Looking to start casting for my Marlin 45-70 guide gun and in need of mold and load recommendations. Interested in something around 300 gr and than 350-400 gr. Mostly for paper punching.
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Looking to start casting for my Marlin 45-70 guide gun and in need of mold and load recommendations. Interested in something around 300 gr and than 350-400 gr. Mostly for paper punching.
I like the "Gould express"!
How about Arsenal mold's 460-330 its a close copy of the gould without the hollow point. I started out with the gould casting one at a time but then I found the arsenal with up to 5 cavities at once ( I got a 4 cavity). Now the gould just sits. Both bullets use the same powder charge with very impressive results. One other thing is you can get a 4 cavity arsenal for the cost of a one cavity lyman gould.
noe ranch dog 350gr
Lee 458 405g hollow base
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I would go with the NOE 350 gr. Ranch Dog. I have the original Ranch dog and it is a very accurate bullet. Most Marlins prefer them sized at .460. The 300 gr. and 350 gr. bullet is more forgiving on recoil then the bullets over 400 gr. On the other hand, the 350 gr. will take any game on the North American continent when loaded up to it's full power. Even at 1800-1900 fps it has far less recoil then the 405 gr. when it is loaded up to full power. I know as I have shot both bullets in my Marlin 1895 and 1874 sharps. You can load it down for paper punching or full power for taking big game. I have taken 4 buffalo with the 350 gr. bullet in my 1895 marlin and Pedersoli 1874 sharps. All four one shot kills and only one bullet was recovered on far side of hide after taking out the heart and leg bone at the shoulder junction. The other three were complete pass though.
Another vote for the NOE 350gr - works awesome out of my Marlin Cowboy for Silhouette matches. My Gould mould just takes too long to cast any quantity, and the hollow point is useless for my purposes.
I have the NOE 460-350 in a 5 cav. brass, it is a pleasure to cast with, it's a pleasure to even look at. Work of art.
I had excellent results with the Saeco #017- 350gr fpgc !in the 45/70
has been shot from three marlin rifles and a Browning bpcr with excellent accuracy in all !
If you would like some samples drop me a PM
Guys Thanks for the input.
Next question on Ranch Dog mold plain or gas checked?
I have a NOE 460-405RF
it's a 2 cavity with one PB and one GC.
...and that would be my suggestion for your Ranch Dog mold, if you are unsure if you want GC or PB.
Accurate Mold 46-405VG just received this and it's great and accurate.
I also have a mold that is 46-405E and 46-405EG. Those chamber great (even powder coated) in my Marlin 1895.
They also shoot great and are easy to cast.
Lyman has a 292 gr RFN. I have been shooting it for years. My mold drops at 300 gr with streight COWW. It shoots great out of lever guns and my Pedersoli Quigley. I don't shot it over about a150 yards though. It won't stay stabilized much beyond that.
I'm using the Lee 340gr plain base with powder coating. I really don't know why it's a .457 when it should actually be a .459 but with the powder coating bringing up to between .458 and .459 it works really well.
I do plan on lapping the mold so that when they are powder coated they all will get sized when run through my custom .459" size die.
I got these looking for a mild alternative to full power 300gr HP j-words and they are fitting that role very nicely.
Motor
Hoch nose pour molds do well & they were made in the size you’re looking for.
Just and FYI and a FWIW on purchasing cast booits. Recently, like just last week, I ordered some 600 grain .50 caliber bullets from "no excuses muzzleloading bullets" on FaceBook. He had them in the mail right away. I got them in about 3 days. Nice bullets. I will be loading them for my suppressed 500 S&W Handi-Rifle in subsonic loads (980 fps). I bought 150 bullets for <$100 including shipping. These are my backyard plinker and deer hunter loads. He has a nice variety in his lineup. Offered up FWIW. - Mike