Best Boolits for Ruger #1 45-70

[mvozz]

I tried using my Lee 405 grain Boolit I use for my Marlin lever gun in my Ruger #1 45-70 but it looks like it is a no go. The shells wouldn't chamber all of the way so I tapped one in then ejected it and I saw that I had rifling marks on the boolit. I know I can seat deeper because I don't need to use the crimp groove but I would like to know if anyone has had success with another style of boolit in about the same weight.

[mehavey]

The #1 likes the Classic Lyman 457193 just fine

[webfoot10]

If the barrel and chamber is like the one's on the #3 Ruger, The Lee 420 gr bullet
shot as cast over 15 grs. of Unique with a tuff of toilet paper on the powder.
Should give 1 in groups at 100yds. My # 3 and my Handi-Rifle 45/70 love this
load. Worth a try.
webfoot10

[samari46]

I've tried the lyman 457486 (not sure about the number) which weighs about 480 grains or so with gas check. Unfortunately it barely makes .459 in diameter and my barrel at the throat is the same. Ruger #1's in 45/70 are plagued with the rifling starting at the end of the chamber. Even some bulk buy RP 300 JHP's can be barely seated out past the cannelure. So at least in my case definitely need a fatter bullet in the body area. Thinking at least .461-.462. Also had to shorten the quarter rib where was touching the receiver. Not much but you could see where the bluing in one spot was starting to wear. Might be guessing here but I'm almost sure those pins Ruger uses in the quarter rib are also somewhat to blame. I took mine out. Now only use the quarter rib screws to hold it in place. And definitely have some slight compression of the bore where that barrel band sling swivel is and at the front sight. Easily felt with a very tight patch. At one point was seriously considering having an after market barrel installed slightly longer barrel 24" vs 22" no barrel band sling swivel and a D&T front sight.I don't hunt so no need for slings and punch paper. Frank

[webfoot10]

[QUOTE=mvozz;4427613]I tried using my Lee 405 grain Boolit I use for my Marlin lever gun in my Ruger #1 45-70 but it looks like it is a no go. The shells wouldn't chamber all of the way so I tapped one in then ejected it and I saw that I had rifling marks on the boolit. I know I can seat deeper because I don't need to use the crimp groove but I would like to know if anyone has had success with another style of boolit in about the same weight.[/QUOTE

Hi mvozz: I reread your OP, And the only differance I could see was bullet. So I checked
the dia. on my molds, the 405 is dropping the bullets at ,460.5 dia, the older 420 gr. mold
drops them at .458 dia. It would not hurt to seat the bullets a little deeper in the case, so
they will chamber freely. Sized at .458 and seated just off the lands, you should be good to go.

[44Blam]

What about the NOE Ranch Dog 350?

[lotech]

Crimp your loads if you wish, but crimping is unnecessary with the #3 Ruger. Seat bullets to where they very slightly engrave. I've seen good accuracy results with the Lyman #457193 and #457122 in my #3. I use approximately ww alloy and run the bullets through a .461" die where they are lubed only and not sized.

[mvozz]

Man I love this site!!! I have been reloading for 35+ years but casting for only a few months. I got some great ideas from just one post - life just doesn't get better than that!!! Thanks for all of your help on this. I have a few NOE moulds and have been coveting the 350 Ranch Dog but have held off till winter so I can get back to serious casting. That and the Lyman 457122 are my two contenders. Thanks again.

[lightman]

Mine shoots the 405 grain RCBS pretty well. I have shot the RCBS 500 grain bullet a little.