Hi everyone,
Im looking for recommendations for a 45-70 hunting bullet. I believe what I want is a 400 (+/- 30 or so) grainer with a large blunt meplat. The bullet will be used for south eastern deer, hogs, and black bear. Ill be loading “marlin style loads” for my marlin 1895 (traditional non microgroove rifling). I understand that these high velocity loads are probably not necessary for terminal effect on the animals listed, I want the extra velocity for the sake of shooting flatter out to about 100yds. I would also hope to develop cowboy level loads with the same bullet.
So far, I have tried out the rcbs 405 gas check bullet, but they fall from my mold at roughly .4575, and my rifle slugs closer to .459. unfortunately, these lead severely and group at about the size of a pizza box at 100 yds. I have considered lapping this mold out..
As far as gas checks go, I have had very good results with plain base pistol bullets at magnum pressures and 1500 fps, but have very little experience with rifle loads in the 28000 psi and 1800 fps range. Are gas checks a must for these marlin style loads, or can plain base bullets do the job? If bullet designs that don’t use gas checks can perform well in this kind of role I would prefer to avoid gas checks, but Im not religious about it by any means.
Aluminum or iron molds would be my preference.
So, in summation, Im looking for a roughly 400 grain, .460 + hunting bullet for my marlin. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!