45 cal round ball mold suggestions

[barnabus]

After listening to u guys comments on the 45 cal Cherokee I recently purchased I believe I'm gonna take yalls advice on shoot Round balls and stay away from the heavy loads and heavy bullet weights of maxi balls in this little muzzleloader. In my 50 cal I use a RCBS .495 RB mold and a .012 patch with great results. There is several sizes of RB available for the 45. There is .440, 445 and 451 and even .457. If I was to use the same patch thickness of .012 which mold dia would y'all use? I know 440 is probably the most common but what about the other tighter fitting ball options. Thanks!

[Squeeze]

I used a .440 ball and a 60-70 grn charge. The gun just doesn't fit me, and punches me in the cheek every shot, So I gave up on shooting the .45 barrels

[triggerhappy243]

.457 IS FOR COLT REVOLVERS, I HAVE A BOX OF 100................ WITHOUT THE SHOOTER:groner:

A FRIEND USES THE .440 AND .445 IN HIS RIFLE.

I WOULD NOT DISCOUNT ANY OF THE CONICALS, THEY CAN BE LOADED ON THE LIGHT SIDE TOO.

[Czech_too]

I would suggest the .440, the mould may not drop them at quite that size anyway, probably a tad larger.

[sharps4590]

Generally .440 is the "go to" size for 45 cal. round balls. Some rifles prefer the larger .445. Only way to know is shoot them both. The .451's and larger are nearly always for C&B revolvers. As for molds while I am not a fan of Lee molds for RB's that's all I use.

Squeeze's powder charges have been where I usually end up for a hunting charge in the 45's. For match shooting and plinking 40-50 grs. has always worked well for me. I've known several who like 30 grs. Mostly listen to what the rifle is telling you.

[725]

sharps4590 is right. Got to try the .440's & the .445's tosee which is better in your particular rifle. I do have good luck with FFFg & a T/C Maxi-ball in the Cherokee. Experimentation with all the above will get you your answer.

[barnabus]

sharps4590 is right. Got to try the .440's & the .445's tosee which is better in your particular rifle. I do have good luck with FFFg & a T/C Maxi-ball in the Cherokee. Experimentation with all the above will get you your answer.

How many grains of powder with the maxi ball? I have a 240 grain mold.

[54bore]

How many grains of powder with the maxi ball? I have a 240 grain mold.

I personally would NOT go over 60 Grains of 2F and probably stick with 50ish if the gun shot good, Even tho TC shows 80 as Max, if you break your stock are they gonna replace it? Impossible, they dont make them anymore, that puts you looking on the used market for a new stock, and if you haven't noticed used Seneca/Cherokee stocks bring a mint price! Personally i would load as mentioned above for Maxi Ball. A light Round Ball load is your safest bet 50-60 Grains 2F

[masscaster]

.440 & .445 are the standard RB, Lyman #454616 is a good conical choice.
I have a couple double cav. Ohaus .445 moulds extra. I also cast all 3 of the above.

PM if interested.
Jeff

[bob208]

I use .440 with .018 patch and 45 gr. 3f.

[54bore]

I use .440 with .018 patch and 45 gr. 3f.

This was about my thoughts If i had kept my .45 Seneca barrel. In my opinion if you choose to push the Seneca/Cherokee you risk looking for a new stock

[Johnny_Cyclone]

I use .440 with .018 patch and 45 gr. 3f.

+1

That load is a mighty fine 100 yard Tin Can Killer

[mooman76]

I also use the .440, that seems to be the most prevelant.

[OverMax]

Let (Jeff) Masscaster fill your need for proper 45 cal rifle ball sizes. Can't beat the price or the products he makes. I've been more than pleased with Masscasters .440s. I could cast em myself but >his are nicer.

[rfd]

with button sharp grooved barrels, .440 and a .015 grease lubed cotton patch for starters.