Tested my new (to me ) Lyman 457125 mold powder coated bullets

[Big Mak]

Sorry, incorrect title, it is the 457193 mold!
This was a comparison of two bullet types with the same smokeless AA5744 low pressure powder loads, almost...I had .2 grains more in the Powder coated bullets. (26 gr vs 26.2)


Mind you, I was testing velocity first, and accuracy 2nd. I didn't see much difference on accuracy at 100 yards.


The biggest difference I saw was when I cleaned the bore after 10 shots of Powder coated and non-powder coated. Much cleaner barrel on the PC bullets. Makes sense though, no lube on PC bullets!




Rifle: .45-70 (1883 cartouche)-Trapdoor with a .458 slugged bore diameter.
Bullet:Lyman mold cast 425 gr bullet-(457193) powder coated- Sized to .458
Powder:AA5744 26.2 grains
Primer: CCI Rifle Magnum
Notes: EXCELLENT Spread on the velocity.Cleaner bore than lead bullets after shooting 10 rds. One "Hole through hole" shot.






Rifle: .45-70 (1883 cartouche)-Trapdoor with a .458 slugged bore diameter.
Bullet: Missouri 405 gr Blue lubed bullet. Sized to .459
Powder:AA5744 26.0 grains
Primer: CCI Rifle Magnum
Notes: slightly dirtier bore than PC bullets after shooting 10 rds.

[Big Mak]

Oh, the lead for the cast bullets I made were 20 to 1.
The Missouri bullets I believe are an 18 BHN hardness.

Both patches were "First patch through" before cleaning the bore good.

[Wayne Smith]

All I see is powder residue with some lube on the second patch. No lead at all. Good loading.

[308Jeff]

Love those Std Deviation numbers.

[Big Mak]

Well, I am amazed how great the bore is in this old rifle. .458 when slugged. It loves .459 bullets!

[Big Mak]

Love those Std Deviation numbers.

I cannot even get close to the Std Dev number with my .357 magnum loads (60). I was trying CFE Pistol Powder and while a great powder for .45ACP and 9mm, it performs erratically with a .357 mag load.

[NoAngel]

You oughta pick up some red and white powder coat to go with your blue. That ole Trapdoor would appreciate a little patriotism.

Nice shooting. I love it when innovation keeps the old war horses saddled and ready to ride.

[17nut]

Have you tried lubing just the bottom 1 or 2 grooves instead of all of them?
Sometimes a bullet can be to slippery and that causes high SD numbers.

[Big Mak]

17Nut, just checked my chrono data, it was my 45 Colt ammo with CFE pistol that had the high standard dev number.
I'm still working that one out, but I think I have it narrowed down to the powder.

[M-Tecs]

Well, I am amazed how great the bore is in this old rifle. .458 when slugged. It loves .459 bullets!

I have heard and read that some do slug .458". I just have never been lucky enough to find one.