics/FB4EE07B-5B27-4012-AD18-EAB247E85DAC.jpg.html)


I've no previous experience to compare it to but the mold seemed to perform well, so long as I kept my speed/rhythm up.


The bullets cast at an average 460gr and .462 diameter:
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i10/xavierdoc/more%20pics/E84E3BD4-F7DC-41E2-8131-0444B5BBFDBE.jpg (http://s68.photobucket.com/user/xavierdoc/media/more%20pics/E84E3BD4-F7DC-41E2-8131-0444B5BBFDBE.jpg.html)
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i10/xavierdoc/more%20pics/17065979-204A-4C18-A0F7-74B81EBBAF1F.jpg (http://s68.photobucket.com/user/xavierdoc/media/more%20pics/17065979-204A-4C18-A0F7-74B81EBBAF1F.jpg.html)


I can't wait to see how they shoot. I just need to sort out my Lubrisizer and make up some test loads.

Any tips or advice gratefully received!

[MT Chambers]

You'll like it for keeping your shoulder loose, maybe too loose.

[Patrick56]

Could be excellent for those Welsh dragons?;-)

[Frank46]

Just the thing for the fierce welsh rabbits. I hear they can be very nasty at times. Nice looking boolits and don't forget the advil as I think you are going to need it. Have fun as that is what it's all about. Frank

[lobowolf761]

I could use a bullet like that in my little squirrel hunting 45-110 Sharps sized to .458 or .459. That is a really nice looking bullet with nice wide lube grooves.

[Wayne Smith]

I feel sorry for your poor shoulder! Please take it easy and don't break anything.

[Bangbangman]

Could be excellent for those Welsh dragons?;-)

Shooting dragons is frowned upon round here- have you not seen our flag?!

[Patrick56]

Shooting dragons is frowned upon round here- have you not seen our flag?!
Sorry, I thought they were hiding in Lynnau Cregennen, Snowdonia? So you mean that they are no real?