bullet for .45-50 Peabody

[outsidebear]

I'm trying to come up with a cast bullet in the about 300 gr weight for use in an
original Peabody Sporting Rifle, chambered for .45-50 Peabody (Martini-Peabody).
The original rounds used a paper patched bullet, but I'd prefer to use a grease groove cast bullet.
I have re-formed Bullao Arms .348 cases, but their length is for paper patched bullet use, which makes sense, as they were made to original length.
Any suggestions would be appreciated...
Bear

[mooman76]

Wouldn't a light 45-70 bullet work. What diameter are we looking at?

[beagle]

Yeah, I thought they were more or less standard .458s give or take a thou. I know I sent some .458s to Namibia for a .450 No. 2 and they worked out all right./beagle

[mooman76]

I looked this cartridge up in Catridges of the worl and it said most 45 cal rifle bullets that could be sized to 454 would work. I also recomends Lyman 456191 300gr bullet and also the 454190 255gr bullet.

[JMtoolman]

Outsidebear, my Peabody takes a .447 diameter bullet, the best weight I have found for the twist is 385 grain. With it's three lands and grouves it is a bit hard to figure out the right diameter. I wrote an article on loading and shooting mine in the "Fouling shot" for September-October 2001. This is the magazine for the cast bullet association. If you can find the article you might find some usefull information. Best regards, John the toolman

[John in PA]

The Gould bullet should work, around 325 gr if memory serves. I bet the 405 HB from Lee (duplicates the original 1873 Trapdoor bullet) would work better. Size to fit bore. Cast 1:20, black powder fuel, good soft lube, firm crimp.